Kale Toscano (Dinosaur) Seedling Tray

For best results with Kale Toscano (Dinosaur), plant one seedling plug per 1801 cell or 4-inch container. Use a well-draining soil with a pH of  6.0-7.0, EC of 1.0-1.5, medium feed (150-200 ppm N), and temperatures of 60-70°F. You may see aphids, caterpillars, and whiteflies. Clubroot, Downy Mildew, Alternaria Leaf Spot, Bacterial Soft Rot, and Cercospora Leaf Spot can affect Kale. Pinch once and provide full sun for at least eight hours a day. 

Kale is a biennial plant that flowers in its second year of growth if left to bolt. A tall stem grows from the center of the plant, producing small yellow flowers and seeds if left to mature. Grow Kale annually for culinary use.

Pinch once when the plant is 6-8" tall to encourage bushier growth and control height.

We recommend spacing Kale Toscano (Dinosaur) in 1801s or 4-inch containers about 4-6" apart to give each plant enough room to develop and to provide proper air circulation and light penetration. 

Provide proper fertilizer, lighting, and temperatures to maintain bushy, compact plants. Pinching will also control height, helping to prevent tall, leggy growth. We don't recommend using chemical growth regulators on vegetable or herb plants.

You may see several pests that affect Kale in your greenhouse. Be sure to scout for aphids, cabbage loopers, diamondback moths, cutworms, flea beetles, and whiteflies. 

1. Aphids feed on plant sap and cause leaves to wilt and yellow. Use a strong spray of water or an insecticide to control aphids.

2. Cabbage Loopers are caterpillars that feed on kale leaves, causing large holes in the foliage. To control cabbage loopers, use row covers or apply Bacillus thuringiensis (BT) insecticide.

3. The larvae of Diamondback Moths can cause significant damage to Kale foliage. Take action immediately to prevent this moth from destroying your crops. Use row covers or apply an insecticide labeled for Diamondback Moths.

4. Cutworms feed on the stems of young kale seedlings, causing them to fall over. Use collars made from cardboard or paper around seedling stems.

5. Flea Beetles can cause holes in Kale leaves. Use row covers or apply an insecticide labeled for flea beetles.

6. Whiteflies feed on plant sap, causing leaves to yellow. Control whitefly infestations with sticky yellow traps or an insecticide labeled for whiteflies.

A few diseases may affect Kale in your greenhouse. Practice good sanitation and implement carefully planned Integrated Pest Management. Prevent the spread of diseases in your commercial greenhouse by removing infected leaves, providing proper airflow, and watering the base of each plant.

1. Clubroot is a soil-borne disease that causes plant roots to become distorted and swollen, reducing the plant's ability to absorb water and nutrients.

2. Downy Mildew causes yellowing of the leaves and a white, downy growth on the undersides.

3. Alternaria Leaf Spot causes circular, brown spots on the leaves, which can eventually turn into necrotic patches.

4. Bacterial Soft Rot causes the leaves to turn yellow and the stems to become soft and mushy.

5. Cercospora Leaf Spot causes small, circular, reddish-brown spots on the leaves, which can expand and merge to form larger, necrotic patches.

We recommend planting one seedling plug per 1801 cell or 4-inch container. Use well-drained soil and completely bury the ellepot in the center of the container. Water the plant after transplant and grow it in full sun.