Dinosaur

Family: Brassicaceae Vegetable

Feel the bold, dinosaur-like presence of ‘Dinosaur’ kale—deeply textured leaves that unfurl with a crisp, hearty bite and a rich, savory aroma.

Expect a sturdy, upright plant with thick, blue-green foliage that holds its character beautifully through cool weather, making it a standout for bold greens lovers. ‘Dinosaur’ is ideal for robust fresh salads and for turning into flavorful greens in sauces and sautés, delivering dependable color and substance from garden to plate.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 55 DaysHabit: Rosette

Planting schedules and alerts are optimized for Columbus (Zone 6b).

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Mar 28th
Last Frost	Apr 25th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Apr 18th
Harvest Begins	Jun 12th
Harvest Ends	Oct 16th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	55
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Rosette
Support Needed	None
Planting Depth	Normal
Germination Temp (°F)	45
Min Soil Temp (°F)	40
Min Night Temp (°F)	35
Harden Off (days)	6

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

Dinosaur kale is built for chew—thick ribs and deeply textured leaves stay firm under a quick sauté, so you’re not stuck with limp greens. Use it raw when dressed aggressively (acid + fat) or cook it long enough to soften the bitterness while keeping a satisfying bite.

Best Uses

shredded raw salad where you want structure against vinaigrette
sautéed greens with a quick glossy finish (olive oil or butter)
massaged kale for a salad base that still crunches
thickened kale-in sauces or soups where it keeps body

Flavor Profile

crisp, hearty bite blue-green, savory brassica character slightly peppery bitterness stands up to heat without turning mushy

Kitchen Pairings

lemon olive oil parmesan white beans smoked pork sesame oil

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the most common pest or disease on Brassica oleracea var. viridis (dinosaurs/lacinato kale), and how can I prevent it?

Kale (Brassica oleracea var. viridis) is commonly hit by cabbage moth caterpillars (including cabbage loopers) and often shows “shot-hole” leaf damage. Check the undersides of leaves 2–3 times per week, hand-pick caterpillars, and cover plants with lightweight row cover during the moth’s egg-laying period. If you see pale, stippled leaves that later bronze, rinse off early infestations and use an insecticidal soap specifically on the underside of leaves, repeating every 7–10 days as needed.

How often should I water dinosaur kale during the main growing phase?

During active growth (from about 2–3 weeks after transplanting until harvest), keep soil evenly moist so plants don’t swing between drought and soggy conditions. Water deeply about 1–2 times per week, increasing to maintain moisture during hot spells, and aim for the top 1–2 inches of soil to be moist but not waterlogged. If leaves look dull, curl inward, or feel papery, water immediately and mulch to stabilize moisture.

How do I know when dinosaur kale is ready to harvest?

Harvest when leaves are fully formed and large enough to use, typically around 55 days after sowing/transplanting. Pick outer leaves first when they reach your desired size (usually 8–12 inches long), leaving the center growing point intact for repeated harvests. The best eating quality usually comes from cooler weather—after a light frost, leaves tend to be sweeter and less bitter.