Agastache Seeds Ageratum Seeds Amaranth Seeds Armeria Maritima Seeds Artichoke Seeds Arugula Seeds Asparagus Seeds Aster Seeds
Baby's Breath Seeds (Covent Garden) Bachelor's Button Seeds Balloon Flower Seeds Banana Plants Barley Seeds Basil Seeds Basketflower Seeds Bean Seeds Bean Seeds, Common Bean Seeds, Fava Bean Seeds, Garbanzo Bean Seeds, Hyacinth Bean Seeds, Lima Bean Seeds, Long Bean Seeds, Runner Bean Seeds, Soy Bean Seeds, Winged Bee Balm Seeds Beet Seeds Bells Of Ireland Seeds Bitter Melon Seeds Blackberry Plants Blueberry Plants Bok Choy / Tatsoi Seeds Books and Catalogs Borage Seeds Broccoli Seeds Brussels Sprouts Seeds Buckwheat Seeds Burdock Seeds Butterfly Pea Seeds
Cabbage Seeds Calendula Seeds Canterbury Bells Seeds Carrot Seeds Catalog Cauliflower Seeds Celery Seeds Celosia & Cockscomb Seeds Chamomile Seeds Chervil Seeds Chinese Cabbage Seeds Chive Seeds Cilantro / Coriander Seeds Citrus Plants Clothing and Swag Clover Seeds Coleus Seeds Collard Seeds Collections Columbine Seeds Coreopsis Seeds Corn Salad Seeds Corn Seeds Cosmos Seeds Cowpea Seeds Craspedia Seeds Crocus Bulbs Cucumber Seeds
Daffodil Bulbs Dahlia Seeds Daisy Seeds Dandelion Seeds Dianthus Seeds Dill Seeds Dock or Sorrel Seeds Dragon Fruit Plants
Echinacea Seeds Eggplant Seeds Elecampane Seeds Endive Seeds
Fall Favorites Fennel Seeds Fenugreek Seeds Fertilizer Festivals and Tickets Fig Plants Flower Seeds Forget-Me-Not Seeds
Gaillardia Seeds Garlic Bulbs Gift Certificates Gifts and Supplies Ginger Plants Goji Berry Seeds Gomphrena Seeds Goth Garden Gourd Seeds Grass Seeds Ground Cherry Seeds
Herb Seeds Hollyhock Seeds Honeywort Seeds Horehound Seeds Huckleberry Seeds Hyacinth Bulbs
Iceplant Seeds
Jelly Melon Seeds Jewels of Opar Seeds Job's Tears Seeds Joseph's Coat Plants
Kale Seeds King of Bitters Seeds Kohlrabi Seeds
Lace Flower Seeds Lavender Seeds Leek Seeds Lemon Balm Seeds Lemongrass Seeds Lettuce Seeds Litchi Tomato Seeds Lovage Seeds Love-in-a-Mist Seeds
Marigold Seeds Marshmallow Seeds Marvel of Peru or Four O'Clock Seeds Melon Seeds Milkweed Seeds Mint Plants Mint Seeds Mizuna Seeds Molokhia Seeds Moonflower Seeds Moringa Seeds Morning Glory Seeds Mullein Seeds Mustard Seeds
Nasturtium Seeds Nicotiana Seeds
Okra Seeds Onion Bulbs Onion Seeds Online Seed Catalog Oregano Seeds Oyster Leaf Seeds
Pansy / Viola Seeds Papalo Seeds Papaya Plants Parsley Seeds Parsnip Seeds Passion Fruit Plants Pea Seeds Peanut Seeds Pepper Seeds Pepper Seeds, Hot Pepper Seeds, Sweet Petunia Seeds Phlox Seeds Pitcher Plant Seeds Plants Plants and Seeds Pomegranate Plants Poppy Seeds Portulaca / Moss Rose Seeds Potatoes Primrose Seeds Ptilotus Seeds Purple Passion Plants Purslane Seeds
Quinoa Seeds
Radicchio Seeds Radish Seeds Raspberry Plants Returning Seeds Rhubarb Seeds Richie's Hot Weather Favorites Rosemary Plants Rosemary Seeds Rudbeckia Seeds Rutabaga Seeds
Safflower Seeds Saint John's Wort Seeds Salpiglossis Seeds Salvia and Sage Seeds Savory Seeds Scabiosa Seeds Snail Vine Seeds Snake Bean Seeds Snapdragon Seeds Sorghum Seeds Sourdough Starter Spinach Plants Spinach Seeds Squash Seeds Squash Seeds, Summer Squash Seeds, Winter Stevia Seeds Stock Seeds Strawberry Plants Strawberry Seeds Strawflower Seeds Sunflower Seeds Sweet Pea Seeds Sweet Potato Plants Swiss Chard Seeds
Tamarillo Seeds, Dwarf Thyme Seeds Tomatillo Seeds Tomato Seeds Tomato Seeds, Blue & Purple Tomato Seeds, Cherry & Grape Tomato Seeds, Green Tomato Seeds, Orange Tomato Seeds, Pink & Red Tomato Seeds, Striped Tomato Seeds, White & Yellow Tong Ho Seeds Tools Toothache Plant Seeds Tulip Bulbs Turmeric Plants Turnip Seeds
Vegetable Seeds Vinca Seeds
Watercress Seeds Watermelon Seeds Wax Melon Seeds Wheat Seeds
Yarrow Seeds
Zinnia Seeds
Kale Seeds, Tronchuda
Description
