Lacinato Kale (Dinosaur) Leafy Green (2026)
Dark crinkled leaves; sweetens after frost.
Which zones grow Lacinato Kale (Dinosaur) best?
Lacinato Kale (Dinosaur) is a leafy variety rated for zone 3 and warmer (frost-free). In colder zones, start seeds indoors earlier and use a longer-season plan; in very hot zones (9+), pick the cooler fall window. The ZIP tool below gives the exact answer for your neighborhood.
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Plan backwards — target a harvest date
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Plan backwards — target a harvest date
Tell me when you want your first ripe fruit and your ZIP; I'll work out the transplant and seed-start dates for this exact variety.
Growing notes
- Maturity: about 60 days from transplant (longer from seed in cool springs).
- Habit: Bush or trailing habit — compact, container-friendly.
- Season fit: needs roughly 80 frost-free days; check with the ZIP tool above.
- Source data: compiled from public seed catalogs (Johnny's Selected Seeds). Days-to-maturity vary by climate.
Compare with similar varieties
How Lacinato Kale (Dinosaur) stacks up against its closest relatives.
| Variety | Days | Type | Habit | Min zone |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lacinato Kale (Dinosaur) (this) | 60 | leaf | bush | 3+ |
| Red Russian Kale | 55 | leaf | bush | 3+ |
| Bright Lights Swiss Chard | 55 | leaf | bush | 3+ |
| Calabrese Broccoli | 70 | head | bush | 3+ |
| Bloomsdale Spinach | 45 | leaf | bush | 3+ |
| Astronaut Arugula | 40 | leaf | bush | 3+ |
Similar varieties
Red Russian Kale
55 days · leaf · zone 3+
Bright Lights Swiss Chard
55 days · leaf · zone 3+
Calabrese Broccoli
70 days · head · zone 3+
Bloomsdale Spinach
45 days · leaf · zone 3+
Astronaut Arugula
40 days · leaf · zone 3+
Data: USDA 2023 Plant Hardiness Zone Map (PRISM/OSU), NOAA 1991-2020 frost normals, and public seed catalog listings. Always confirm with the seed packet.