Kale variety

Lacinato Kale

Also sold as Tuscan kale, this variety has dark, straplike blistered leaves and rich flavor. Texture is more tender than many curly types when harvested young.

About Lacinato

Lacinato is the classic dark, strap-leaved kale, also called dinosaur or Tuscan kale. Its blistered blue-green leaves are less frilly than curly types and are prized for rich flavor and good texture when cooked.

Growing Lacinato Kale

Lacinato likes cool weather but is a bit less winter-forgiving than the hardiest curled kales, especially in exposed sites. Pick outer leaves regularly once they reach usable size, and watch for aphids tucked into the leaf folds in mild weather.

Other kale varieties

Variety characteristics are general guidance for US home gardens; performance varies by climate, soil, and season. Seed and plant availability differs by supplier. Page updated Aug 4, 2026.