1 | Appearance
The same species as edible cabbages, broccoli and cauliflower, ornamental cabbage have much fancier and more colorful foliage. Ornamental cabbage, also known as flowering cabbage, features either smooth, ruffled rosettes or intensely curled heads. They are variegated with perfect fall colors such as cream, white, green, pink, rose and purple. The plants actually won’t have much color until the weather cools, with vivid colors showing below 50°F. Generally, ornamental cabbage has smooth, scalloped leaves and stays lower to the ground. They grow about 1 foot wide and 15 inches tall.
2 | Use
These cold-tolerant plants are great for replacing worn out summer annuals and can help brighten a fall garden when other flowering plants are looking sad. Use them in mass plantings (and position them where you can see the colorful centers); plant them in single- or mixed-container plantings; or try them in the front of a border combined with perennials (such as pansies or petunias). Ornamental cabbage also can be used as a standout addition to fall floral arrangements in vases, wreaths or bouquets.
3 | Grow
Because ornamental cabbage does not tolerate summer heat, it’s best to either start from seed in mid-summer or to buy transplants for a good fall show. If starting from seed, keep the young plants in cool conditions (such as a greenhouse or even in the refrigerator for several days to encourage germination). The seeds also require light for germination, so do not cover them with soil. Sow the seeds six to 10 weeks before the first frost. Plant ornamental cabbage in a sunny location in a moderately moist, rich soil, and keep the plants well-watered. Transplants will not get much bigger after planting in the garden, so be sure to buy the size you want.
4 | Learn
Pests include cabbage worms, cutworms, aphids and slugs, but, because they are grown in the fall and winter, these pests are minimal. Ornamental cabbage also can be eaten, but they tend to be more bitter than their edible cousins. The colorful leaves also turn an unappetizing gray when cooked.
5 | Lagniappe
Once acclimated, ornamental cabbage can survive in temperatures as low as 5°F, so they can last into November and December. Several cultivars to look for include the Chidori Series, Color Up series, Nagoya series, Osaka series, Peacock series, Pigeon series and Tokyo series.
