How to grow Kale Nero di Toscana Seeds
Sow seeds directly outdoors in a well-prepared seedbed from March to May. Or, start seeds indoors about four to six weeks before the last frost for transplanting. Plant seeds about 1 cm deep and space them 50 cm apart. Choose a sunny location with fertile, well-drained soil.
Kale Nero di Toscana is a hardy plant, requiring minimal care. Ensure consistent moisture, especially during dry periods. While not a heavy feeder, occasional fertilization can benefit growth.
Harvesting: You can begin harvesting when plants reach approximately 20-25cm in height. Harvest outer leaves first, allowing the plant to continue growing. Harvest young leaves continuously for baby kale or allow plants to mature for larger leaves. This variety is often sweeter after a light frost.
Care and Challenges: While remarkably hardy, Kale Nero di Toscana can face some challenges. Watch for pests like aphids and cabbage worms. Row covers can protect young plants. Diseases like powdery mildew can occur in humid conditions. Ensure good air circulation around plants to prevent this.
Overwintering: This kale variety is particularly resilient to cold weather. To extend your harvest into winter, provide light protection from severe frosts with row covers or mulch. This variety is known for its excellent winter hardiness, so enjoy fresh kale even during colder months.
For continuous harvest, consider succession planting by sowing seeds every few weeks. This ensures a steady supply of fresh kale.