How to grow and care for ornamental cabbage outdoors

Ornamental kale is an unusual member of the Cruciferae family. It is considered a distinct leafy species. As the annuals fade in autumn, ornamental kale becomes the garden's crowning glory, its lacy leaves turning rich shades of purple, cream, and red. After the first frost, the leaves become edible: delicious and nutritious, they contain up to 20% dry matter. Kale is also rich in protein, fiber, minerals, and amino acids.

General description

The Latin name for ornamental kale is Brassica oleracea var. acephala. It is a subspecies of garden cabbage. It is also known as curly kale or brassica. It was brought to Russia from Japan in the late 19th century. It was in that country that breeders noticed the crop's potential for cultivation. They began crossing the parent species to develop hardy, ornamental varieties. Cabbage can be called a versatile plant. Its can be grown as a food crop or used as a garden decoration.

Ornamental kale is a biennial herbaceous plant. In the first year, a rosette of leaves forms, and in the second, flowering organs and seeds appear. The stem height, depending on the variety, can range from 20 to 130 centimeters. Leaf size also varies: up to 60 centimeters long and up to 30 centimeters wide. The leaf blade structure can be smooth, wavy, dissected, serrated, and corrugated. The leaves of some varieties are narrowed and very elongated, while others are rosette-shaped. Their color is vibrant and varied. In addition to all shades of green, the foliage can also be pink, purple, yellow, and white.

The leaves do not form into a dense stalk, as in white cabbage, and form a large, loose basal rosette resembling a flower. The central leaves are sessile, and the outer leaves have petioles. The growing season for brassicas lasts from early July to late October (150 days). Its decorative qualities begin to emerge with the arrival of cold weather. Ornamental cabbage is a cold-hardy plant. In mild winters, it can remain in open ground, and with the arrival of spring it will continue to grow.

Young leaves are edible. They are highly nutritious, rich in vitamin C and carotene. They are used to make all kinds of salads and side dishes. Cabbage retains its flavor and nutritional value even after cooking.

Ornamental cabbage varieties and hybrids

Gardeners' interest in this unique vegetable has led to the development of numerous cultivars and hybrids, varying in plant height, leaf structure, shape, and color. There are tall varieties, with bushes reaching 130-150 centimeters. In contrast, there are dwarf varieties, whose height barely reaches 30 centimeters. Some hybrids have cup-shaped inflorescences, while others grow upward in long, jagged spears. Cup-shaped varieties typically have light green outer leaves, while the center can be creamy. purple, pink or scarlet. Interestingly, as temperatures drop, the foliage color becomes more vibrant and saturated. All brassica varieties and hybrids are divided into two groups: annuals and biennials. All are relatively easy to grow and undemanding of growing conditions.

One of the most popular varieties is the hybrid "Vyacheslavna" (also known as "Voronezh White"). This low-growing plant (can grow up to 50 centimeters) forms a spreading, lush rosette of leaves in shades of blue, yellow, and white.

Another cultivar, "Burgundy Lace," is known for its lacy, emerald-colored foliage. It is grown as an annual.

The 'Sunrise F1' cabbage has an interesting bush structure. Its delicate cream-colored rosette of leaves is very similar in structure to a rose inflorescence.

A striking example of ornamental kale is the hybrid "Crane Bicolor F1." This species is distinguished by its plant structure: small rosettes form on long stems. The leaves are smooth and shiny, tightly pressed together. In the fall, they begin to bloom like roses, shimmering with yellow-red, burgundy-pink hues.

The most popular series of kale is the Kale series. Tall, palm-like stems with ruffled leaves of varying colors look stunning in tall vases.

The hybrid variety "Nagoya White F1" is truly beautiful. This unique plant boasts fringed leaves. The outer layer of the leaves is green, while the central leaflets are creamy or pure white. The most unpretentious varieties include "Kraski Vostoka" (Colors of the East), with its pink-tinged leaves, and "Osaka," whose foliage is three vibrant colors.

Features of growing brassica

If you are already familiar with agricultural cultivation techniques If you're familiar with white cabbage, you won't have any problems growing ornamental cabbage, as the cultivation principles for these two varieties are very similar. Cabbage is an undemanding crop when it comes to growing conditions and care. It can grow quite well in the shade and on alkaline soils. However, for full development, it's best planted in well-lit areas, in light loam, with a high water table.

Planting dates

Brassica is grown from seedlings. If you want a lush bush earlier, sow it indoors in mid-March. The seedlings should be at least 80 days old when transplanted into the ground. This means they shouldn't be planted in the flowerbed until late May. Planting later will result in poor establishment and growth.

Otherwise, sowing can be done from mid-April to early May in a plastic greenhouse or under temporary cover. It's important that the soil is already warm (up to 8°C) and has sufficient snow moisture reserves at the time of sowing.

