The Lacinato, aka Dinosaur kale, Black Magic or Toscano, is one of the most popular varieties of kale. This variety is popular for fresh markets or in the home garden. This kale variety is nicknamed dinosaur kale for its bumpy and scaly leaf the resembles the skin of a dinosaur. Lacinato’s leaves are large, dark blue-green, and very flavorful and are most tender if picked young when they are less than 12″ long. Lacinato produces high yields and can be harvested continually from the outside leaves or all.

Before Planting: Kale prefers a fertile, well-drained soil. Ideal pH is 7.0. Keep soil consistently moist for best quality leaves.

Watering: Water regularly to keep the soil moist, as this keeps the leaves crisp and sweet.

Fertilizer: Upon planting the seeds, fertilize with a 5-10-10 fertilizer. Mix 1 ó cups of fertilizer with the top 3 to 4 inches of soil for a 25-foot row of kale. Throughout its growing season, you can fertilize kale with a side dressing of compost every six to eight weeks.

Days to Maturity: Kale can be grown to its full size or harvested when the leaves are small and tender. Kale is ready to harvest when its leaves are the size of your hand. It usually takes up to 90 days for kale to be ready after planting it from seed.