Welcome to our Plant of the Week series, where we highlight a different plant every week that is sure to add color and interest to your garden. This week, we are featuring the early-flowering Brassica oleracea, commonly known as Ornamental Kale or Flowering Cabbage.
Ornamental Kale is a common sight in gardens and landscapes, especially during the fall and winter months. One particularly stunning variety is the “Flare™” series, which includes vibrant colors like pink, purple, and white. The “Yokohama” series is another popular choice, with its ruffled leaves and wide range of colors. These kale plants can grow between 7.5cm-11m tall and have thick stems that add structure to displays.
Gardeners often choose to grow Ornamental Kale for its beautiful foliage rather than its flowers. While the flowers are small and yellow, it is the leaves that steal the show. These leaves come in a variety of colors, including pink, white, green, and bi-color combinations. They can be flat or ruffled, creating a unique texture in the garden.
Ornamental Kale is easy to grow from seed, making it a favorite among both beginner and experienced growers. It can be planted in the garden or in containers, and it thrives in full sun to partial shade. These plants are also cold hardy, often surviving freezing temperatures and even frost. They are known to withstand thawing and freezing cycles well, maintaining their color and structure throughout the season.
While Ornamental Kale is not commonly grown for food, it is a member of the Brassicaceae family, which includes several edible plants such as broccoli, cabbage, and mustard greens. The name “kale” comes from the Latin word “acephala,” meaning “without a head,” referring to the plant’s loose, feather-like leaves. Despite its name, Ornamental Kale does not produce a central head like the common green kale.
If you’re looking to create a colorful and eye-catching display in your garden, Ornamental Kale is a great choice. Its vibrant leaves and unique texture make it stand out from other plants. So, why not add a pop of pink or purple to your garden this week with some beautiful Ornamental Kale?
Please note: When planting Ornamental Kale, it is important to ensure that the soil remains moist but not waterlogged. These plants can wilt easily if not watered regularly. Additionally, be careful when handling the seeds as they can be very small and easily lost. If you need assistance with germination or have any questions, please contact us. Our team at Harris Seeds is always here to help!
Ornamental Cabbage Kale
Ornamental Cabbage Kale, also known as Brassica oleracea, is a beautiful plant that is popular for its colorful foliage. It belongs to the same family as cabbage and kale, and its latin name, Brassica oleracea, reflects this.
These plants are typically grown for their vibrant leaves rather than their flowers. They come in a wide variety of colors, including shades of purple, red, and pink. Some varieties even have bi-color or ruffled foliage, adding even more glamour to your garden.
Ornamental Cabbage Kale is typically planted in the cool season, between frosts, as they can withstand cold temperatures better than other plants. They thrive in Zones 2-11 and can be planted from seeds or transplants. Plant them in well-amended, well-draining soil.
These plants usually reach maturity in about 90 days from planting. They produce large, flat leaves that can grow up to 2 feet wide. The leaves are often ruffled or have a feather-like appearance, adding to their visual appeal.
Ornamental Cabbage Kale is a low-maintenance plant that requires little attention once established. They are tolerant of drought and can withstand periods of dry weather. However, they do need regular watering to thrive and should not be allowed to wilt.
Flowering is not the main focus of these plants, but when they do flower, the blooms are small and inconspicuous. The flowers are usually white or yellow and are more of an added bonus than a main feature of the plant.
If you choose to collect seeds from your plants, they can be sown directly in the garden or started indoors. Seeds should be planted about 6-8 weeks before the last frost date for your area. They have a relatively low germination rate, so it’s a good idea to plant more seeds than needed to ensure success.
Ornamental Cabbage Kale is a versatile plant that can be used in a variety of ways in your garden. They can be planted as a focal point or used as a colorful border. They also make great additions to containers, adding a pop of color to your patio or porch.
Whether you call them Ornamental Cabbage or Ornamental Kale, these plants are sure to add a touch of beauty to your garden. With their vibrant foliage and low-maintenance nature, they are a great choice for both beginner and experienced gardeners alike.
Brassica oleracea Photo Gallery
Here is a collection of colorful photos featuring Brassica oleracea, also known as ornamental kale or flowering cabbage. These plants are a popular choice among gardeners for their vibrant foliage and ability to withstand cool temperatures.
Brassica oleracea is an agricultural plant that belongs to the brassica genus. It is a close relative of cabbage and kale, and is often used as a cover crop to amend the soil. The white rosettes of the plant create a beautiful contrast against the green foliage.
