Ornamental cabbage and kale are not plants grown for their blossoms but for their colorful and decorative foliage. They develop large rosettes of gray-green foliage richly variegated with cream, white, pink, rose, rose-red and purple. Ornamental kale leaves are frilly edged and sometimes deeply lobed. Those of ornamental cabbage usually are ruffled but don’t form a tight head.

Identified by a number of names, such as floral kale, decorative kale, ornamental-leaved kale, flowering kale, and flowering cabbage, ornamental cabbage and kale belong to the Brassica oleracca Acephala Group.

The plants have unlimited use in the landscape. They are attractive in borders or can be used very effectively grouped in plantings of three, five, or more plants. They are good plants to use in containers for the deck or patio and for window boxes. They are especially good to use to replace warm season annuals for a fall or early winter display.

Ornamental cabbage and kale usually grow about eight to eighteen inches high and twelve inches or more across. For best displays, plants should be set about twelve to fifteen inches apart.

Unlike most annuals and perennials, cabbage and kale improve in appearance after a frost or two. Leaf color usually intensifies after a light fall frost. They are usually attractive in the garden until Thanksgiving or later. Hint – when the plants smell like cooked cabbage, it is time to pull them out!

Some gardeners pot up the plants in late fall for use as indoor flowering plants for the fall and Thanksgiving holiday season. The single leaves or whole heads are excellent also to use in artistic designs. A whole head makes quite a statement in a foliage design class at a flower show.

Both ornamental cabbage and kale are edible. The leaves can be eaten cooked or raw. The leaves are especially nice as a garnish. Frost and cool weather enhance the flavor like the color. Some authorities state the roots of the plant are dangerous and should not be eaten. The same pests that plague broccoli, cabbage and other related vegetables attack both plants. If pesticides are used and leaves are to be eaten be sure to pay close attention to the label.

Plants are easily grown from seed that should be sown in early summer for transplanting six to eight weeks later. Try to time the transplanting for four to six weeks before the first fall frost. Seed can be sown directly where the plants are desired. Locate in full sun, in well-drained, rich, moist soil.

Greenhouses and garden centers usually have flats or pots of ornamental cabbage and kale in late summer.

Cabbage worms, cutworms, aphids, and slugs also like these plants. Treat with pesticides as you would any other member of the cabbage family. Inspect regularly for pests. During cold weather there is virtually no insect problems.

If you want color and textural interest in your garden in fall and early winter try planting ornamental cabbage and kale. It is not to late to look for potted plants at the garden center for an added touch to your deck or patio or fall holiday indoors designs this autumn!

Jo Ann Graham

First Vice President