Zumula Ornamental Cabbage is a striking cool-season plant cultivated almost exclusively for its vibrant foliage. This cultivar belongs to the Brassica oleracea species, grouping it with edible cabbages and kale, but it has been selectively bred to highlight its showy, colorful leaves rather than flavor. It is primarily used to provide vivid garden interest during the cooler months of fall and winter when most other annuals have faded.
Initial Planting Requirements
Selecting the correct location for your Zumula Ornamental Cabbage is the first step to ensuring a brilliant color display. The plants require a minimum of six hours of direct sunlight each day. Full sun exposure encourages the most intense coloration in the leaves as temperatures drop. The ideal time for planting is in late summer or early fall, allowing the root system time to establish itself before cold weather arrives.
The soil must be rich in organic matter and have excellent drainage to prevent the roots from sitting in standing water. Ornamental cabbage thrives in a slightly acidic to neutral soil pH, ideally ranging between 5.5 and 6.5. Incorporate aged compost or other amendments when preparing the bed to improve soil structure and nutrient content.
Planting the specimens at the appropriate distance is necessary for both growth and disease prevention. Space the plants about 12 to 18 inches apart to allow for full rosette development and ensure air circulates freely between the leaves. Proper spacing reduces humidity around the foliage, which helps prevent fungal issues later in the season.
Routine Care and Watering
Once established, Zumula Ornamental Cabbage requires consistent moisture but will not tolerate soggy conditions, often referred to as “wet feet.” Aim to provide approximately one inch of water per week, either through rainfall or supplemental irrigation. Check the soil moisture by inserting a finger about an inch deep; if the soil feels dry, water thoroughly at the base of the plant to avoid wetting the central rosette.
Fertilization should be handled with restraint, as excessive nutrients can inhibit the development of the striking colors. A balanced, slow-release granular fertilizer applied at planting is usually sufficient for initial growth. If the plants are actively growing in milder weather, apply a light liquid feed diluted to half-strength every four to six weeks.
The most spectacular feature of this plant is its ability to intensify color with cold exposure. The vibrant pink, purple, or white centers of the Zumula variety become most pronounced when temperatures consistently fall below 50 degrees Fahrenheit. They are frost-tolerant and can survive temperatures as low as 5 degrees Fahrenheit, but prolonged, severe freezes may require temporary protection with a light covering.
Protecting Against Pests and Disease
Zumula Ornamental Cabbage shares the same vulnerability to common brassica pests as its edible relatives. Frequent insect challenges include the imported cabbage worm, cabbage looper, aphids, and flea beetles. Cabbage worms and loopers are caterpillars that chew holes in the leaves; inspecting the undersides of the foliage and handpicking visible larvae is an effective organic control method.
Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that cluster on new growth and can be dislodged with a strong jet of water from a hose. For significant infestations of aphids or flea beetles, use an application of insecticidal soap or a biological insecticide containing Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt). Preventative measures, such as covering young plants with a lightweight row cover, effectively block adult insects from laying eggs on the leaves.
The main disease concern is root rot, which is directly linked to overwatering or poor drainage. Ensuring the soil is never waterlogged remains the best defense. Maintaining good air circulation through correct plant spacing also helps prevent fungal diseases like downy mildew that thrive in damp, humid conditions.