Kale Seeds – Nero di Toscana

Grow your own delicious, nutritious and beautiful kale with Nero di Toscana kale seeds, Also known as Cavolo Nero, Tuscan kale or Black Tuscan kale, this traditional Italian variety produces long, heavily blistered leaves in a striking, deep blue-green colour. Renowned for its superb flavour and distinctive appearance, Nero di Toscana is a fantastic choice for gardeners looking to grow nutritious leafy greens at home.

A popular choice for vegetable gardens, raised beds and allotments, Nero di Toscana kale is both productive and ornamental, making it a wonderful addition to any homegrown vegetable patch. Its rich, earthy flavour works beautifully in soups, stews, pasta dishes, stir-fries and roasted vegetable recipes. Hardy and versatile, this variety can provide fresh leaves over an extended harvesting period, helping you enjoy homegrown greens well into the cooler months.

Why Grow Nero di Toscana Kale?

• Superb flavour: Enjoy delicious, earthy kale leaves that are perfect for a wide range of dishes.

• Distinctive appearance: Produces long, narrow, heavily blistered leaves in a deep blue-green colour.

• Nutritious leafy greens: Kale is naturally rich in vitamins, minerals and dietary fibre as part of a balanced diet.

• Reliable harvests: Regular picking encourages continued production of fresh leaves.

• Cold-weather crop: Established plants tolerate cool conditions and can provide harvests into autumn and winter.

• Versatile in the kitchen: Ideal for soups, stews, pasta, stir-fries, sautés and homemade kale crisps.

• Great for home growing: Suitable for vegetable plots, raised beds and allotments.

How to Grow Nero di Toscana Kale

Sow indoors from March to May for an early start, or sow directly outdoors from April to June once the soil is workable. Later sowings may also be possible depending on your local conditions and desired harvest period.

Choose a sunny position with fertile, firm, moisture-retentive and well-drained soil. Kale grows well in cooler conditions and benefits from a position sheltered from strong winds.

Sow seeds approximately 1–2 cm deep in pots or seed trays filled with seed compost. Keep the compost moist and place in a bright position. Once seedlings have developed several true leaves and are large enough to handle, transplant them into individual pots or prepare them for planting outdoors.

Sow seeds approximately 1–2 cm deep in shallow drills. Once seedlings are established, thin them and transplant or space the strongest plants as required.

Harden off indoor-grown seedlings before planting them into their final growing positions. Allow approximately 45–60 cm between plants to give the leaves plenty of room to develop and improve airflow.

Water regularly during dry spells, particularly while plants are establishing. Consistent moisture helps support healthy leaf growth.

Grow in fertile soil enriched with well-rotted organic matter. Apply a suitable vegetable fertiliser if needed to support continued growth and leaf production.

Use fine mesh or suitable insect-proof netting to help protect plants from cabbage white butterflies and other common brassica pests. Practise crop rotation and check leaves regularly for caterpillars and other damage.

Nero di Toscana Kale Growing Guide

Growing times are approximate and will vary with weather, soil conditions and sowing dates.

When to Harvest Nero di Toscana Kale

Nero di Toscana kale can often begin producing harvestable leaves around 8–12 weeks after sowing, depending on growing conditions. Pick the largest outer leaves first, leaving the central growing point and younger leaves intact so the plant can continue producing fresh growth.

Harvest regularly as the leaves reach a useful size, taking only what you need for the kitchen. The flavour can become sweeter following exposure to cooler weather, making this an excellent variety for autumn and winter cooking.

For the best quality, harvest fresh leaves as needed and rinse thoroughly before use. Young leaves can be enjoyed raw in salads, while larger leaves are delicious steamed, sautéed or added to hearty seasonal dishes.

Start growing your own delicious Tuscan kale with Nero di Toscana kale seeds from Warne’s Seeds, a superb choice for gardeners who want productive vegetable plants, nutritious homegrown greens and fresh harvests through the cooler seasons.