I grew kale this year. Actually, I planted it in the cold frame in October so we would have kale during the winter.
It stayed 4 inches high. Both types - the short stuff and the tall stuff.
This could have something to do with the fact that I planted a LOT of seed and didn't thin it.
In February, I thinned it out and planted it in the garden. It loved the cool weather. It hates the hot weather.
What a prima donna [How do you spell that!?] It faints over 75 degrees.
Anyway.
When I buy kale at the store, it's leathery and sometimes pretty tough. This homegrown stuff is so not leathery or tough. It cooks like a dream - quickly, like a manly spinach. I love it sauteed with butter or olive oil and lots of garlic.
This is definitely a keeper. We're going to plant this again in the fall and in the winter cold frame.