Plant pickup: Thursdays 3–7pm · Also by appointment 512.348.7570
Plant pickup: Thursdays 3–7pm · Also by appointment 512.348.7570
— Plant Nursery · Texas-Grown
$3.00
Mature Plant Size: 18-24″x12-18″
Days to Harvest: 55-65 days
Toscano (Lacinato) Kale, also known as Dinosaur Kale, is an Italian heirloom prized for its long, deeply savoyed, near-black-green leaves and rich, slightly sweet flavor. A staple of ribollita and other classic Tuscan dishes.
At Flying Rabbit Farm, our Toscano Kale transplants are grown for strong upright habit and reliable production through Austin’s cool season.
3 in stock
Moderate, consistent watering
More drought tolerant than lettuce once established
Feed every 3-4 weeks with balanced organic fertilizer for continued leaf production
Harvest outer leaves continuously, leaving the center to keep producing
Cabbage worms and loopers
Aphids
Flavor improves and sweetens after a light frost
Fall is the primary and most reliable kale season in Austin; sweetens noticeably after the first frost
One of the more upright, less sprawling kales, making it good for tighter garden spacing
Primary planting window; grows steadily as temperatures cool
Excellent cold tolerance; continues producing through frost and light freezes
Continues from fall plantings until bolting; can also be planted fresh for a shorter run
Bolts and turns bitter in heat; not recommended
Fall (September-October) is the primary window; can also be planted in early spring
Ideal soil temperatures: 45-75 F
Full sun to part shade
Minimum 5-6 hours daily
12-18 inches apart
Well-draining, fertile soil
Compost-amended beds preferred
pH 6.0-7.5
Water deeply at transplanting
Keep evenly moist until established
Kale is generally considered non-toxic to:
Large quantities fed regularly are best avoided due to its thyroid-affecting compounds, but occasional small amounts are safe.
