How to prune lacinato kale

Begin harvesting lower leaves 50–70 days after transplanting; harvest flower shoots before they fully open in spring. Snap or cut individual leaves at their base, starting from the bottom of the stem. Always leave at least 6–8 central leaves intact. Pinch flower shoots when 3–5 cm long.

Every 1–2 weeks throughout the season. Lacinato (Dinosaur) kale rewards regular leaf harvesting throughout the season. Remove the lowest, most mature leaves first, working up the stem — this extends the harvest window for months. In late spring, flower shoots are edible and can be snapped off to prolong leafy production. Remove yellow or damaged leaves promptly to maintain plant health.

Snap or cut individual leaves at their base, starting from the bottom of the stem. Always leave at least 6–8 central leaves intact. Pinch flower shoots when 3–5 cm long.