- Botanical name: Brassica oleracea 'Black Tuscany'
- Common name: Kale
- Family: Brassicaceae
- Plant Type: Vegetable
Yellow
- Key features:
- Prefers rich soil
- Attractive to wildlife
Kale is one of the easiest vegetables to grow, bearing nutritious leaves over a long season, with very little effort.
Also known as ‘Nero di Toscana’, Brassica oleracea ‘Black Tuscany’ is a particularly attractive kale, bearing dark green, crinkled, strap-like leaves. It’s perfect for growing as winter or spring greens, and is suitable for growing in the ornamental border. Young leaves can also be picked for salads. If left to flower it can be a vital source of nectar and pollen for early bees.
Sow Brassica oleracea ‘Black Tuscany’ in modules, and transplant 6-8 weeks later, planting them firmly together in moist but well-drained soil, in full sun to partial shade. Weed and water well until well established.
How to grow Brassica 'Black Tuscany'
-
Plant size
90cm height
60cm spread
-
Aspect
South facing, west facing
- Sun exposure: Full sun, dappled shade
- Hardiness: Hardy
- Soil type: Well drained / light / sandy / clay / heavy / moist / chalky / alkaline
Plant calendar
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sow | ||||||||||||
| Sow |
J
Do not Sow in January |
F
Do not Sow in February |
M
Do Sow in March |
A
Do Sow in April |
M
Do Sow in May |
J
Do not Sow in June |
J
Do not Sow in July |
A
Do not Sow in August |
S
Do not Sow in September |
O
Do not Sow in October |
N
Do not Sow in November |
D
Do not Sow in December |
| Plant | ||||||||||||
| Plant |
J
Do not Plant in January |
F
Do not Plant in February |
M
Do not Plant in March |
A
Do not Plant in April |
M
Do Plant in May |
J
Do Plant in June |
J
Do Plant in July |
A
Do not Plant in August |
S
Do not Plant in September |
O
Do not Plant in October |
N
Do not Plant in November |
D
Do not Plant in December |
| Flowers | ||||||||||||
| Flowers |
J
Plant does not flower in January |
F
Plant does not flower in February |
M
Plant does flower in March |
A
Plant does flower in April |
M
Plant does not flower in May |
J
Plant does not flower in June |
J
Plant does not flower in July |
A
Plant does not flower in August |
S
Plant does not flower in September |
O
Plant does not flower in October |
N
Plant does not flower in November |
D
Plant does not flower in December |
| Harvest | ||||||||||||
| Harvest |
J
Do Harvest in January |
F
Do not Harvest in February |
M
Do not Harvest in March |
A
Do not Harvest in April |
M
Do not Harvest in May |
J
Do not Harvest in June |
J
Do not Harvest in July |
A
Do not Harvest in August |
S
Do not Harvest in September |
O
Do Harvest in October |
N
Do Harvest in November |
D
Do Harvest in December |
Brassica 'Black Tuscany' and wildlife
Brassica 'Black Tuscany' is known for attracting bees. It has nectar/pollen rich flowers.
Attractive to Bees
Does not attract Beneficial insects
Does not attract Birds
Does not attract Butterflies/Moths
Does not attract Other pollinators
Is Brassica 'Black Tuscany' poisonous?
Brassica 'Black Tuscany' has no toxic effects reported.
No reported toxicity to Birds
No reported toxicity to Cats
No reported toxicity to Dogs
No reported toxicity to Horses
No reported toxicity to Livestock
No reported toxicity to People
