Black Tuscan Dinosaur Kale Organic

Black Tuscan Dinosaur Kale Organic

70 Days. Black Tuscan kale, also known as Dinosaur kale and Tuscan kale, is dark blue-green ruffled leaves that have a bumpy texture. This old Italian kale develops more flavor when harvested after the first frost. Flavor is often compared to that of broccoli or spinach.

Disease Resistant. 

Open-Pollinated. Non-GMO. Heirloom. Frost Hardy.

*Approximately 300 Seeds

Harvest: 70-80 Days

Germination: 4-10 Days

Seed Planting Depth: 1/4”

Start Indoors: 3-4 weeks before last frost

Light Requirement: Full Sun, Partial shade

Soil Needs: Nitrogen-Rich, Fertile, Well-Drained 

Plant Height: 24-36”

Plant Spacing: 12-18"

Row Spacing: 18-24"

Growing Instructions

Black Tuscan Dinosaur Kale is a cool-weather crop that grows best during the spring and fall seasons. Ideal growing temperatures are 45-70°F. Sow seeds indoors 3-4 weeks before the average last frost. Plant 2-3 seeds 1/4” deep per pot. Then, thin to 1 plant when true leaves develop. Keep the soil moist, but not wet. When plants are 6” tall, transplant them into the garden.

When direct seeding, plant seeds from early spring and then again approximately 10 weeks before the expected fall frost. Plant 2-3 seeds 1/4” deep. Thin to 1 plant every 12-18” in rows 18-24” apart. If bunching, sow 2-3 seeds 1/4” deep every 18-24”.

Kale requires nitrogen-rich, fertile, well-drained soil with a pH of 6.0-7.0. Dig 2-3” of compost and manure into the top 6-8” of the soil 2-3 weeks prior to planting. Apply 2-3” of mulch around the base of plants to suppress weeds and retain moisture. When watering, keep plants moist, not wet. Fertilize plants once a month with high-nitrogen, organic granular fertilizer.

Kale is best harvested after a frost has occurred because it sweetens the taste. Harvest kale leaves when they are 8-10” long while they are still tender and have a mild flavor. Older leaves will be tough and bitter. Outer leaves can be picked, while allowing the rest of the plant to continue growing, or the entire plant can be harvested.