When can I plant lacinato kale outside?

Direct sow or transplant 4 weeks before your last spring frost.

How long until lacinato kale is ready to harvest?

55-70 days. Harvest outer leaves when 8-10 inches long; leave center growing point intact for continued production

When to Plant Lacinato Kale

Brassica oleracea var. sabellica

vegetableZones 2–11beginner

Also called Tuscan or dinosaur kale. Dark blue-green puckered leaves with an earthy, slightly sweet flavor. Extremely cold-hardy and nutritious.

Planting calendar

Direct sow / transplant

4 weeks before your last spring frost.

Fall planting

8 weeks before your first fall frost.

Frost sweetens the flavor; can overwinter in many zones with mulch

Spacing & harvest

Plant spacing: 18-24 inches
Row spacing: 24-30 inches
Days to harvest: 55-70 days
Ready when: Harvest outer leaves when 8-10 inches long; leave center growing point intact for continued production

Companion planting

Plant near

Onion — Deters cabbage moths
Dill — Attracts beneficial wasps
Beet — Different root depths, good space companions

Keep away from

Strawberry — Inhibits brassica growth

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Sources: Purdue University Turfgrass Science: Use Growing Degree Days to Better Time Your Applications · University of Missouri Extension: Cool-Season Grasses: Lawn Maintenance Calendar · University of Minnesota Extension: Pre-emergent Herbicides for Crabgrass Control in Lawns