January King Cabbage: Origin, Identifying Characteristics & Cultivation

Botanical Classification January King Cabbage, scientifically classified as Brassica oleracea var. capitata, belongs to the Brassicaceae family, which includes other cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, kale, and cauliflower. This cultivar is a type of savoy cabbage, distinguished by its crinkled, vibrant leaves. The Brassica oleracea species encompasses a wide range of cultivated varieties, all derived from … Read more

Brussels Sprouts: Origin, Identifying Characteristics & Cultivation

Botanical Classification Brussels sprouts, scientifically classified as Brassica oleracea var. gemmifera, belong to the Brassicaceae family, which includes other cruciferous vegetables like cabbage, broccoli, and kale. This cultivar is a unique member of the Brassica oleracea species, specifically bred for its small, leafy buds that resemble miniature cabbages. The plant is a biennial, typically grown … Read more

Napa Cabbage (Chinese Cabbage): Origin, Identifying Characteristics & Cultivation

Botanical Classification Napa cabbage, scientifically classified as Brassica rapa subsp. pekinensis, belongs to the Brassicaceae family, which includes cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, kale, and turnips. Unlike Brassica oleracea cabbages (e.g., green or savoy), Napa cabbage is derived from the Brassica rapa species, closely related to bok choy and Chinese mustard greens. The pekinensis subspecies … Read more

Premier Kale: Origin, Identifying Characteristics & Cultivation

Botanical Classification Premier kale, scientifically classified as Brassica oleracea var. acephala, belongs to the Brassicaceae family, which includes cruciferous vegetables such as cabbage, broccoli, and collards. The acephala variety indicates non-heading brassicas, characterized by loose, leafy rosettes rather than compact heads. Premier is a hybrid cultivar of curly kale, bred for its early maturity and … Read more

Scarlet Kale: Origin, Identifying Characteristics & Cultivation

Botanical Classification Scarlet kale, scientifically classified as Brassica oleracea var. acephala, belongs to the Brassicaceae family, which includes cruciferous vegetables such as cabbage, broccoli, and other kales. The acephala variety denotes non-heading brassicas, characterized by loose, leafy rosettes rather than compact heads. Scarlet kale is an open-pollinated cultivar of curly kale, bred for its vibrant … Read more

Blue Curled Scotch Kale (Vates Kale): Origin, Identifying Characteristics & Cultivation

Botanical Classification Blue Curled Scotch Kale, also known as Vates Kale, is scientifically classified as Brassica oleracea var. acephala, within the Brassicaceae family, which includes cruciferous vegetables like cabbage, broccoli, and collards. The acephala variety denotes non-heading brassicas, grown for their loose, edible leaves rather than forming a compact head. Vates is a specific cultivar … Read more

Portuguese Kale (Couve Galega): Origin, Identifying Characteristics & Cultivation

Botanical Classification Portuguese kale, known as couve galega, is scientifically classified as Brassica oleracea var. acephala or sometimes Brassica oleracea var. viridis, within the Brassicaceae family, which includes cruciferous vegetables like cabbage, broccoli, and collards. The acephala group denotes non-heading brassicas, grown for their loose, edible leaves, while viridis is used for tall, leafy cultivars … Read more

Walking Stick Kale (Jersey Kale): Origin, Identifying Characteristics & Cultivation

Botanical Classification Walking Stick Kale, also known as Jersey Kale or Jersey Cabbage, is scientifically classified as Brassica oleracea var. longata. It belongs to the Brassicaceae family, which includes cruciferous vegetables like cabbage, broccoli, and other kales. The oleracea species encompasses diverse cultivated brassicas, while the longata variety denotes this unique, tall-growing kale. Unlike typical … Read more

Siberian Kale: Origin, Identifying Characteristics & Cultivation

Botanical Classification Siberian kale, scientifically classified as Brassica napus var. pabularia, belongs to the Brassicaceae family, which includes cruciferous vegetables such as cabbage, broccoli, and rapeseed. Unlike many kale varieties classified under Brassica oleracea (e.g., curly or Lacinato kale), Siberian kale is derived from the Brassica napus species, closely related to Red Russian kale and … Read more

Chinese Kale (Gai Lan): Origin, Identifying Characteristics & Cultivation

Botanical Classification Chinese kale, commonly known as gai lan or kai-lan, is scientifically classified as Brassica oleracea var. alboglabra. It belongs to the Brassicaceae family, which includes other cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, cabbage, and curly kale. The oleracea species encompasses a wide range of cultivated brassicas, while the alboglabra variety specifically refers to this … Read more