Lacinato Dinosaur Kale: Growing Tips from Seed to Harvest

Quick answer

Start Lacinato dinosaur kale seeds indoors 4-6 weeks before the last frost for a spring harvest, or direct-sow in midsummer for a fall crop. Provide consistent moisture and full sun for the best flavor.

Step-by-step growing guide

1. Start seeds indoors or direct-sow: For a spring crop, sow seeds ¼ inch deep in seed-starting mix 4-6 weeks before your last frost date. For a fall harvest, direct-sow in the garden 8-10 weeks before the first fall frost. Keep soil consistently moist until germination, which takes 5-10 days. Common mistake: planting seeds too deep. Kale seeds need light to germinate, so cover them lightly.
2. Transplant or thin seedlings: When seedlings have 3-4 true leaves, transplant them 18-24 inches apart in full sun. If direct-sowing, thin to the same spacing once they reach 2-3 inches tall. Crowded plants produce smaller leaves and are more prone to disease. Checkpoint: Water transplants immediately and provide shade for a day or two if the weather is hot.
3. Water and mulch consistently: Kale needs about 1-1.5 inches of water per week. Apply a 2-inch layer of organic mulch around plants to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and keep roots cool. Inconsistent watering can cause leaves to become tough or bitter. Common mistake: overhead watering in the evening can promote fungal diseases. Water at the soil level in the morning.
4. Harvest outer leaves first: Begin harvesting when the plant has at least 10-12 leaves. Pick the largest, oldest outer leaves by cutting them at the stem, leaving the inner rosette to continue growing. This method yields a continuous supply for weeks. Checkpoint: Never harvest more than one-third of the plant at once to keep it productive.

Recommended seeds

• Lacinato Dinosaur Kale Seeds: Instantly recognizable for its prehistoric, deeply blistered texture, this celebrated Italian heirloom offers a rich, complex flavor prized by chefs and home gardeners alike. Choosing this heirloom variety gives you a reliable, flavorful kale that thrives in both spring and fall gardens.