Be dazzled by the striking colors of this extra-cold-hardy kale—more cold tolerant than other lacinato types. The striking purple midrib pops against the blue-green leaves, some of which may take on more purple hues in the cool temperatures of fall. Lacinato kale is ideal for kale salads and other fresh culinary endeavors. Pick tender, baby greens for fresh salads, chips, or cooking, in just 30 days.

Days to Maturity: 30 – 60 Days

Family: Brassicaceae

Native: Europe

Hardiness: Biennial grown as an annual, kale is very cold hardy and may overwinter in milder climates.

Exposure: Full sun

Plant Dimensions: 24"–48" tall, and about 12"–24" wide

Variety Info: Dazzling Blue', a lacinato type kale, is more cold hardy than traditional lacinato kale. The leaves on each plant can be varying shades from green to purple, each with a lavender to purple midrib.

Attributes: Frost Tolerant, Cold Tolerant, Good for Containers

When to Sow Outside: 1 to 2 weeks before your average last frost date, when soil temperature is above 45°F for spring/summer crop; 10 to 12 weeks before your average first fall frost date for fall crop; and in mild climates, fall for very early spring crop.

When to Start Inside: RECOMMENDED. 4 to 6 weeks before your average last frost date. For a fall crop, start 12 to 14 weeks before your average first fall frost date, transplanting after 4 to 6 weeks. Ideal soil temperature for germination is 65°–85°F.

Days to Emerge: 5 – 10 Days

Seed Depth: ¼"

Seed Spacing: A group of 3 seeds every 18"

Row Spacing: 24"

Thinning: When 1" tall, thin to 1 every 18"

Harvesting: Outer leaves can be harvested as baby greens when 2"–4" tall, any time when full-sized beginning with the lowest, or the whole plant can be cut off at ground level at maturity. For fast regrowth, harvest up to only 1/3 of the plant at a time.