Nothing signals fall like brightly colored ornamental
cabbage (Brassica oleracea) nestled among other autumn staples such as chrysanthemums,
pansies,
and flowering
kale. The cool season annual is easy to grow from seed or can be purchased
at the garden center as fall approaches.
About Ornamental Cabbage
Ornamental cabbage, also called flowering cabbage, has smooth, wavy edges with bright rosette centers of pink, purple, red, or white leaves. It grows about a foot (31 cm.) wide and up to 15 inches (38 cm.) tall with a mounding habit.
Though considered edible– it has a very bitter taste– ornamental cabbage is more often used as a food garnish. It may be consumed with a double-boiling method to reduce bitterness or sautéed in olive oil.
In the landscape, ornamental cabbage plants can be combined
with flowering kale and late season annuals that can tolerate a frost such as petunias,
chrysanthemums, and snapdragons.
They look stunning in containers, in front of a border, as an edging, or in
mass plantings.
Their color intensifies as the temperature drops,
particularly below 50 degrees F. (10 C.). Ornamental cabbage plants typically
survive to about 5 degrees F. (-15 C.) and will decorate the landscape till
winter turns harsh.
FYI: While most people associate flowering kale and
cabbage together as one plant, there is a slight difference when it comes to ornamental
cabbage vs. flowering kale. Technically, the two are the same and in the same
family, with both types considered kale. However, in the horticultural trade,
ornamental or flowering kale plants have deeply cut, curly, frilly or ruffled leaves
whereas ornamental or flowering cabbage has broad, flat leaves edged in bright contrasting
colors.
Growing Flowering Cabbage Plants
Flowering cabbage is easily grown from seed but must be
started by midsummer to be ready for fall planting. Light is needed for
germination, so sprinkle seed on growing medium but do not cover with soil.
Maintain temperature at 65 to 70 degrees F. (18-21 C.) to aid germination. Seedlings should emerge in four to six days. Keep temperature cool during growth period.
Site them in full sun, with some afternoon shade where
locations are very warm. They prefer moist, well-drained soil that is somewhat
acidic. Fertilize with a timed-release fertilizer about three weeks after
planting or moving to containers.
If summers are too hot for growing seed, you may opt to
purchase transplants from the garden center. Look for good color and a size
appropriate for the desired planting area. Purchased flowering cabbage
typically won’t grow much more after planting. When the temperature drops,
colors should intensify, however.
Ornamental cabbage plants are prone to the same pests and
diseases as cabbage and kale grown in the garden, but much less so given the
time of year. If noticed, treat with appropriate biological controls.
Nothing signals fall like brightly colored ornamental
cabbage (Brassica oleracea) nestled among other autumn staples such as chrysanthemums,
pansies,
and flowering
kale. The cool season annual is easy to grow from seed or can be purchased
at the garden center as fall approaches.
About Ornamental Cabbage
Ornamental cabbage, also called flowering cabbage, has smooth, wavy edges with bright rosette centers of pink, purple, red, or white leaves. It grows about a foot (31 cm.) wide and up to 15 inches (38 cm.) tall with a mounding habit.
Though considered edible– it has a very bitter taste– ornamental cabbage is more often used as a food garnish. It may be consumed with a double-boiling method to reduce bitterness or sautéed in olive oil.
In the landscape, ornamental cabbage plants can be combined
with flowering kale and late season annuals that can tolerate a frost such as petunias,
chrysanthemums, and snapdragons.
They look stunning in containers, in front of a border, as an edging, or in
mass plantings.
Their color intensifies as the temperature drops,
particularly below 50 degrees F. (10 C.). Ornamental cabbage plants typically
survive to about 5 degrees F. (-15 C.) and will decorate the landscape till
winter turns harsh.
FYI: While most people associate flowering kale and
cabbage together as one plant, there is a slight difference when it comes to ornamental
cabbage vs. flowering kale. Technically, the two are the same and in the same
family, with both types considered kale. However, in the horticultural trade,
ornamental or flowering kale plants have deeply cut, curly, frilly or ruffled leaves
whereas ornamental or flowering cabbage has broad, flat leaves edged in bright contrasting
colors.
Growing Flowering Cabbage Plants
Flowering cabbage is easily grown from seed but must be
started by midsummer to be ready for fall planting. Light is needed for
germination, so sprinkle seed on growing medium but do not cover with soil.
Maintain temperature at 65 to 70 degrees F. (18-21 C.) to aid germination. Seedlings should emerge in four to six days. Keep temperature cool during growth period.
Site them in full sun, with some afternoon shade where
locations are very warm. They prefer moist, well-drained soil that is somewhat
acidic. Fertilize with a timed-release fertilizer about three weeks after
planting or moving to containers.
If summers are too hot for growing seed, you may opt to
purchase transplants from the garden center. Look for good color and a size
appropriate for the desired planting area. Purchased flowering cabbage
typically won’t grow much more after planting. When the temperature drops,
colors should intensify, however.
Ornamental cabbage plants are prone to the same pests and
diseases as cabbage and kale grown in the garden, but much less so given the
time of year. If noticed, treat with appropriate biological controls.