Soil requirements

It's important to remember that seedlings germinate well in fertile, loose, and light soil. Therefore, the soil mixture is composed of several components that will provide the seeds with everything they need for rapid germination. Sod, peat, humus, and river sand are mixed in equal proportions. Then, a cup of ash is added to a bucket of the prepared soil mixture. Before sowing, the soil is baked in the oven or disinfected with a potassium permanganate solution. When planting cabbage, the soil should be slightly moist—this will allow the seeds to adhere to the soil more quickly.

Selecting a container

Sow the seeds in seedling containers. These can be wooden or plastic boxes that are shallow but wide enough. Since cabbage does not tolerate transplanting well, it is preferable to sow the seeds in individual peat pots or directly into open ground, spaced well apart. It is important to ensure the seedling container has a drainage hole to prevent waterlogging and soil compaction.

Sowing seeds

Brassica seeds are very small and difficult to sow locally, so they are sown densely, aiming for no more than three seeds per plot. Sow in narrow furrows, 1.5 centimeters deep. If planting in individual containers, place 2-3 seeds per hole. Once the seedlings emerge, select only the strongest one. When the seedlings have developed two leaves, they are pricked out. Transplanting seedlings without damaging the root system is often very difficult, so it is recommended to transfer the seedlings to their new location with the root ball still attached.

Temperature

At a temperature of 18 degrees Celsius, the first shoots appear by the fourth day. Once all the seedlings have sprouted, the temperature is reduced to 10 degrees Celsius during the day and 6 degrees Celsius at night. This measure is necessary to ensure harmonious germination of the sprouts without excessive stretching. After a couple of weeks, the temperature is raised slightly: now the seedlings should develop at a temperature of 13-16 degrees Celsius during the day and 8-10 degrees Celsius at night. Ornamental kale is a long-day crop. This means that it requires at least 14 hours of sunlight per day to thrive. Therefore, on cloudy days, the seedlings are provided with artificial lighting.

Caring for seedlings

To ensure full growth, seedlings should always be kept in semi-moist soil. Water the seedlings very carefully, being careful not to wash away the soil from the roots. Initially, a light misting with water from a spray bottle is sufficient. Once the seedlings have grown a little, thin them out. Once the bushes have two leaves, they are being dive-bombedA week after transplanting, the cabbage is fed for the first time. This time, a complex mineral fertilizer is added to the soil. Two weeks later, the seedlings are fed a second time.

Planting of mature seedlings occurs in late April or early May. They can be started in a quiet corner of the garden to continue growing, and then transplanted into the flowerbed in midsummer. Individual holes are dug for the seedlings, spaced staggered, at least 30 centimeters apart. The plants are buried deep in the soil up to the first leaves. The soil is firmly compacted and watered.

Selecting a site

Brassica prefers sunny, quiet sites, although it grows quite well in light partial shade. Cabbage, like its cousins, is demanding of soil fertility. The soil should be light, loose, and well-moistened. When planting a cabbage bed, add a generous amount of humus or compost, mineral fertilizer, and ash. Overly acidic soil can be deacidified with lime in the fall.

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Planting cabbage in the ground

For the seedlings, prepare shallow holes 30 centimeters apart. Add a handful of humus and ash, along with mineral fertilizer (nitroammophoska, nitrophoska, or Rost-1 fertilizer) to the bottom of the holes. Planting seedlings Before the lower leaves begin to grow, compact the soil and water. You can sprinkle the seedlings with soil or ash. Better yet, cover them with plastic wrap or plastic bottles—this will protect the fragile bushes from insects, rain, and the scorching sun.

Growing cabbage by sowing in the ground

This cold-hardy plant can be grown directly in the garden, skipping the seedling stage. However, this method has its drawbacks. Firstly, in regions with short, humid summers, plants grown in the ground don't have time to fully develop to their optimal size. Secondly, young, immature plants are often susceptible to pests such as flea beetles and aphids, and are often susceptible to blackleg. Sow the seeds in the ground around mid-April, when the soil is ready to receive the "guest."

To speed up germination, a makeshift greenhouse is built over the seedlings. This will protect them from sudden cold snaps. On warm days, the film is removed. It's important that the seedlings receive the optimal amount of light, warmth, and moisture while growing. Cabbage won't thrive in cold soil. As early as mid-May, the grown plants can be transplanted into flower beds. At the beginning of active leaf growth, the cabbage is fed with a mullein solution. Then, the nitrogen concentration is reduced in favor of mineral supplements.

Caring for cabbage in open ground

Brassica, as befits a cabbage, loves water. Water every other day, applying 500 milliliters of water to young plants and up to 2 liters to mature plants. During rainy periods, watering is stopped, and during dry periods, water daily. At the same time, cabbage doesn't tolerate Overwatering. Inappropriate watering can lead to water stagnation at the base of the plant and soil compaction. This affects the development of the cabbage plant: the roots stop receiving sufficient oxygen and can begin to rot. The plant can be affected by various fungal diseases, including blackleg and gray mold.

