What To Know
- Ornamental cabbage and kale look beautiful in containers, adding a touch of color and texture to your porch or patio.
- Plant a large grouping of ornamental cabbage and kale in a prominent location to create a stunning focal point in your garden.
- Create a stunning and unique table centerpiece by arranging ornamental cabbage and kale leaves in a vase or bowl.
Looking for a stunning way to add vibrant color and texture to your garden during the colder months? Look no further than ornamental cabbage and kale! These eye-catching plants, with their ruffled, frilly leaves in shades of green, white, pink, and purple, are a showstopper in any landscape. Learning how to grow ornamental cabbage and kale is easier than you might think, and the rewards are truly beautiful.
Choosing the Right Ornamental Cabbage and Kale Varieties
The first step in your ornamental cabbage and kale journey is choosing the right varieties. There’s a wide range of options available, each offering unique colors, shapes, and sizes.
Here are some popular choices:
- Redbor: This variety features deep red leaves with a slightly ruffled texture.
- Pigeon White: This choice boasts beautiful white leaves with a smooth, rounded shape.
- Osaka: Known for its vibrant pink and white leaves, Osaka adds a touch of whimsy to any garden.
- Peacock: With its striking green and white leaves, Peacock is a classic choice for ornamental cabbage and kale.
- Winterbor: This variety offers a mix of greens, purples, and whites, adding a touch of variety to your landscape.
When selecting your varieties, consider the size and color you want to achieve in your garden. Also, consider the growing conditions in your area, as some varieties are more cold-hardy than others.
Planting Ornamental Cabbage and Kale: Location and Timing
Ornamental cabbage and kale thrive in cool temperatures, making them perfect for fall and early winter planting. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
1. Choose a sunny spot: These plants prefer full sun to partial shade, so select a location that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight per day.
2. Prepare the soil: Ornamental cabbage and kale prefer well-drained soil. Amend heavy clay soil with compost or peat moss to improve drainage.
3. Plant in the fall: The best time to plant ornamental cabbage and kale is in the fall, usually around 6-8 weeks before the first frost.
4. Spacing: Space plants 12-18 inches apart to allow for proper growth and air circulation.
5. Water well: Water your plants deeply after planting, and continue to water regularly, especially during dry periods.
Caring for Your Ornamental Cabbage and Kale
Once your plants are established, caring for them is relatively simple. Here’s what you need to do:
- Water regularly: Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy. Water deeply during dry periods.
- Fertilize occasionally: Use a balanced fertilizer every few weeks to promote healthy growth.
- Remove any weeds: Keep the area around your plants weed-free to prevent competition for nutrients.
- Mulch: Apply a layer of organic mulch around the base of your plants to help retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- Protect from pests: While ornamental cabbage and kale are generally pest-resistant, occasional infestations can occur. Monitor your plants for any signs of pests and take appropriate action.
Enjoying Your Ornamental Cabbage and Kale Display
With proper care, your ornamental cabbage and kale will thrive and add a stunning touch to your landscape. Here are some tips to maximize their beauty:
- Combine with other plants: Pair your ornamental cabbage and kale with other fall-blooming plants, such as mums, pansies, and ornamental grasses.
- Use in containers: Ornamental cabbage and kale look beautiful in containers, adding a touch of color and texture to your porch or patio.
- Create a focal point: Plant a large grouping of ornamental cabbage and kale in a prominent location to create a stunning focal point in your garden.
- Cut for arrangements: Ornamental cabbage and kale leaves make beautiful additions to floral arrangements, bringing a touch of winter wonder to your home.
Ornamental Cabbage and Kale: Beyond the Garden
The beauty of ornamental cabbage and kale extends beyond the garden. Here are some creative ways to use these plants:
- Table centerpieces: Create a stunning and unique table centerpiece by arranging ornamental cabbage and kale leaves in a vase or bowl.
- Gift baskets: Include ornamental cabbage and kale in a fall-themed gift basket, adding a touch of color and texture.
- Wreaths and garlands: Use ornamental cabbage and kale leaves to create festive wreaths and garlands for your home or porch.
A Final Word: The Joy of Ornamental Cabbage and Kale
Growing ornamental cabbage and kale is a rewarding experience, offering stunning beauty and a touch of winter wonder to your landscape. These plants are easy to care for, versatile in their uses, and a true delight to behold. So, why not add a touch of color and texture to your garden this fall and winter with these beautiful plants?
What You Need to Know
Q: Can I grow ornamental cabbage and kale from seed?
A: Yes, you can grow ornamental cabbage and kale from seed. Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost.
Q: How long do ornamental cabbage and kale plants last?
A: Ornamental cabbage and kale plants typically last through the fall and winter months, providing color and texture until the first hard freeze.
Q: Can I eat ornamental cabbage and kale?
A: While some varieties of ornamental cabbage and kale are edible, they are often treated with pesticides and may not be as flavorful as their edible counterparts. It’s best to stick to varieties specifically labeled as edible.
Q: What are some other plants that look good with ornamental cabbage and kale?
A: Ornamental cabbage and kale look beautiful planted with other fall-blooming plants, such as mums, pansies, and ornamental grasses. You can also pair them with winter-hardy plants like heathers, hollies, and conifers.
