How to Grow Ornamental Cabbage 'Pigeon Purple'

Ornamental Cabbage 'Pigeon Purple'

Brassica oleracea var. acephala

flower

Ornamental Cabbage 'Pigeon Purple' is a decorative brassica grown primarily for its striking purple-tinged foliage rather than consumption. The plant develops rosette-like formations of deeply frilly or lobed leaves that intensify in color as temperatures cool. It serves as an excellent cool-season ornamental for borders, containers, and fall/winter garden displays.

Growing Conditions

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Sun: Full sun, 6+ hours daily (more sun intensifies purple coloration)

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Water: Consistent moisture; water deeply 1-2 inches per week. Avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal issues. Keep soil evenly moist but not waterlogged.

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Spacing: 12-18 inches

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Days to maturity: 70-90 days to ornamental peak

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Planting depth: 1/4 inch for seeds; transplants at same depth as cell

Soil

Type: Well-draining loamy soil with consistent moisture

pH: 6.0-7.5

Amendments:

Compost aged manure balanced fertilizer (10-10-10 or similar)

Growing Zones

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Zones 3-9; thrives in cooler weather, with best color development in fall and winter

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

Growth Stages

Seedling

2-3 weeks

Tiny cotyledons emerge; first true leaves appear oval and simple

Keep soil consistently moist. Provide bright light to prevent leggy growth. Maintain 60-70°F for optimal germination.

Vegetative

3-4 weeks

Plant develops multiple true leaves with increasing lobation; purple tones begin to show

Thin seedlings or transplant to individual containers. Begin hardening off when 3-4 true leaves appear. Apply balanced fertilizer every 2-3 weeks.

Rosette Formation

4-6 weeks

Plant creates compact rosette of deeply frilled leaves; purple pigmentation intensifies, especially with cool nights

Maintain consistent watering and fertilization. Monitor for pests. Cooler temperatures (below 60°F at night) enhance purple coloration dramatically.

Peak Ornamental

8-12 weeks or more

Fully developed rosette with striking purple, magenta, or deep crimson outer leaves and pale inner leaves; texture is highly ruffled

Water regularly. Remove any yellowing outer leaves. Protect from hard freezes (below 15°F may cause damage). This stage lasts through fall and winter.

Late Season

Variable

Plant may eventually bolt when temperatures warm in spring, sending up flowering stems if retained

Plants are typically removed after peak ornamental display. If keeping for seed, allow to flower (small yellow flowers in spring).

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Ornamental kale Mums Asters Ornamental grasses Pansies Violas Snapdragons Dusty miller

Avoid planting near:

Other brassicas (cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower) — compete for nutrients and share pests Strawberries Fennel Kohlrabi

Common Pests

Row covers over young plants; Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt); hand-picking; neem oil
Row covers; kaolin clay spray; neem oil; insecticidal soap
Strong water spray; insecticidal soap; neem oil; encourage beneficial insects
Bt spray; hand-picking; row covers; spinosad
Yellow sticky traps; insecticidal soap; neem oil; reflective mulch

Uses

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Fall & Winter Garden Ornament

Household

Ornamental Cabbage 'Pigeon Purple' is valued for creating dramatic, long-lasting color in cool-season gardens and containers when most other plants fade. Its deep purple foliage adds sophistication to autumn and winter landscaping designs. [source]

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Container & Floral Arrangements

Household

The striking purple rosettes are perfect for mixed container gardens, window boxes, and can be cut and incorporated into seasonal floral designs and decorative arrangements. [source]

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Edible Ornamental Leaves

Culinary

While primarily grown for ornament, the young, tender leaves are technically edible and can be used in salads or lightly cooked, offering a mild cabbage flavor with minimal bitterness. [source]

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Pollinator & Beneficial Insect Support

Wildlife

If allowed to bolt in spring, the small yellow flowers attract bees and other pollinators, providing valuable early-season food sources. [source]

Harvest Tips

Ornamental cabbage is grown for visual display rather than harvest for consumption. Enjoy the foliage throughout fall and winter. Cut outer leaves to encourage rosette tightness if desired. Remove the entire plant once it begins to bolt in spring or when it loses ornamental appeal, typically after 8-12 weeks of peak display.

Fun Facts

🌱 Ornamental cabbage colors intensify dramatically after exposure to frost; a light freeze can deepen purple pigmentation by 20-30%, making it even more stunning.
🌱 'Pigeon Purple' is bred specifically for its ornamental appeal and deeply ruffled leaf texture, which is more dramatic than standard culinary cabbage varieties.
🌱 Ornamental cabbage and regular edible cabbage are the same species (Brassica oleracea), differing only in selective breeding for appearance and texture rather than flavor.

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