How to Grow Ornamental Cabbage

Ornamental Cabbage

Brassica oleracea var. acephala

flower

Ornamental cabbage is a decorative cultivar of cabbage prized for its stunning foliage rather than edibility. These plants produce rosette formations in shades of purple, pink, white, and green, creating striking landscape features in fall and winter gardens. Though technically edible, they are bred for visual appeal and often have a bitter taste.

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Nagoya Red Kamome White Dynasty Pink Pigeon Purple Coral Queen Sunrise Rose

Growing Conditions

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Sun: Full sun, 6+ hours daily for best color development

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Water: Consistent moisture; water 1-2 inches per week. Avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal issues. Water at soil level, especially in cooler months

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Spacing: 12-18 inches apart inches

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Days to maturity: 70-100 days from transplant

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Planting depth: Transplants: plant at same depth as nursery pot. Seeds: sow 0.25 inches deep

Soil

Type: Well-draining, fertile loamy soil with good organic matter

pH: 6.0-7.5

Amendments:

Compost aged manure peat moss slow-release balanced fertilizer

Growing Zones

Find your zone →

Thrives in zones 3-9, with best color development in cooler fall temperatures

3a 3b 4a 4b 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 8b 9a 9b

Growth Stages

Seedling

3-4 weeks

Tiny plants with 2-4 true leaves, fragile and light green

Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Provide bright light. Thin seedlings or transplant to prevent crowding. Begin with cool temperatures (65-70°F) to prevent bolting

Vegetative Growth

4-6 weeks

Plant develops multiple leaves in a loose rosette formation, stem lengthens slightly

Maintain consistent watering and fertilize every 2-3 weeks with balanced fertilizer. Remove any damaged leaves. Ensure proper spacing to prevent fungal issues

Rosette Formation

3-4 weeks

Leaves begin tightly layering into distinctive rosette shape, colors start intensifying

Reduce nitrogen fertilizer and increase phosphorus/potassium to enhance color. Cool night temperatures (below 50°F) trigger color development. Water consistently

Peak Coloration

4-8 weeks or longer

Fully formed rosette with vibrant colors—reds, purples, pinks, whites, or greens depending on variety

Light frost and cool temperatures enhance color intensity. Continue watering at soil level. Remove any yellowed or damaged outer leaves. Provide winter protection in colder zones

Senescence/Winter Decline

Variable, through winter

Leaves may loosen slightly, colors may fade, plant may produce flower stalks if exposed to extended cold

Remove severely damaged leaves. If spring flowering occurs, deadhead unless you want seed. In mild zones, plant may persist into early spring

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Alyssum snapdragons pansies violas ornamental grasses sedums chrysanthemums asters

Avoid planting near:

Tomatoes beans pole beans strawberries fennel other brassicas (cabbage, broccoli, kale)

Common Pests

Use row covers on young plants, hand-pick caterpillars, apply Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt), or use neem oil
Hand-pick, use Bt spray, deploy row covers, or apply spinosad
Use row covers early, apply diatomaceous earth, use neem oil, or insecticidal soap
Strong water spray, insecticidal soap, neem oil, or beneficial insect introduction
Improve soil drainage, maintain pH above 6.0, solarize soil, rotate crops, avoid planting in infected beds
Ensure good air circulation, avoid overhead watering, apply sulfur or neem oil fungicide

Uses

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Fall and Winter Arrangements

Craft

Ornamental cabbages are exceptional cut and display flowers for fall and winter bouquets, floral arrangements, and garden centerpieces. Their dramatic rosette forms and vibrant colors add striking visual interest to both fresh and dried arrangements. [source]

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Edible Landscape Garnish

Culinary

While not recommended for cooking due to bitterness, ornamental cabbages can technically be eaten and are sometimes used as dramatic edible garnishes on serving platters. Young inner leaves are less bitter than outer leaves. [source]

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Landscape Design and Color

Household

Ornamental cabbages provide reliable fall and winter color in gardens, containers, and landscaping when most flowering plants have faded. They thrive in cool weather and become more vibrant with frost. [source]

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Pollinator Support

Wildlife

If allowed to flower in spring, ornamental cabbages produce small yellow brassica flowers that attract bees and other pollinators, supporting early-season bee populations. [source]

Harvest Tips

Ornamental cabbages are grown for visual appeal and typically harvested by cutting at the base when peak coloration is achieved, usually in late fall or early winter. They can remain attractive in the garden for weeks to months. Cut with a sharp knife just above soil level, leaving roots in place. For arrangements, harvest in the morning when leaves are crisp. Remove outer damaged leaves for display. Though technically edible, most ornamental varieties are very bitter and not recommended for cooking.

Fun Facts

🌱 Ornamental cabbage color intensity is enhanced by exposure to frost and cold temperatures—the cooler it gets, the more vibrant and dramatic the colors become, making them perfect for late-season gardens.
🌱 Despite their decorative breeding, ornamental cabbages are botanically identical to edible cabbage (Brassica oleracea) and are technically edible, though they taste noticeably more bitter and are grown exclusively for ornamental appeal.
🌱 Ornamental cabbages have been cultivated in Japan for centuries and were popularized in Victorian-era European gardens as exotic foliage plants before becoming mainstream in American fall landscaping.

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