(Brassica oleracea var. tronchuda). Couve Tronchuda (or Portuguese kale) is the most tender, leafy brassica we have tasted, with a history that traces back to the ancient Celts who once lived on the western coast of the Iberian Peninsula. It is an essential ingredient in Caldo Verde, the national dish of Portugal. Couve Tronchuda is so beloved in Portugal that it enjoys a protected status as a cultural treasure. The large, white-ribbed leaves are tender enough to eat raw in salads. Cooked, their texture resembles spinach more than kale. Unlike kale and collards, however, Couve Tronchuda does not tolerate frost.Â
- 80-85 days to maturity
- 6-12 hours of sun
- Sprouts in 6-9 days
- Ideal Temperature: 45-85 F
- Seed Depth: 1/4"
- Plant Spacing: 8"
- Frost Hardy: No
Growing Tips, Tricks and FAQs
Growing Tips
Tronchuda kale is more heat-tolerant than many other kale varieties, making it a good choice for different climates. It grows best in well-drained, fertile soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. For best results, plant it in a location that receives full sun, although it can tolerate partial shade.
When to Grow
While Tronchuda kale grows best in cool weather, it is more heat-tolerant than other kale varieties. It can be planted in early spring, 2-4 weeks before the last frost, or in late summer, 8 weeks before the last frost, for a fall harvest. The plant takes about 80-85 days to reach maturity, depending on the growing conditions​.
How to Sow and Plant
Sow Tronchuda kale seeds directly into the garden about 1/4 inch deep. Space the plants 8 feet apart to accommodate their large size. This kale can also be started indoors 4-6 weeks before the last frost date and transplanted outside once the soil is workable. It grows best in well-drained soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5.
How to Grow
Tronchuda Kale requires consistent moisture; water the plants about 1 to 1.5 inches per week. Mulching around the plants helps to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature. It doesn’t tolerate frost like other varieties. This kale benefits from a balanced fertilizer, especially in soils low in organic matter​.
How to Save
- Like all cabbage family members, kale is biennial.
- Kale is insect pollinated and will cross with some closely related cabbage family members, so it is wise to isolate varieties at least a mile apart to ensure pure seed. Other techniques such as alternate day caging can be used if isolation is not possible.
- You will need to overwinter plants to harvest seeds. Mulch plants heavily with straw or cover with row cover and greenhouse plastic in an attempt to nurse plants through the winter. You can also dig up plants and store them inside to replant in spring.
- When the flower spikes emerge in the second year, let the seed pods dry to brown and cut off the entire flower spike.
- Hang flower stalks upside down indoors over a tarp, allowing the seeds to drop onto the tarp.
- Seeds will remain viable for up to 4 years.
FAQ
Is Tronchuda Kale suitable for container gardening?
Yes, it can be grown in containers. Use a pot that is at least 12 inches deep and wide to provide enough space for the plant to grow. Make sure that the container has good drainage and fill it with a nutrient-rich potting mix​.
How can I use Tronchuda kale in cooking?
Tronchuda Kale has many uses in the kitchen and can be used in a variety of dishes. It is commonly used in Portuguese soups, such as Caldo Verde because of its mild and slightly sweet flavor. The thick leaves can also be sautéed, steamed, or added to salads, providing a delicious and nutritious addition to meals​.
Does Tronchuda kale attract pests?
Like other Brassicas, Tronchuda kale can attract pests such as aphids, cabbage loopers, and cabbage worms. Regular inspection and the use of organic pest control methods, such as neem oil or insecticidal soap, can help manage these pests. Planting companion plants that repel pests, such as marigolds or nasturtiums, can also be beneficial​.
-
Was this review helpful?
Response from store
Similar Products
Checkout using your account
Checkout as a new customer
Creating an account has many benefits:
- See order and shipping status
- Track order history
- Check out faster