Lacinato Kale Seeds - Dinosaur Kale - Brassica olearacea

2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11

USDA Zones 2-11 - Lacinato Kale is grown as a cool-season annual across all zones. Planting times are scheduled to ensure the main growth and harvest period occurs during cool, mild weather.

Best Performance - Thrives when daytime temperatures are between 60-75 degrees F. Its flavor and texture are famously improved by a light frost, making it a premier crop for autumn gardens.

Northern Zones (2-6) - For a fall harvest (highly recommended), direct sow seeds in mid-to-late summer, about 10-12 weeks before the first expected hard frost. For a summer harvest, start seeds indoors 4-6 weeks before the last frost date and transplant outdoors after the danger of a hard freeze has passed.

Hot Climate Zones (7-11) - The perfect crop for fall, winter, and early spring gardening. Plant seeds in the late summer or early fall for a continuous harvest throughout the mild winter. Spring plantings are possible but must be timed to mature before the summer heat arrives, which can cause bitterness.

Soil Temperature - Seeds germinate best in cool soil, with an optimal range of 55-75 degrees F.

Growing Season - Baby leaves can be harvested in as little as 30 days. The plant reaches full maturity for large leaf harvesting in approximately 60-80 days and will provide a long harvest period.

Learn more about USDA Hardiness Zones here

When to Plant:
Kale is a cool-weather crop and tastes best when it matures in the fall.

For a fall crop (best flavor): Direct sow seeds into the garden in mid-to-late summer, about 3 months before your first expected fall frost.

For a spring crop: Start seeds indoors 4-6 weeks before your last spring frost, or direct sow outdoors 2-4 weeks before your last frost, as soon as the soil can be worked.

Where to Plant:
Choose a location with full sun (at least 6 hours per day). In hotter zones, some afternoon shade is beneficial. Kale thrives in fertile, well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter.

How to Plant:

Direct Sow: Sow seeds 1/4 to 1/2 inch deep, spacing them 2-3 inches apart in rows that are 24-36 inches apart. Water the area well.

Indoor Start: Sow seeds in trays and transplant the seedlings to the garden when they are 4-6 inches tall and have been hardened off.

Thinning (Crucial Step): To allow plants to grow to their full size, you must thin the seedlings. When they are about 6 inches tall, thin them to their final spacing of 18-24 inches apart. The tender thinnings are delicious and can be eaten.

Care & Maintenance:

Watering: Provide consistent and even moisture, about 1 to 1.5 inches of water per week. Consistent water is key to developing tender, sweet leaves.

Fertilizing: Kale is a heavy feeder. Amend your soil generously with compost before planting. Side-dress the plants with more compost or a balanced organic fertilizer about a month after planting to fuel their lush growth.

Pests: Keep an eye out for cabbage loopers and other brassica pests. Floating row covers are an excellent way to protect young plants from cabbage moths laying their eggs.

Harvesting: Begin harvesting when the leaves are large enough to eat. Harvest from the bottom of the plant up, taking the oldest, outer leaves first. Leave at least 4-6 central leaves (the "crown") intact. This "cut-and-come-again" method allows the plant to continue producing new leaves from the top for a very long harvest season.