Seedmart Kale Black microgreen seeds are supplied as untreated, open-pollinated seed for growing purposes and are available in packet and bulk quantities for home and commercial growers.
Looking for seed? View our Kale Black Microgreen Seeds.
Kale Black Microgreen Seed Details
| Botanical name | Brassica oleracea var. acephala | Variety | Black Toscana / Tuscan Kale | Seed type | Open-pollinated | Seed treatment | Untreated | Approximate seeds per gram | Approximately 250–300 | Pre-soak | Not required | Approximate sowing rate | Approximately 15–20 g per 10 × 20 inch tray | Growing medium | Soil, coir or hemp growing mats | Covered germination | Approximately 2–4 days | Typical harvest | Approximately 8–14 days |
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Why Grow Kale Black Microgreens?
- Fast-growing microgreen variety with a relatively short crop cycle.
- Mild, fresh brassica flavour that works well in everyday meals.
- Suitable for growing indoors throughout the year with adequate light and ventilation.
- Can be grown using soil, coir or purpose-made hemp growing mats.
- No seed pre-soaking required.
- Untreated, non-GMO and open-pollinated seed.
- Suitable for home and commercial microgreen production.
- Available in smaller packets and economical bulk quantities.
- Supplied by an Australian-owned seed company.
How to Grow Kale Black Microgreens
Kale Black microgreens are well suited to shallow growing trays and do not require pre-soaking. For a standard 10 × 20 inch microgreen tray, approximately 15–20 grams of seed provides a useful starting sowing rate. Adjust the quantity according to your tray dimensions, seed lot and growing conditions.
- Prepare the growing tray.
Add approximately 3–4 cm of moist growing medium to a shallow tray and gently level the surface. Suitable media include quality soil, coir or a purpose-made hemp growing mat. - Sow the Kale Black seeds.
Spread the dry seed as evenly as possible across the surface. Aim for good coverage without allowing the seeds to pile heavily on top of one another. - Mist thoroughly.
Use a spray mister to moisten the seeds and growing surface evenly. Good seed-to-medium contact helps encourage consistent germination. - Stack or cover the tray.
Cover with another tray during the initial germination period. Light, even weight may be used to maintain seed contact with the growing medium. Keep the tray in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight. - Maintain moisture during germination.
Check the crop regularly and water as required to keep the growing medium evenly moist without waterlogging it. Kale Black seedlings commonly begin emerging within the first few days. - Introduce the seedlings to light.
Once the seedlings are established and pushing upward, remove the covering tray and move them into a position with suitable natural or artificial growing light. Bottom watering can be used once the roots are established. - Harvest the microgreens.
Kale Black microgreens are commonly ready to harvest approximately 8–14 days after sowing. Cut the stems cleanly just above the growing medium when the cotyledons are fully open and the crop has reached the size you prefer.
What Do Kale Black Microgreens Taste Like?
Kale Black microgreens have a mild, fresh brassica flavour with a gently savoury character. They are considerably softer and milder than mature Tuscan kale and do not normally have the stronger peppery heat associated with mustard or radish microgreens.
The tender stems and seed leaves can be used in salads, sandwiches, wraps, grain bowls and other cold dishes. They can also be used as a fresh garnish where a mild flavour and green colour are preferred.
Naturally Occurring Plant Compounds in Kale Microgreens
Kale belongs to the Brassicaceae family and naturally contains a range of plant compounds including glucosinolates, carotenoids and phenolic compounds.
Research into kale microgreens has identified several naturally occurring phytochemicals, although their concentrations can vary according to cultivar, growing conditions, lighting, temperature and harvest stage.
For further reading, see this peer-reviewed research on kale microgreens and growing conditions.
Kale Black Microgreens vs Red Russian Kale Microgreens
Kale Black and Red Russian kale can both be grown as microgreens using similar tray-growing methods. The main differences are the kale varieties themselves and their appearance.
| Feature | Kale Black | Red Russian Kale |
|---|---|---|
| Flavour | Mild, fresh and gently savoury | Mild, fresh brassica flavour |
| Pre-soak | Not required | Not required |
| Typical harvest | Approximately 8–14 days | Approximately 8–14 days |
| Mature variety | Tuscan-style kale with dark blue-green foliage | Kale variety known for green leaves and coloured stems |
Both varieties are relatively straightforward to grow as microgreens. Growers may choose between them according to seed availability, appearance and personal preference.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do Kale Black microgreens take to grow?
Kale Black microgreens are commonly ready for harvest approximately 8–14 days after sowing. Growth rate varies with temperature, light, moisture and other growing conditions.
Do Kale Black microgreen seeds need to be soaked?
No. Kale Black microgreen seeds do not normally require pre-soaking before sowing.
How many Kale Black seeds should I use in a 10 × 20 tray?
Approximately 15–20 grams of Kale Black microgreen seed per 10 × 20 inch tray provides a useful starting rate. Growers can adjust the density according to their equipment, seed lot and preferred crop density.
Can Kale Black microgreens be grown without soil?
Yes. Kale Black microgreens can be grown using suitable soilless media such as coir or purpose-made hemp growing mats. Whatever medium you choose should provide reliable moisture while allowing appropriate drainage and airflow.
Do Kale Black microgreens need light?
The seeds do not require light during initial germination. After the covered or stacked germination stage, expose the developing seedlings to suitable natural or artificial growing light so they can develop green seed leaves and compact growth.
When should I uncover Kale Black microgreens?
Kale Black microgreens are generally uncovered once the seedlings have germinated and are established enough to begin pushing upward against the covering tray. This commonly occurs within the first few days after sowing, depending on temperature and growing conditions.
When should Kale Black microgreens be harvested?
Harvest is commonly around 8–14 days after sowing. Cut the stems just above the growing medium using clean scissors or a suitable harvesting knife.
What do Kale Black microgreens taste like?
Kale Black microgreens have a mild, fresh brassica flavour with a gently savoury character. They are generally milder than strongly flavoured mustard and radish microgreens.
What is Kale Black also called?
Kale Black is commonly known as Black Toscana, Tuscan kale, Nero di Toscana or Cavolo Nero. It is the dark-leaved kale traditionally associated with Italian cooking.
Where can I buy Kale Black microgreen seeds in Australia?
Seedmart supplies Kale Black microgreen seeds in packet and bulk quantities for home growers, microgreen growers and businesses throughout Australia.
Need More Help Growing Microgreens?
For more information about growing trays, sowing density, germination, watering, lighting and harvesting, see our complete guide to growing microgreens.