Kalezilla: The New Monstrous Dino (Lacinato/Tuscan) Kale

We are excited to introduce you to Kalezilla F1, a powerful new addition to our leafy green lineup at Tokita Seed. Kalezilla is a wide-leaf Lacinato ("Dino") kale variety that delivers 15% more leaf matter per leaf, on top of an overall increase in leaf quantity per plant. While these broad leaves were selected with processing in mind, this Tuscan kale's long stems have also shown strong performance for bunching.

But, it's not just about higher yield—Kalezilla is built to perform in the face of disease as well.

Strength against Alternaria

Left: Check Variety; Right: Kalezilla F1

Among the most common and costly foliar diseases affecting brassicas, Alternaria leaf spot can significantly reduce marketable yield. Alternaria thrives in warm, humid regions and areas with frequent rainfall, as well as in systems with overhead irrigation. These are conditions commonly found during the warm months on the East Coast of the US, and especially in the Southeast. Its symptoms start as yellow and dark brown spots on the leaves, which can grow into concentric rings and develop into rot.

Compared side-by-side with market standards, Kalezilla showed excellent tolerance to Alternaria, resulting in cleaner, healthier foliage and reduced need for fungicide applications—in fact, this was demonstrated in an organically-managed field. (See photo, right: the field check on the left side shows yellowing and browning leaves, while Kalezilla on the right is extremely clean.)

This trait alone offers a major advantage to growers looking to minimize inputs and reduce crop losses due to disease.

Built for Growers

Kalezilla's broad, deeply savoyed leaves offer outstanding appeal for both fresh market and processing, while its increased leaf mass makes for efficient harvest—whether for bunching or bulk. With strong vigor and excellent uniformity, it's a top performer for commercial production.

Whether you supply locally or transport nationally, Kalezilla delivers on the traits that matter most: yield, disease resistance, and strong market quality.

If you are interested in a sample of this new variety, please contact your local dealer or distributor.