Ornamental Cabbage & Kale

Brassica oleracea

Ornamental Cabbage and Kale are the champions of fall and winter container gardens — enormous rosettes of ruffled, colorful foliage in pink, purple, white, and cream that intensify in color with cold weather. They take freezes down to 15°F and look better the colder it gets. Replace spent summer annuals and enjoy color through Thanksgiving and beyond.

Hardiness Zones

2-11 (cool season annual)

Sunlight

Full Sun

Water Needs

Moderate

Maintenance

Low

Mature Size

12-18 in H × 12-18 in W

Growth Rate

Fast

Bloom Season

Fall - Early Spring

Bloom Color

Pink, Purple, White, Cream rosette centers with green outer leaves

Care Guide

Plant in early fall when nighttime temps drop below 60°F (cold triggers the color change). Full sun, moist soil. Fertilize at planting. Tolerates hard frost. Aphids can be an issue — spray with insecticidal soap. Remove after they bolt (send up flower stalks) in spring. Perfect for containers and window boxes.

Landscape Uses

Fall/winter containersBordersWindow boxesEdgingMass plantings

Best Growing Regions

northeastmidwestsoutheastmountainwest

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Dusty Miller

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Snapdragon

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Chrysanthemum

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Ornamental Grasses

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