Information About Flowering Cabbage Plants

In warm, southern climates, flowering cabbages may last all winter.

Flowering cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. acephala) is grown for its leaves that add a touch of color to the winter garden. They come in shades of red, purple, pink and white and remain colorful until temperatures drop to 15 to 20 degrees.

Cabbages and Kales

These ornamental vegetables are technically kales, but the ones with rounded leaves are commonly called "ornamental cabbage" while the ones with deeply cut leaves are called "ornamental kale."

Timing

In southern climates with mild winters, plant flowering cabbages in autumn. They often last through the winter if covered with a layer of straw when temperatures below 20 degrees threaten. In northern climates plant them in summer where they thrive until freezing weather sets in.

Planting

Flowing cabbage needs a sunny location with rich, well-drained organic soil. Plant them at a depth just below the bottom two leaves and space them 12 to 18 inches apart. Apply a layer of mulch after planting to conserve moisture and insulate the soil.

References

• University of North Carolina Extension: Success with Ornamental Cabbage and Kale
• University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension: Ornamental Kale, Flowering Cabbage
• Mississippi State University Extension: Add Winter Color with Flowering Cabbage, Kale