Cavolo nero, is the only kale grown in Italy and is particularly popular in Tuscany. Wrinkled dark green (almost black) leaves with an excellent sweet flavour which improves after a frost. Great cooked with pasta or in soup .See the River Cafe Cookbook Green for recipes.

Direct seed in autumn with 2-3 seeds every 40 cm and thin to one plant or transplant from a seed bed 5-6 weeks from planting. Best when harvested in cold weather. 8 grams for about 1500 seeds.