Description

Neapolitan Smooth Leaf Kale (Brassica oleracea var. acephala), known in Italian as Cavolo da Foglia Minestra Nera Liscia, is a traditional Italian leafy vegetable prized for its vigorous growth, smooth, dark green leaves and excellent productivity. This hardy, bushy variety produces numerous tender shoots that regrow after harvesting, allowing repeated harvests over an extended period.

Popular in traditional Neapolitan cuisine, Minestra Nera Liscia is perfect for soups, stews, pasta dishes and sautéing with garlic and olive oil. Its flavourful leaves and young shoots are particularly delicious when cooked with beans or other legumes.

🌱 Growing Instructions

☀️ Sunlight: Prefers full sun, with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. Benefits from partial afternoon shade during Malta’s hottest months.

💧 Watering: Water regularly during establishment, keeping soil moist but not waterlogged. Mature plants tolerate some drought but produce more tender leaves with consistent watering.

🌱 Soil: Plant in fertile, well-draining soil enriched with compost or organic matter.

🌡️ Temperature: Grows best between 10°C–24°C. Tolerates Malta’s mild winters well and can withstand some summer heat once established.

📏 Spacing: Allow approximately 60–80 cm between plants for annual cultivation. Increase spacing to around 100 cm if keeping plants for several years.

🌾 Fertilizer: Apply a balanced vegetable fertilizer every 3–4 weeks during active growth, following product instructions.

✂️ Harvesting: Harvest tender leaves and young shoots as needed, leaving sufficient growth for regeneration. The first substantial harvest is typically ready around 90 days after transplanting. Regular cutting encourages additional shoots.

🌿 Local Growing Tips (Malta)

Best planting season: September to February, although established plants may remain productive throughout the year with suitable care.

Position: Sunny vegetable gardens or raised beds with fertile soil, good drainage and plenty of growing space.

Companion plants: Lettuce, onions, celery and aromatic herbs.

Common issue: Cabbage caterpillars and aphids can damage leaves and tender shoots. Inspect plants regularly and use protective insect netting when necessary.

📦 Product Information

Variety: Minestra Nera Liscia (Neapolitan Smooth Leaf Kale)

Botanical Name: Brassica oleracea var. acephala

Plant Type: Leafy Vegetable Seedling

Quantity: 6 Seedlings per Tray

First Harvest: Approximately 90 days after transplanting

Harvest Season: Mainly Autumn to Spring, with extended harvesting possible under suitable conditions

Special Characteristics: Traditional Neapolitan leafy cabbage with smooth, dark green leaves, vigorous bushy growth and excellent regrowth for repeated harvesting.

Important Information

Pictures shown may vary from actual product due to the live nature of the items. Some items may be out of stock for various reasons, we will issue a refund or offer alternatives should that be the case.

The price is per one tray of 6 seedlings.