Cabbage leaves also require moisture during growth and flowering. Therefore, they should be "pampered" by watering them with a sprinkler.

Mulching the area with straw, sawdust, or weed clippings will help reduce the frequency of watering and control weed growth. A 5-centimeter layer of mulch will protect the roots from overheating. Furthermore, as the mulch rots, it will provide an additional source of nutrients for the roots. Mulching under the cabbage will also eliminate the need to loosen the soil after each watering.

Top dressing

Brassica is good responds to feeding, of which there can be two to five during the growing season. The plant prefers mineral fertilizers. Organic matter is needed only during the initial stage, when leaves are developing. Brassica grows well after being fed with a mullein solution, which is especially beneficial in June, during leaf formation. Then, superphosphate and potassium are added to the soil, which are necessary for the uniform green leaves to gradually change their color to multicolored ones.

Diseases and pests

Ornamental cabbage is most often affected by fungal diseases such as late blight, powdery mildew, and root rot. If disease symptoms are just beginning, the fungal growth can be stopped by adjusting the growing conditions. If severe infestation occurs, cabbage plants should be treated with fungicides such as Quadris or Fundazol. If the disease has spread throughout the plant, it is best to remove it from the general planting before it infects healthy plants.

Cabbage butterflies and cutworms are often seen on brassicas, preferring to lay their eggs in the dense, dense foliage. Aphids, cabbage flea beetles, slugs, and spider mites—all of whom love cruciferous plants—are also fond of the succulent foliage. Gardeners often use folk remedies to rid plants of pests: washing them off with soapy water, treating them with ash, and various fragrant infusions (garlic, wormwood, onion peel). If the pest population increases, insecticide treatments should be considered. Actara, Bicol, and DetisProfi are effective in this case.

Growing your own seeds

If you want to harvest cabbage seeds, leave the plant in the garden bed over winter (if the winter is not frosty) or transplant it into a pot and keep it in a cellar or basement. The following year, the cabbage is planted back in the garden bed. In the summer, the plant will produce flower stalks, which begin to bloom in late June. These stalks will then be replaced by seed-filled pods. These pods will fully ripen in the fall. Their readiness will be indicated by their appearance: the pods will dry out, wrinkle, and turn light brown. Then they are cut, tied into bundles, and hung in a dry place to ripen. Once completely dry, they will begin to split, and the seeds will fall off.

Harvesting

From mid-August, you can begin harvesting young leaves for salads. You don't have to cut them all at once. You can cut off 2-3 leaves at a time, and new, succulent shoots will soon grow in their place. When steady frost sets in, the edible cabbage can be transplanted into a container and grown indoors. Cut cabbage leaves don't keep for long—up to 5 days.

Use in landscape design

This lush-leaved plant pairs well with various flowering shrubs. Growing among other flowers, cabbage bushes resemble enormous roses in a variety of red and burgundy shades. It's most often planted in the back row next to low-growing, light-colored flowering plants. Cabbage also looks good in a stand-alone location: when planted as a specimen, several varieties of different colors are typically used. If you want to fill a large area with vibrant colors, ornamental cabbage is a cost-effective choice: thanks to its lush, voluminous habit, 5-6 seedlings are sufficient (the rosette can reach 50-60 centimeters in diameter).

It can be planted along garden paths or in rock gardens. Determinate varieties look unusual in pots and hanging planters. Cabbage can be used to create a beautiful container arrangement.

Tips for growing ornamental kale

Even a novice gardener can grow a cabbage bed in their own garden. Growing techniques for this crop are quite simple. However, if you want to achieve an unprecedented riot of color in your first year of growing cabbage, it's worth following a few tips from gardeners who have already successfully grown this vegetable in their own plots:

1. If the cabbage grows too tall, you can pinch its stem. This will cause many small side branches to appear in place of one large "flower."
2. Brassica is often damaged by various insects. Regularly treating the cabbage with tobacco dust will help protect it from pests. To make a beneficial infusion, mix tobacco or shag with water and let it steep for several days. Then strain the concentrate, add a little soap (for adhesion), and spray the plants every 14 days. The fragrant solution will repel insects.
3. Excessive nitrogen fertilizer application dramatically reduces the plant's immunity to fungal diseases. When growing cabbage, it's best to opt for complex mineral fertilizers containing potassium chloride, superphosphate, and ammonium nitrate. These compounds, in fact, will boost the plant's vitality.
4. Growing a fully grown brassica indoors is impossible because the plant thrives at temperatures between 5 and 8 degrees Celsius. Seedlings won't thrive in warm, dry conditions.
5. When planting ornamental kale in the ground, keep in mind that these plants require a lot of space. If they are planted too densely, the bushes will become too elongated, and a lush rosette will not form.

Ornamental kale can be not only the centerpiece of your garden, but also your family's table. With brassica, you can admire the beauty of its lush, variegated rosettes until late autumn. And if you transplant it into larger pots, it can last until the New Year.