Tronchuda Kale

Don’t let the size of the Tronchuda kale’s leaves alarm you. Despite their enormous size—up to 24 inches across—this kale is tender and full of flavor. The flat blue-green leaves resemble a loose head of cabbage, and are delicious in soups. Also known as Portuguese kale, the leaves have more of a cabbage flavor than other kales. The ribs and stems are white and also tasty. This plant is more heat tolerant than other cultivars.

Sun Exposure

• full sun (six to 12 hours)

Soil pH

• 6.0 to 7.5

Hardiness Zones

• zones 3 to 9
• ideal temperature: 45 to 85 degrees F

Spacing

• thin to 2 feet apart
• plant rows 2 feet apart

Moisture

• 1 to 1 1/2 inches per week

Notes

• 80 to 85 days to maturity
• direct sow or seedlings
• cold hardy and heat tolerant
• plant after spring frost and eight weeks before fall frost
• grows up to 2 feet tall, 3 feet wide
• good in soups, salads, and smoothies

Have you ever grown Tronchuda kale? Please tell us about your experiences with Tronchuda kale.