Flowers That Look Like Cabbage

Have you ever seen a flower bed that made you do a double-take, thinking someone planted decorative cabbages instead? Those stunning, ruffled beauties are not vegetables at all, but a special class of ornamental plants. Flowers that look like cabbage are a fantastic way to add texture and long-lasting color to your garden, especially when other blooms have faded.

Known as ornamental kale and flowering cabbage, these plants are bred for their looks, not their taste. They thrive in cool weather, making them perfect for fall and early spring displays. Their vibrant centers, which can be pink, purple, white, or cream, look like giant, intricate flowers. Let’s look at how you can grow these eye-catching plants.

While we call them flowers, the colorful part is actually the plant’s foliage. The leaves become intensely pigmented as temperatures drop. They are technically biennials, meaning they flower and set seed in their second year. Most gardeners grow them as annuals for their spectacular fall and winter leaf display.

Choosing the Right Varieties for Your Garden

There are two main types: ornamental kale and ornamental cabbage. Kale has fringed, serrated leaves, while cabbage has broader, smoother leaves with a rounded head. Your choice depends on the look you want. Here are some popular series to look for:

Nagoya Series: Known for its extremely frilly leaves and tight center rosette. Colors are deep and vibrant.
Osaka Series: Similar to Nagoya but with slightly broader leaves. It’s very heat-tolerant when young.
Pigeon Series: Features a flat, rounded form like a giant rose. The centers are very dense and colorful.
Chidori Series: This is a kale type with fine, feathery leaf margins in stunning purple or white.
Color Up Series: Grows on a tall stem, exposing a long “stem” with a rosette on top, perfect for adding height.

When and How to Plant for Best Results

Timing is everything with these cool-season stars. If you plant them to late, they won’t develop good color. If you plant them in heat, they will struggle.

Starting from Seed

For a fall display, start seeds indoors about 6-8 weeks before your first fall frost date. Here’s how:

Fill trays with a light seed-starting mix. Moisten the soil.
Sow seeds about 1/4 inch deep. They need darkness to germinate, so cover them well.
Keep the soil temperature around 70°F (21°C) for best germination, which takes 7-14 days.
Once seedlings emerge, move them to a cool, bright location. A south-facing window or grow light works.
When they have 3-4 true leaves, transplant them into individual pots.

Direct Sowing or Transplanting

You can also buy young plants from a nursery in early fall. To plant them in your garden:

Choose a site with full sun (at least 6 hours). Good light intensifies leaf color.
Ensure the soil is well-draining but rich in organic matter. Work in some compost before planting.
Space plants 12-18 inches apart. They need room for there rosettes to fully expand.
Plant them at the same depth they were in their pot. Water thoroughly after planting.

Essential Care and Maintenance Tips

These plants are surprisingly low-maintenance once established. Follow these simple steps for healthy growth.

Watering and Feeding

Consistent moisture is key, especially when plants are young. Water at the base to keep leaves dry and prevent disease. A layer of mulch helps retain soil moisture. Feed them with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every 3-4 weeks when you first plant them. Stop feeding once color begins to develop in the center, usually when nights get cooler.

Managing Pests and Problems

While generally tough, they can attract some common garden pests. Keep an eye out for:

Aphids: These small insects cluster on new growth. A strong spray of water from the hose often knocks them off.
Cabbage Worms: The caterpillars of white butterflies. Handpick them or use an organic insecticide like Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis).
Slugs and Snails: They love the tender leaves. Use beer traps or diatomaceous earth around plants.

Good air circulation helps prevent fungal diseases like powdery mildew or leaf spot. Avoid overhead watering to keep leaves dry.

Design Ideas for Your Landscape

Their structural form and bold color make them incredibly versatile in garden design. Here are some ways to use them.

Mass Planting: For a dramatic effect, plant a large group of the same variety. It creates a stunning, cohesive block of color.
Container Gardens: They are perfect for pots, window boxes, and urns. Pair them with trailing ivy, pansies, or ornamental grasses.
Border Edging: Use them to define the front of a garden bed. Their neat shape creates a clean line.
Seasonal Replacement: Use them to replace summer annuals that have faded. They fill space beautifully until hard frost.

Don’t be afraid to mix colors. Pink and white varieties look lovely together, or try purple and green for a more dramatic contrast. They also look fantastic alongside fall favorites like chrysanthemums, asters, and decorative grasses.

Getting Through Winter and What Comes Next

Ornamental kale and cabbage can survive temperatures down to about 5°F (-15°C), especially if acclimated. A light frost actually sweetens their color. In very cold climates, a layer of mulch over the roots can offer extra protection.

Come spring, the plants will begin to bolt, sending up a tall flower stalk. The flowers are small and yellow, and not particularly showy. At this point, most people pull the plants and compost them to make room for warm-season annuals. You can let them go to seed if you want to collect seeds, but the offspring may not look exactly like the parent plant.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are ornamental cabbage and kale edible?
While they are technically edible, they are bred for appearance, not flavor. They tend to be very bitter and fibrous. It’s best to admire them with your eyes, not your plate.

Can I grow these in warmer climates?
Yes, but timing is different. In zones 9-10, plant them in late fall for winter color. They need those cool nights to develop good color, so they may not look their best in a hot summer garden.

Why are my plants not turning color?
Color development is triggered by cool temperatures, especially at night. If the weather stays warm, they will stay green. Patience is key. Also, ensure they get full sun for the most intense coloration.

How long do they last in the garden?
Once they color up in the fall, they can maintain their beauty for several months, often right through winter until a sustained hard freeze or spring heat arrives.

Do deer eat ornamental kale?
Unfortunately, yes. Deer will often eat these plants, especially when other food is scarce. If deer are a problem in your area, you may need to use a repellent spray or protective fencing to keep them safe. It’s a common issue many gardeners face.

Propagation and Saving Seeds

If you want to try saving seeds, allow the spring flower stalk to mature and dry on the plant. The pods will turn brown. Cut the stalk, place it in a paper bag, and let it dry completely indoors. Then, crush the pods to collect the tiny, round seeds. Store them in a cool, dry place. Remember, saved seeds from hybrid varieties won’t come true to type, but it can be a fun experiment to see what grows.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Even with good care, you might encounter a few problems. Here’s a quick guide to diagnosing them.

Leggy or stretched plants: This means not enough light. Move container plants to a sunnier spot, or ensure garden plants aren’t shaded.
Yellowing lower leaves: This can be natural as the plant matures, especially if it’s focusing energy on the colorful center. Remove yellow leaves to keep the plant tidy.
Holes in leaves: Almost certainly cabbage worms or slugs. Inspect plants in the early morning or evening and deal with the pests you find.
Poor growth: Could be poor soil, lack of water, or extreme heat. Enrich soil with compost and ensure consistent watering during establishment.

Growing flowers that look like cabbage is a rewarding way to extend your garden’s interest. Their unique texture and cool-weather resilience make them a valuable addition. With the right timing and basic care, you can enjoy there ruffled splendor for months. They offer a reliable show when little else is in bloom, proving that sometimes, the most beautiful things in the garden aren’t flowers at all, but leaves dressed in their finest colors.