Nero di Toscana Kale
Best heirloom green for gardeners seeking heat-tolerant, year-round harvests.
Discover the rich heritage of Nero di Toscana Kale, an authentic 1885 Italian heirloom also known as Lacinato or Dinosaur Kale. This variety thrives, reaching about 3 feet tall with dark, meaty, puckered leaves. Enjoy its mild flavor when harvested young, or savor a sweeter, more robust taste after the first frost. It's remarkably heat-tolerant and perfect for continuous harvesting, making it an excellent choice for both fresh meals and preserving for winter.
$2.70
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
270
/ 5876
#270 in Seeds & Seed Tape
Price vs Category Average
-75%
Below average
Days to Maturity
55
/ days
Who it's for
- Home cooks seeking tender greens with a mild, sweet flavor
- Winter gardeners wanting harvests that thrive in freezing temperatures
- Small-space growers needing a steady supply of fresh leaves
Who should skip it
- Hot-climate growers looking for heat-tolerant summer crops
- Busy gardeners unable to monitor for cabbage worms and aphids
- Container gardeners lacking the vertical space for tall plants
Performance breakdown
Heirloom Authenticity
A genuine 1885 Italian lineage ensures true-to-type flavor and growth.
Climate Adaptability
Impressive heat tolerance paired with frost-hardy performance extends the growing season.
Harvest Versatility
Continuous leaf production allows for flexible, long-term kitchen utility.
Germination Reliability
Standard soil temperature requirements make for predictable and straightforward seedling establishment.
Culinary Profile
Meaty, puckered leaves offer a robust texture that improves with cold.
Preservation Potential
Sturdy leaf structure makes this variety an ideal candidate for freezing.
Key Specs
Days to Maturity
55 days
Botanical Name
Brassica oleracea
Seed Count
30 seeds per pack
Sowing Depth
0.5 inch deep
Germination Temperature
Optimum soil temperatures 70-85ºF
Plant Height
Approximately 3 feet tall
Seed Spacing
12-18 inches apart
Planting Season
Spring, Fall
Features
- Authentic 1885 Italian heirloom variety
- Dark, meaty, puckered leaves
- Flavor improves after frost
- Good heat tolerance
- Continuous harvesting throughout season
- Excellent for freezing
- Also known as Lacinato or Dinosaur Kale
What customers say
Gardeners consistently rate the Nero di Toscana Kale seeds highly, emphasizing exceptional seed quality and reliable performance. The primary insight is the outstanding germination rate, leading to vigorous, healthy plants that thrive even in varied conditions. Consumers frequently mention the ease of growing this variety, noting that it provides a dependable and abundant harvest of flavorful, dark green leaves. This reliability makes the seeds a favorite for both novice and experienced growers seeking consistent results.
Know before you buy
Yes, these are all names for the same heirloom variety. It is easily recognized by its dark, deeply puckered, and meaty leaves.
While it has a mild flavor when harvested young, the leaves become noticeably sweeter and more robust after being exposed to a light frost. This makes it an excellent crop for late-season harvests.
Yes, this variety is well-suited for continuous harvesting. You can pick individual outer leaves as needed, allowing the center of the plant to keep producing new growth.
Nero di Toscana is noted for its heat tolerance, making it a reliable choice for gardeners in various climates. However, it still performs best in full sun with moderate, consistent watering.
Absolutely. Its thick, meaty texture holds up very well to freezing, making it a great option for preserving your harvest for winter soups, stews, and smoothies.
Each plant grows to about 3 feet tall, so you should space your seeds 12 to 18 inches apart. This spacing ensures adequate airflow, which helps keep the plants healthy.
Still have a question?
Ask Hayley anything about this product before you decide.
Ready to buy?
$3