Kale, Dazzling Blue Lacinato

Kale, Dazzling Blue Lacinato
(Brassica oleracea var. acephala)

Dazzling Blue Lacinato Kale is a striking open-pollinated kale known for its deeply textured blue-green leaves and vibrant purple midribs. Developed for improved cold tolerance and strong garden performance, this variety combines the rich flavor of traditional lacinato kale with exceptional vigor. Both productive and ornamental, it adds bold color and dependable harvests to cool-season gardens.

Key Characteristics

• Deep Blue Leaves with Purple Stems
  Heavily savoyed blue-green leaves are accented by vivid purple midribs and stems. The contrast creates a dramatic appearance in garden beds and edible landscapes.
• Rich Flavor & Tender Texture
  Leaves have the classic hearty flavor of lacinato kale. Young leaves are tender enough for salads, while mature leaves are excellent for sautéing, soups, roasting, and greens dishes.
• Improved Cold Tolerance
  Bred for enhanced winter hardiness, Dazzling Blue performs well in cold weather and becomes sweeter after frost. Ideal for fall and extended winter harvests.
• Vigorous & Productive Plants
  Upright plants produce abundant leaves over a long growing season. Harvest outer leaves regularly to encourage continued growth.

Product Details

• Botanical Name: Brassica oleracea var. acephala
• Native Range: Mediterranean (cultivated worldwide)
• Plant Life Cycle: Biennial grown as an annual
• Sun Requirements: Full sun to partial shade
• Soil Requirements: Medium to medium-wet, fertile, well-drained
• Mature Height: 2–3 feet
• Bloom Time: April–May (second year if overwintered)
• Bloom Color: Yellow
• Days to Maturity: ~60–70 days
• USDA Hardiness Zones: Grown as an annual in zones 3–10; overwintering possible in zones 7–10

Direct sow in early spring or late summer for fall harvest. Maintain fertile soil and consistent moisture to encourage strong leaf production. Harvest outer leaves regularly to extend the harvest season. In permaculture systems, rotate kale with legumes or integrate into cool-season beds for steady leafy green production.

Dazzling Blue Lacinato Kale offers exceptional color, cold resilience, and rich flavor—an outstanding kale for productive cool-season gardens.