The kale of the Renaissance garden. ‘Black Magic’-a refined selection of traditional Lacinato kale-produces long, deeply savoyed leaves of dark blue-green color, almost black in cool weather. The texture is tender yet sturdy, perfect for soups, sautés, and kale chips. Highly ornamental, with upright, stately form. About Black Magic Black Magic is a biennial selection of kale, with an upright/erect habit and an expected height or spread of 31–36 in. It is best suited to leaves or swollen stems, repeated harvest, cool weather, and seed saving. Notable traits include harvest outer leaves repeatedly or lift kohlrabi at the intended stem size; mild to robust brassica flavor that improves with careful timing. Choose Black Magic when the garden plan calls for leaves or swollen stems, repeated harvest, cool weather, and seed saving and the listed upright/erect habit fits the available space. History and provenance Broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, collards, kale, and kohlrabi are distinct crop groups within Brassica oleracea. Generations of selection emphasized different plant organs: flower buds, heads, leaves, side buds, or swollen stems. Their shared species identity is especially important in seed-saving isolation. Black Magic kale (Brassica oleracea var. palmifolia) is part of a deeply rooted agricultural lineage that traces back thousands of years to the wild coastal brassicas of Europe. Its ancestry begins with Brassica oleracea, a highly adaptable species native to the rocky, wind-swept shorelines of the Mediterranean and parts of Western Europe. These wild plants were naturally tolerant of poor soils, salt exposure, and harsh environmental conditions, traits that made them ideal candidates for early domestication. Over generations, farmers selectively bred these wild plants for specific characteristics, giving rise to a remarkably diverse group of crops that includes cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, and kale-all from the same species. Kale is considered one of the oldest cultivated forms of Brassica oleracea, predating the development of heading cabbage. Early farmers selected for open, leafy growth rather than compact heads, resulting in plants that could be harvested continuously. Growing facts Scientific name Brassica oleracea L. Acephala Group Life cycle Biennial Maturity 60-69 Days Germination 5-10 Days at 50–65 °F Seed depth 1/4 in Plant height / spread 31–36 in Growth habit Upright/Erect Spacing 18 in between plants; 30 in between rows Sunlight Full sun Soil Loamy; pH 6.0–6.5 Water Moderate Support No-Support Starting Black Magic from seed Sow 1/4 in deep and keep the seed zone evenly moist. Expect emergence in 5-10 Days when the seed-zone temperature is near 50–65 °F. Germination preparation: Start in clean seed-starting mix when season length requires it, then transplant at a sturdy but not root-bound stage.. Light requirement: Cover evenly to 1/4 in. Soaking: None required. Stratification: None required. Scarification: None required. Planting and care Plant during spring/Fall and provide full sun. Space plants 18 in apart with 30 in between rows. Use loamy with a pH near 6.0–6.5, and follow a moderate watering plan. Support requirement: No-Support. Frost response: Semi-Hardy. Medium to large container or in-ground bed; avoid crowding Harvest and use Approximately 60-69 Days, from transplanting to the primary market harvest stage. Weather, soil temperature, and planting method can shift the actual harvest date. Harvest: Harvest outer leaves repeatedly or lift kohlrabi at the intended stem size. Uses: Leaves or swollen stems, repeated harvest, cool weather, and seed saving. Flavor: mild to robust brassica flavor that improves with careful timing. Seed saving: Insect-pollinated Brassica oleracea. Best uses include leaves or swollen stems, repeated harvest, cool weather, and seed saving. Flavor and eating quality: mild to robust brassica flavor that improves with careful timing. Saving seed Select several healthy, true-to-type Black Magic plants that match the expected upright/erect habit and overall plant form. Avoid saving seed only from the earliest or largest individual unless that is your deliberate selection goal. Pollination system: Insect-pollinated Brassica oleracea. Crop groups within Brassica oleracea can cross with one another. Separate compatible varieties that may flower together, or use cages, barriers, hand pollination, or another documented control appropriate to the crop. Black Magic is a biennial. Seed production may require overwintering, vernalization, or more than one growing season, depending on climate and crop biology. Clean the seed carefully, dry it thoroughly away from direct heat, label the lot with variety and year, and store it cool, dark, and dry. Test germination before an important planting or distribution season. Common problems Common concerns: Flea beetles, imported cabbageworm, cabbage loopers, aphids, slugs, root maggots, and clubroot risk where the pathogen is present. Management: Use rotation, insect netting before pests arrive, regular leaf inspection, sanitation, and well-drained soil. Do not plant the same brassica family repeatedly in one bed. Diagnosis note: Similar symptoms can have different causes. Compare plants of the same age, record weather and irrigation, and use local Extension or diagnostic support before applying a control. Frequently asked questions Frequently Asked Questions - Black Magic When is Black Magic ready? Use 60-69 Days. Approximately 60-69 Days, from transplanting to the primary market harvest stage. Weather, soil temperature, and planting method can shift the actual harvest date. How long does germination take? Expect 5-10 Days at about 50–65 °F. Cooler, hotter, crusted, saturated, or dry seedbeds can slow emergence. How large does it grow? Expect about 31–36 in with an upright/erect habit. Space plants 18 in apart and rows 30 in apart. Support: No-Support. Can it grow in a container? Medium to large container or in-ground bed; avoid crowding Use a container with drainage and enough volume to maintain the listed spacing and steady moisture. Can I save seed? Insect-pollinated Brassica oleracea. Keep compatible varieties isolated and allow selected plants to reach full seed maturity.
