Ornamental cabbage and kale (Brassica oleracea) belong to the same species as edible varieties like broccoli and cauliflower. These plants are selectively bred for their striking aesthetic qualities, serving as popular cool-season bedding plants. They feature large, dense rosettes of foliage in vibrant hues, including creamy white, pink, purple, and deep red. Their unique texture and color patterns provide long-lasting visual interest in the garden well past the season of typical annuals.
Retail Sources for Ornamental Cabbage
The most reliable places to find healthy, established ornamental cabbage transplants are local, independent garden centers and specialized nurseries. These businesses frequently stock a wide selection of cultivars, such as the frilly-leaved ‘Peacock’ or the smooth-leaved ‘Osaka’ series. Staff can provide expert, region-specific advice on the best planting times and local varieties. Local nurseries generally prioritize plant health and offer superior quality specimens ready for immediate planting.
Large chain retailers, including big box stores, also carry ornamental cabbage in high volume during the peak autumn season. While these stores offer convenience and competitive pricing, their stock is highly seasonal and may have a narrower selection of specific varieties. Purchasing requires careful inspection, as plants may have been exposed to less consistent care or suboptimal watering schedules.
For gardeners seeking rare cultivars or those who prefer to grow from seed, online specialty seed sellers are the primary avenue. These vendors offer an extensive catalog of unique seeds not typically found in local retail stores. When ordering live plants online, shipping costs can be a factor, and there is a risk of damage to the delicate foliage during transit.
Seasonal Timing for Purchasing
The availability of ornamental cabbage is dictated strictly by its preference for cool weather, as it is a cold-tolerant annual. The primary buying season for established transplants begins in late summer and continues through the fall, typically from late August to October. This timing allows the plants to be set out just as summer annuals fade and temperatures drop, ready for an immediate seasonal display.
The distinctive colors of ornamental cabbage, which come from anthocyanin pigments, intensify significantly as temperatures consistently fall below 50°F. Buying plants during this window ensures they display their best colors as the first light frosts arrive. Purchasing too early in the heat of summer can result in the plant “bolting,” where it prematurely sends up an undesirable flower stalk.
Gardeners who wish to grow plants from seed need to plan much earlier in the year. Seeds should be started indoors during mid-summer, approximately six to ten weeks before the expected first frost date. This early indoor start ensures the seedlings are robust enough to be transplanted outside when cooler autumn weather arrives. Seeds require light for germination and must be kept in cool conditions.
Evaluating Plant Quality Before Buying
When selecting an ornamental cabbage plant, examine the specimen closely for several indicators of health. A healthy plant will have a compact, dense growth habit and firm leaves that are not soft or wilting. The size is important, as ornamental cabbage often does not grow much larger once transplanted, especially if it is already developed.
Carefully inspect the foliage for any signs of damage or infestation, particularly looking for common pests like aphids, cabbage worms, or flea beetles. Avoid plants with yellowing lower leaves, which can signal overwatering or nutrient deficiencies, or leaves that appear tattered. The plant’s color should be vibrant, even if the central colors are only beginning to develop, as the deepest hues appear only with sustained exposure to cold.
It is beneficial to check the base of the plant by gently lifting it from the pot to inspect the roots. If the plant is severely root-bound (roots densely circling the soil ball), it may struggle to establish quickly. Choose plants where the roots are visible but not overly crowded, indicating a specimen ready for successful transplanting.