Plant Profiles
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O
Ornamental Cabbage
Scientific Name: Brassica oleracea
Growth Habit: A big-leaf, cool-season annual with a flattened to rounded shape growing to 12 inches tall and 18 inches wide. The leaves grow to10 inches long and 8 inches wide. The outer collar of leaves are blue-green and newer central leaves, a contrasting white, pink or purple color.
Light: Plant in a full-sun location.
Feedings: Apply a general garden fertilizer monthly.
Water Needs: Prefers a moist, well-drained soil. Grows best with water every three to four days.
Ease of Culture: Easy.
Propagation: Start plants from seed.
Hardiness: Hardy; may be damaged by sudden and severe freezes.
Major Problems: Caterpillars and slugs may chew holes in the leaves. Handpick from the plants and use natural controls as needed. Plant in well-drained soils to avoid root-rot problems.
Pruning: Older lower leaves may need trimming as they yellow.
Uses: An attractive nonflowering annual for flower beds and container gardens from late fall through early spring. Plant in clusters with a backdrop of other flowers or fill a whole bed with this unique foliage. The plants are best used in clusters of single or mixed leaf colors. Like other cabbages, the leaves are edible.
Florida Native: No; native to North Africa and Europe.