Kale ‘Dinosaur’

Also known as Lacinato or Tuscan kale, ‘Dinosaur’ Kale is a striking heirloom variety with long, dark blue-green leaves and a beautifully crinkled texture. Its rich, slightly sweet flavour improves in cooler weather, making it a powerhouse crop for autumn and winter gardens. Hardy, nutritious and incredibly versatile — this kale is a kitchen and garden essential.

🌱 How to Grow:

Sowing Time (South Africa):

Late summer to autumn (February–May) for autumn and winter harvests.
In cooler regions, sow earlier to establish strong plants before heavy frost.

Germination:

5–10 days at 15–22°C
Sow 5–10 mm deep in trays or directly into prepared beds.

Transplanting:

Transplant seedlings when 10–15 cm tall and sturdy.
Space 30–45 cm apart for mature plants.

🌞 Position:

Full sun to light shade.
Performs best in cool weather and tolerates light frost.

🪨 Soil:

Well-drained, compost-rich soil.
Prefers fertile soil for lush leaf production.
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (6.0–7.0).

💧 Watering:

Moderate and consistent.
Keep soil evenly moist for tender leaves.
Mulch to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature.

🌼 Harvest Time:

50–70 days from sowing.
Harvest outer leaves first, allowing the centre to continue producing.
Flavour improves after light frost.

📏 Height & Spread:

60–90 cm tall
45–60 cm wide
Upright growth with long, textured leaves.

🌿 Top Tips:

✔️ Pick leaves regularly to encourage continuous growth.
✔️ Protect young plants from caterpillars if needed.
✔️ Succession sow for extended harvests.
✔️ Excellent in soups, sautés, smoothies and chips.
✔️ Cold-hardy and long-lasting in the garden.

🐝 Pollinator Friendly:

If allowed to flower, produces bright yellow blooms that attract bees and beneficial insects.

💚 Why Grow ‘Dinosaur’ Kale?

✔️ Nutrient-dense superfood
✔️ Deep, earthy flavour with tender texture
✔️ Hardy and reliable cool-season performer
✔️ Long harvesting period
✔️ Striking ornamental foliage

Grow bold flavour and texture through the cooler months!
Kale ‘Dinosaur’ brings beauty, resilience and delicious harvests to your veg garden. 🥬🌿✨