Black Magic Kale
Brassica oleracea
Black Magic is a well-maintained selection of Toscano kale with long, narrow leaves for attractive and tall, straight bunches. Dark blue-green leaves with beautiful savoy. Lacinato or "dinosaur" type kale.
Harvest
65d
Days to harvest
Sun
Full sun to partial shade
Zones
6–9
USDA hardiness
Height
10-24 inches
Planting Timeline
Showing dates for Black Magic Kale in USDA Zone 7
All Zone 7 brassica →Zone Map
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Black Magic Kale · Zones 6–9
Growing Details
Zone-by-Zone Planting Calendar
| Zone | Indoor Start | Transplant | Direct Sow | Harvest |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zone 3 | March – April | May – June | May – June | July – October |
| Zone 4 | March – April | May – June | April – June | June – October |
| Zone 5 | February – March | April – May | April – May | June – November |
| Zone 6 | February – March | April – May | April – May | June – November |
| Zone 7 | February – March | April – May | March – May | May – November |
| Zone 8 | January – February | March – April | March – April | May – December |
| Zone 9 | January – January | February – March | February – March | April – December |
| Zone 10 | January – January | February – March | January – March | March – December |
Complete Growing Guide
Light: Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day), Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours). Soil: Clay, Loam (Silt), Sand. Soil pH: Acid (<6.0), Neutral (6.0-8.0). Drainage: Good Drainage, Moist. Height: 0 ft. 10 in. - 2 ft. 0 in.. Spread: 1 ft. 0 in. - 2 ft. 0 in.. Spacing: 12 inches-3 feet. Growth rate: Medium. Maintenance: Medium. Propagation: Seed, Stem Cutting. Regions: Coastal, Mountains, Piedmont.
Harvesting
The fruits dry and split when ripe.
Color: Brown/Copper, Green. Type: Siliqua. Length: > 3 inches.
Garden value: Edible
Harvest time: Fall, Summer
Bloom time: Spring, Summer
Edibility: The foliage is edible raw or cooked but when cooked can emit an unpleasant odor.
Storage & Preservation
Store freshly harvested Black Magic Kale in the refrigerator crisper drawer, unwashed, in perforated plastic bags to maintain humidity while preventing condensation. Properly stored leaves stay fresh for 7-10 days, though they're best used within 3-5 days for optimal flavor and nutrition.
For freezing, blanch clean leaves in boiling water for 2-3 minutes, shock in ice water, drain thoroughly, and freeze in airtight containers for up to 8 months. Black Magic Kale also dehydrates beautifully – massage leaves with olive oil and sea salt, then dehydrate at 115°F for 6-8 hours for homemade kale chips.
Fermentation works exceptionally well with this variety's sturdy leaves. Massage chopped kale with salt (3 tablespoons per 5 pounds) until it releases juices, then pack tightly in jars for lacto-fermented kale that keeps for months in the refrigerator.
History & Origin
Black Magic Kale represents modern breeding excellence, developed in the early 2000s through selective hybridization programs focused on combining ornamental beauty with culinary quality. This hybrid was specifically bred to address home gardeners' desire for kale varieties that could serve dual purposes in both vegetable and ornamental gardens.
The variety emerged from crosses between traditional European kale cultivars and newer Asian varieties, incorporating genes for enhanced cold tolerance and the distinctive deep blue-green coloration. Plant breeders selected for the deeply savoyed leaf characteristic, which not only provides visual appeal but also creates more surface area for enhanced flavor development.
Black Magic gained popularity during the kale renaissance of the 2010s, when home gardeners and chefs began demanding varieties that offered both exceptional taste and visual impact. Unlike heirloom varieties that evolved through centuries of selection, Black Magic was purpose-built for modern gardens, combining disease resistance with consistent performance across diverse growing conditions.
Advantages
- +Attracts: The foliage is edible raw or cooked but when cooked can emit an unpleasant odor.
- +Wildlife value: It serves as a host plant for butterflies, moths, flies, sawflies and beetles.
- +Edible: The foliage is edible raw or cooked but when cooked can emit an unpleasant odor.
Companion Plants
Plant Together
Nasturtiums
Trap crop for aphids and flea beetles, deters cabbage worms
Dill
Attracts beneficial wasps that parasitize cabbage worms and aphids
Onions
Repels cabbage maggots, aphids, and other brassica pests with strong scent
Garlic
Deters aphids, cabbage loopers, and flea beetles with sulfur compounds
Marigolds
Repel nematodes and various pests, may reduce whitefly populations
Lettuce
Grows well in kale's partial shade, efficient use of garden space
Carrots
Different root depths prevent competition, carrots loosen soil for kale
Thyme
Repels cabbage worms and flea beetles, attracts beneficial insects
Keep Apart
Tomatoes
Compete for similar nutrients, may stunt kale growth and reduce yields
Strawberries
Kale can inhibit strawberry growth and fruit production
Pole Beans
May shade kale excessively and compete for nitrogen in soil
Nutrition Facts
Per 100g serving. % Daily Value based on 2,000 calorie diet. Source: USDA FoodData Central (FDC #168421)
Pests & Disease Resistance
Resistance
Good resistance to downy mildew and black rot
Common Pests
Cabbage worms, aphids, flea beetles, cabbage loopers
Diseases
Clubroot, black leg, white rust, downy mildew