LARGE HANDSOME STATELY PLANT: Nero Di Toscana is often referred to as Cavolo Nero. It is a stunning plant that produces wrinkled leaves that are almost black in colour. Kale is easy to grow and is very hardy and will stand well into winter.
AN ITALIAN CURLY KALE WITH DARK GREEN LEAVES: A nutritious crop for the winter. Many say that the flavour and texture of kale improves once the frosts have come. The variety is particularly popular for Italian autumn and winter cooking. Kale is also known as Borecole.
HOW TO PLANT: Sow direct into drills in a well-prepared seed bed in spring and thin seedlings to 5cm apart as they grow. When they reach about 15cm tall, transplant to their final growing site leaving about 45cm between plants. Alternatively sow indoors in pots or modules and transplant outside once the plants are about 10cm high.
TOP GROWING TIPS: Keep well-watered and protect from pigeons until established. Cavalo Kale can be picked from early autumn onwards. Grow under mesh or fleece in early summer to protect from caterpillars. Excellent source of vitamin C and vitamin A and can be eaten raw or cooked.
GO BACK TO YOUR ROOTS: Nero Di Toscana Kale is a great starter vegetable to grow. Planting veg, herbs and flowers is a wonderful way to spend time in your garden, cultivate mindfulness and appreciate the little things just like in years gone by. Working with the earth and growing things is immensely satisfying – teach your children or grandchildren this priceless skill of harvesting food in their own gardens, allotments, greenhouses, inside the home in pots or even in community gardens!
