Variety traits

Plant height — kale

Brassica oleracea L. (Curly kale Group)

This trait is measured as the distance from the soil surface to the top of the leaves at the stage of commercial maturity and is assessed using the 9-point UPOV scale to determine varietal identity.

In the reference 12 varieties crop Curly kale, where this is mentioned in the description.

During kale variety testing, plant height is recorded when the crop reaches commercial maturity. According to international UPOV protocols, the trait is classified on a 9-point scale, where 3 represents short plants (e.g., Niedriger grüner krauser), 5 represents medium height (Frosty, Hammer), and 7 represents tall plants (Westlandse Herfst).

This metric determines cultivation technology: for manual harvesting, the recommended height limit is 15–25 cm. Height directly influences the planting pattern to ensure ventilation, the optimization of spacing in hydroponic systems, and the suitability of the crop as a companion plant for protecting other vegetables.

General information about the subject — on the page Plant height.

Sources8

Varieties of Curly kale mentioned in the description

Selection based on the description text, not on official evaluation: these data are absent from registers. For specific variety details, please refer to its profile.