Black Magic Kale Seeds

Black Magic Kale is a premium Italian-type Lacinato kale bred to improve upon the classic heirloom with darker foliage, faster growth, greater uniformity, and exceptional cold tolerance. This outstanding variety produces elegant, upright plants with long, heavily savoyed leaves of deep blue-green to nearly black coloration, giving rise to its dramatic name. The leaves are exceptionally tender with a rich, sweet flavor that becomes even more delicious after exposure to cool autumn weather. Combining gourmet culinary quality with excellent garden performance, Black Magic has quickly become one of the finest kale varieties available for home gardeners, market growers, and chefs alike.

Why Grow This Variety?

Black Magic delivers everything gardeners love about traditional Lacinato Kale while offering improved vigor, darker foliage, and excellent uniformity. The plants mature quickly, produce abundant harvests over a long season, and continue thriving through cool weather and light frosts. Individual leaves can be harvested continuously for months, making Black Magic one of the most productive leafy vegetables in the garden. Its elegant appearance also makes it equally attractive in edible landscapes and ornamental vegetable gardens.

Flavor Profile

Black Magic offers a rich, earthy flavor with noticeably less bitterness than many traditional kale varieties. The tender leaves have a pleasant sweetness that intensifies after cool autumn nights, while the smooth, succulent texture makes them excellent both raw and cooked. The leaves remain tender even when fairly mature, making this one of the finest kales for gourmet cooking.

Growing Information

• Botanical Name: Brassica oleracea var. acephala
• Plant Type: Cool-season annual or biennial
• Days to Harvest: Approximately 55-65 days
• Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
• Soil: Rich, fertile, well-drained soil
• Soil pH: 6.2-7.5
• Plant Height: 24-36 inches
• Plant Spread: 18-24 inches
• Spacing: 18-24 inches between plants
• Water: Moderate; maintain even soil moisture for continuous leaf production

Sow seeds directly outdoors in early spring or late summer for autumn harvests. Black Magic thrives during cool weather and develops its finest flavor after exposure to light frosts. Harvest outer leaves regularly while leaving the growing point intact to encourage months of continuous production. Rich soil amended with compost produces rapid growth and exceptionally tender leaves.

Harvest & Storage

Harvest individual outer leaves as they reach 10 to 14 inches long, allowing younger inner leaves to continue developing. This cut-and-come-again method keeps plants productive for an extended season. Fresh leaves store well in the refrigerator for one to two weeks and freeze exceptionally well after blanching for long-term use.