In this photo gallery, you will find a variety of Brassica oleracea plants in different shades and colors. From white to pink to bicolor, there is a kale to suit every garden. Some varieties, such as Flare™ and Nagoya, display stunning red hues that add glamour to any garden.
Brassica oleracea plants can be grown from seed and are usually started early in the season. They can withstand frosts and are often harvested between 50-60 days after thawing. The plants have slightly ruffled leaves and are known for their ornamental appeal.
If you are interested in learning more about Brassica oleracea or would like to join our plant of the week collection, please contact us via e-mail. We will be happy to provide you with more information.
Brassica oleracea Plant Information
Welcome to our guide on the Brassica oleracea plant, also known as ornamental kale or flowering cabbage. This plant is native to the Mediterranean region and belongs to the Brassica family. It is commonly grown for its attractive rosettes of white, pink, or red leaves that resemble a rose. The Latin name for this plant, Brassica oleracea, reflects its close relationship to many other common vegetables, such as broccoli, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts.
One of the main features of Brassica oleracea is its beautiful and vibrant leaf colors. The leaves can range from white and pale pink to deep red, creating a lovely display in any garden. The plant typically reaches a height of 4-10 inches, making it a great choice for borders or containers.
When it comes to planting Brassica oleracea, gardeners have a few options. You can choose to sow seeds directly into the ground, starting at least 4-10 weeks before the last frost date. The seeds should be sown slightly deeper than needed, and the soil should be kept moist until germination. Another option is to purchase young plants from a nursery and transplant them into your garden.
Brassica oleracea is a hardy plant that can withstand cold temperatures and even light frosts, making it a great choice for fall and winter gardens. It is also resistant to many common pests and diseases, making it a relatively low-maintenance plant.
If you’re looking for a specific variety of Brassica oleracea, you may come across different names such as “Flare™”, “Crane”, or “Queen”. These names refer to specific cultivars that have been bred for their unique characteristics, such as leaf color or shape. Some popular cultivars include “Pigeon Red”, a kale with deep red leaves, and “Flat White”, which has flat white leaves.
For those looking to add some glamour to their garden, Brassica oleracea can be a great choice. Its vibrant colors and unique leaf shapes create a stunning focal point or a beautiful addition to flower bed displays. You can also cut the leaves and use them as a decorative cover for floral arrangements or table centerpieces.
In summary, Brassica oleracea, or ornamental kale/flowering cabbage, is a versatile and visually appealing plant that can bring color and interest to any garden. Whether you choose to grow it for its aesthetic value or as a cold-hardy food source, it is sure to impress with its vibrant hues and unique leaf shapes.
Plant of the Week: Ornamental Kale Flowering Cabbage
The ornamental kale flowering cabbage, also known as Brassica oleracea, is a stunning plant that can really make your garden stand out. Its rosettes of beautiful, brilliant colors, ranging from deep purples to vibrant pinks, can add a touch of glamour to any garden setting. With its ruffled leaves and vibrant hues, this plant is a true showstopper.
One popular variety of ornamental kale is the “Yokohama,” with its early-flowering and wide, hand-shaped leaves. Another option is the “Crane Feather,” which has intricate, feathery edges that make it look like a work of art. The “Harris Gallery” is another favorite, with its mixed foliage color which changes as the plant matures.
The ornamental kale flowering cabbage is most commonly used as a bedding plant, adding a splash of color to flower beds and borders. It is also great for container planting, providing a burst of vibrant hues on patios, balconies, and in small gardens. This plant is versatile and can thrive in a wide range of climates, making it a popular choice among gardeners.
When it comes to planting the ornamental kale flowering cabbage, it is best to choose a location that receives full sun or partial shade. This plant prefers well-drained soil and benefits from regular watering. While it can tolerate some frosts, it is important to protect the plant from extreme cold temperatures.
It is recommended to start the ornamental kale from seed, which can be done indoors about 4-10 weeks before the last expected frost. The seeds can be sown directly into the ground, but starting them indoors gives them a head start and increases their chances of success. Once the seedlings have grown into sturdy plants, they can be transplanted outdoors.
Overall, the ornamental kale flowering cabbage is a stunning choice for gardeners who want to add a pop of color and beauty to their landscape. Its vibrant hues and unique foliage make it a standout plant that is sure to impress. Whether used in flower beds, containers, or as a focal point in the garden, this plant is a true eye-catcher.
