Sow True Seed Lacinato Kale Seeds

It earns the nickname 'Dinosaur Kale' due to its dark, deeply savoyed, and bumpy leaves, which resemble prehistoric skin. Beyond its unique appearance, this heirloom variety is prized by chefs for its robust, earthy flavor.

Yes. Cold temperatures trigger the plant to convert starches into sugars, which significantly sweetens the leaves and mellows any bitterness. This makes late-season harvests particularly prized for raw salads and cooking.

Absolutely. Lacinato kale is well-suited for both direct seeding and transplanting. If direct seeding, plant your seeds about 1/4 inch deep and ensure they are spaced 18 to 24 inches apart once mature to allow for proper airflow.

You can expect to start harvesting your kale approximately 60 days after planting. Because it is a vigorous grower, you can often harvest individual outer leaves continuously while leaving the center of the plant to keep producing.

Yes, Lacinato kale is quite versatile and tolerates conditions ranging from full sun to partial shade. While it thrives in full sun, partial shade can actually be beneficial in hotter climates to prevent the plant from bolting too quickly.

Typically, no. As a biennial, the plant focuses on vegetative growth—producing those delicious leaves—during its first year. It generally requires a period of winter cold before it will send up a flower stalk and complete its life cycle in the second year.