Ornamental kale and cabbage are grown for their intensely hued and decorative foliage. Cool temperatures and frosts intensify the coloring, making these plants more popular than ever for fall planting.

Large rosettes of grayish-green foliage become more richly colored with cream, white, pink, rose, red and purple throughout winter. Ornamental kale and cabbage are so tolerant of cold weather that they will survive temperatures as low as five degrees Fahrenheit. Cold snaps will merely intensify their bright coloring.

Common names are ornamental kale, ornamental-leaved kale, flowering kale, floral kale, decorative kale, and ornamental cabbage or flowering cabbage. Ornamental kale and cabbage are members of the Brassica oleracea Acephala Group.

Bred from the desire for more ornamental plants for cold temperatures, ornamental kale and cabbage certainly fill the seasonal spot. Hybridization through cross pollination has resulted in numerous colorful, shapes, sizes, and leaf variations.

The name kale is Scottish and adapted from the Roman name cole. Every member of the cabbage family was originally found in the Mediterranean region and has been grown for more than 4,000 years. Early travelers carried seed and plants with them to far corners of the world.

By the 4th century, kale and related plants were introduced to China and soon became staples of the Chinese diet. It was not until the plants were brought to Japan that they were appreciated for ornamental purposes. After the 17th century they became popular in gardens.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture sent Howard Dorsett to Japan and China in 1929 in search of new plants. Dorsett returned with ornamental kale from Japan and by 1936 the plants were available to gardeners by mail order seed companies.

Culture of ornamental kale and cabbage is similar to that of the common edible types. Both begin as a fall crop with plants eventually growing to at least a foot in diameter and up to 15 inches in height depending on the variety. Give plants adequate room to grow for maximum production.

Leaves of ornamental kale are produced in a tight rosette and have deeply cut incised leaves. Ornamental cabbage foliage is more rounded in habit although it doesn’t form as tight a head as commonly grown edible cabbages. Ornamental kale and cabbage leaves are edible, although more bitter than the traditional edible varieties. However they make for a colorful and unusual garnish. Floral design experts have long realized the beauty of these plants and their use in holiday arrangements.

The foliage is very attractive in floral decorations and the individual plants may also be cut and used in a creative fashion.

A whole head of ornamental kale or cabbage would make a wonderful statement in a flower show competition.

Plant ornamental kale or cabbage in fertile, well drained soil in a location that receives at least six hours of sunlight each day. Kale and cabbage are great when placed at the front of the border. Try them with other cool season plants such as dianthus, snapdragon, foxglove and delphinium. They also make great container specimens.

For unmatched texture and color plant ornamental kale and cabbage this fall for the cooler months ahead. Happy fall gardening.

Traci Maier

of Natchez writes Gardening Miss-Lou Style. She can be reached by e-mail at

ratmaier@iamerica.net

.