Growing, growing and propagating ornamental kale

Grow These “Vegetables” For Fall Color

Head cabbage is one of the most widely cultivated leafy vegetables. Along with its close relative, kale, cabbage is a cool-season crop, planted in the spring for the fall and winter harvest. It is a staple food in many European countries and the main ingredient in two well-known foods, cabbage salad and sauerkraut.

The plants described and photographed here are close relatives of the head cabbage, but are grown for decoration only and not for food. However, they are edible, but taste quite bitter. Even so, they can be used as a colorful garnish for salads, snack trays or other dishes.

Horticultural origin

Ornamental cabbage and kale belong to the Accephala group of the Brassica oleracea species, a member of the Mustard family originally native to southern and western Europe. Cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts are also members of this species, but they are found in different groups. These are all cultivated plants with horticultural origins and are not found in nature. Ornamental cabbages and kale have been hybridized for their colors and leaf shapes at the expense of flavor.

Various varieties

There are a number of varieties of ornamental cabbage and kale, which can roughly be divided into two groups: those with smaller leaves with smooth, wavy edges, and those with larger leaves with fringed lacy edges. In both types, the outer leaves are always green or bluish-green. The central rosette is white or cream, or with shades of pinkish violet or reddish purple. There is a newer F1 hybrid called ‘Peacock’, with long, narrow, deeply cut leaves that give the plant a snowflake-like appearance.
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How to grow ornamental cabbage and kale

Ornamental cabbage and kale are annuals grown from seeds sown in late spring. They are great for fall and winter color and can be worn in many ways. When used as bedding plants, the leaf shapes and color combinations provide an interesting palette for unusual designs. They are ideal for pots, tubs and planters, either by themselves in a mix of the varieties or planted alongside fall-blooming plants like chrysanthemums. One effective method is to plant the different colors and varieties together in concentric circles, or other geometric patterns, in a large, shallow tub or container.

Easy to grow from seed

Sow seeds outdoors in late spring or early summer in trays, seedbeds, or bare frames. Cover the seeds lightly. They will germinate in 2-3 weeks at 60 ° -65 ° F. Prick individual potted seedlings as soon as they are large enough to handle. Plant them so that the cotyledons (seed sheets) are level with the ground. Store them in a sunny but cool place. The soil must be rich and well drained; Add a little extra organic matter like compost or leaf mold to regular potting soil.

Ornamental cabbage and kale need plenty of water and a weekly feeding of diluted liquid fertilizer. They will grow quickly and should be placed in larger pots (or their final location, if desired) as needed. They can then be planted in the garden or in the tubs at any time during the growing season.

As temperatures begin to drop in late summer or early fall, stop fertilizing. The sheets will begin to color when the proper temperatures drop to 50 ° F or below. The milder the climate, the longer they will continue to provide color.

Discard the plants when they begin to “bloom” later in winter or spring. You can let them bloom and collect seeds, if you like, but it’s best to buy fresh seeds every year.
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Plant doctor

Cabbage and kale are subject to numerous insect and disease problems.

Be on the lookout for “chewers”, particularly cabbage worms and cabbage worms. These will leave unsightly holes in the leaves (or no leaves, if the infestation is bad) that will spoil the appearance of the plant. Remove them by hand and use an insecticide.

– Root worms can infect seedbeds; they are less of a problem in potted plants later on. The plants will look wilted and begin to decline. Water with insecticide.

– Club root fungus can be a serious problem in garden beds, especially where other cruciferous plants have been grown. As with rootworms, the roots are attacked and the plant will look wilted and may even die. Your nurseryman may also recommend a special fungicide for watering, but this may not be helpful in advanced cases. Destroy plants and remove infected soil, and wait several years before replanting cabbages or their relative there. It also helps to reduce the acidity of the soil by liming it.

NOTE: Pesticides that are not used according to label directions can be harmful to humans, animals, and plants. Use only pesticides that have labels with instructions for home and garden use. Always read and follow label instructions.
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Buying tips

Cabbage and kale ornamental seed is available in mail order seed catalogs and sometimes in nurseries. Potted plants are also often available in nurseries in the fall.

Useful life: annual.

Season: autumn and winter.

Difficulty Ratio: Easy, but pests and diseases can be a problem.
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Soon

Size and growth rate
Fast-growing annuals with colorful leaves, which can have many fringes around the edges. It can grow to 12 inches or more wide and 12 to 15 inches tall.

Bloom and fragrance
Odorless white or creamy yellow flowers on a spike that is “screwed in” from the center.

Light and temperature
Plants need full sun to keep their compact shape. However, temperatures should be cool: in hot summer areas, exposure to the south is too hot. The leaves begin to stain in fall when the nighttime temperature drops below 50 ° F.

Irrigation and feeding
Plenty of water should be provided; never let the plants dry out. Feed weekly with diluted liquid fertilizer during the summer, but stop feeding towards the fall.

Soil and transplant
Use rich, well-drained soil that is neutral or slightly alkaline.

Cleanliness
Neither

Propagator
By seed.

Environment
Use as bedding plants or in large tubs, containers, or planters.