VegetableKale
Black Magic Kale
Dinosaur Kale
Black Magic Kale represents an improved selection of the beloved Lacinato type, featuring wider leaves and consistently deep, dark blue-green color that sets it apart from its Italian ancestor. This open-pollinated variety matures in approximately 65 days from transplant, though some sources report harvest windows ranging from 50 to 110 days. With its distinctive embossed texture and absence of frilly edges, Black Magic thrives in both spring and summer conditions while delivering exceptional hardiness that improves with light frost.
Photo © True Leaf Market(https://www.trueleafmarket.com/products/kale-seeds-black-magic-organic)
Growing Conditions
USDA Zone
2-9
Sunlight
Full Sun
Water
High
Soil
Well-drained, Fertile Loam With Consistent Moisture
Preferred Temp60-75°F
Growth Stats
PeriodAnnual
TypeBush
Spacing
12-18 inches apart
Plant Profile
Sunlight
Full Sun
Water
High
Zones
2-9
Size
?in H x ?in W
Growth
Annual
Care
Moderate
Hover over chart points for details
Highlights
What makes Black Magic truly special is its improved genetics that deliver the classic dinosaur kale appeal with enhanced uniformity and deeper coloration. The leaves emerge with a striking embossed texture that lacks the wavy, frilly edges of other kale varieties, creating a distinctive appearance that's both beautiful and functional. This variety excels in versatility, thriving equally well in spring plantings and warmer weather conditions while producing abundant harvests that regenerate repeatedly. Its milder flavor compared to traditional Lacinato makes it particularly appealing for fresh applications, while its exceptional cold hardiness means the eating quality actually improves as temperatures drop into late fall.
Common Uses
Black Magic Kale shines across the culinary spectrum, equally suited for raw preparations, cooking, and juicing. Its milder flavor profile makes it particularly appealing for fresh salads and smoothies, while the substantial leaves hold up beautifully to sautéing, braising, and roasting. The embossed texture and deep color make it an attractive choice for garnishes and presentation dishes.
Growing Timeline
First Bloom
Non-flowering (Grown For Leaves)
First Harvest
6-8 Weeks After Sowing
Last Harvest
Late Fall Or Early Winter Before Hard Frost
Care Instructions
Start Indoors
Start seeds indoors 4-6 weeks before the anticipated transplant date. Sow 2 seeds per cell in plug flats or seed starting mix, maintaining soil temperatures over 75°F until germination, then reduce air temperature to about 60°F for optimal seedling development.
Transplant Outdoors
Transplant seedlings outdoors when they're 4-6 weeks old, spacing them 10 inches apart in rows 18 inches wide. For spring crops, transplant after the last frost when soil has warmed. Fall crops can be started in May and transplanted in June-July.
Direct Sow
Direct sow seeds 1/4 inch deep in outdoor beds, though transplanting is the preferred method for best results.
Harvesting
Begin harvesting individual leaves approximately 2 months after planting by clipping from the bottom up at any desired size. Baby leaves can be harvested earlier to increase the total number of harvests. Remove no more than one-third of the leaves at a time and avoid cutting the terminal bud to maintain plant productivity. The eating quality improves significantly with cool weather and light frost, and plants continue producing until temperatures reach approximately 20°F.
Growing Calendar
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Companion Planting
Ecology & Traits
Edible
Soil pH Range
6 – 7.5
Scientific Classification
Brassica oleracea L.
Family
Brassicaceae
Genus
Brassica
Duration
Perennial
Growth Habit
Forb/herb
Native Status
L48 (I)PR (I)CAN (W)GL (W)