Start to harvest in 45 days

An impressive 18th-century Italian heirloom producing 15-inch deep blue-green leaves with crinkled texture, giving rise to the name “dinosaur kale.” Extraordinarily nutritious—high in vitamins A, C, and K—with a nutty flavor.

Sowing:

For spring: start indoors 8 weeks before last expected frost, transplant outside 4 weeks later.
For fall: sow directly in garden in early August.
Plant in rows 15–20 inches apart, 12 inches between plants.
Protect spring plantings with row covers to discourage cabbage loopers.
Thinning:

Thin to 24–36 inches apart as plants mature.
Enjoy young leaves from thinnings.
Germination:

6–10 days depending on soil and weather conditions.
Keep evenly moist but not continually wet.
Remarks:

Taste becomes sweeter after a hard frost.
Leave a few plants to harvest through winter.
Cutting the stem near the base may produce new sprouts in spring.