Plants That Look Like Cabbage

If you love the bold, sculptural look of cabbages but want color that lasts all season, you’re in the right place. There are many stunning plants that look like cabbage, and they are perfect for adding structure and vibrant hues to your garden. These are not your vegetable patch cabbages; they are ornamental varieties bred for their incredible beauty and resilience in cool weather.

They bring a unique texture and a rosette form that can make your autumn and winter containers, borders, and beds look spectacular. Let’s look at how you can use these dramatic plants.

You might know them as ornamental kale or flowering cabbage. Botanically, they are Brassica oleracea, the same species as the edible kinds. The key difference is that ornamental types have been selected for their tight, colorful centers and fancy, frilly leaves. The “flower” you see is actually a tight cluster of leaves called the head.

They thrive in cool weather. In fact, a touch of frost often intensifies their pink, purple, and white colors. They are typically treated as annuals, planted in fall for winter interest or in early spring before it gets to hot.

Popular Ornamental Kale and Cabbage Varieties

Choosing the right variety depends on the color and form you want. Here are some excellent types to look for:

‘Peacock’ Series: These have deeply serrated, fringed leaves on longer stems. They look more like giant, colorful feathers and are less dense than some types.
‘Chidori’ Series: This series features very curly, frilly leaves in rich colors like deep purple or creamy white. The texture is exceptionally fine.
‘Osaka’ Series: Known for its large, smooth leaves with a rounded form and brilliant center coloring. They often have a more traditional cabbage shape.
‘Nagoya’ Series: These have extremely tight, frilly centers with a rosette that looks almost like a giant flower. The colors are very pure and vibrant.
‘Pigeon’ Series: A more compact type with a very uniform, dense head. It’s great for edging and containers where you need a predictable size.

How to Grow Ornamental Cabbage and Kale

Growing these beauties is straightforward if you follow a few key steps. They are not difficult plants, but timing is everything.

Planting Time and Location

The most common planting time is in late summer or early fall. You want them to establish their roots while soil is still warm, then mature as temperatures drop. For spring color, plant them as soon as the ground can be worked, but know they will bolt (send up a flower stalk) once summer heat arrives.

Choose a location with full sun. At least 6 hours of direct sun is needed for the best color and sturdiest plants. They can tolerate very light shade, but to much will make them leggy and dull.

Soil and Watering Needs

They prefer well-draining soil rich in organic matter. Before planting, mix in some compost. Good drainage is critical to prevent root rot.

Keep the soil consistently moist, but not soggy. Water at the base of the plant to avoid wetting the foliage, which can lead to disease. A layer of mulch helps retain moisture and keeps roots cool.

Fertilizing for Best Color

Use a balanced fertilizer when you first plant them. Once they are established and showing good growth, you can switch to a fertilizer lower in nitrogen. To much nitrogen promotes green leaf growth at the expense of those brilliant colors.

A light feeding every 4-6 weeks during their active growth period is usually sufficient. Always follow the instructions on your fertilizer package.

Design Ideas for Your Garden

These plants are incredibly versatile. Their bold forms work in many settings.

Container Stars: Use a single large ornamental kale as the “thriller” in the center of a fall pot. Surround it with trailing ivy and pansies.
Border Edging: Plant a row of one color along a garden path. Their uniformity creates a stunning, formal edge.
Mass Planting: For major impact, plant a large group of them together in a bed. Mix colors or stick to a single hue for a modern look.
Winter Garden Focus: In milder climates, they provide crucial color when little else is blooming. Pair them with evergreen shrubs and ornamental grasses.

Common Pests and Problems

Since they are brassicas, they share some pests with their edible cousins. Keep an eye out for these issues.

Cabbage Worms and Loopers: These green caterpillars can chew holes in leaves. Inspect plants regularly. You can pick them off by hand or use an organic control like Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt).
Aphids: They sometimes cluster on the undersides of leaves. A strong spray of water from the hose can dislodge them.
Slugs and Snails: These pests love the tender leaves. Use beer traps or diatomaceous earth around the base of plants as a barrier.
Bolting: If the plant sends up a central flower stalk, its show is ending. This is triggered by warm temperatures. You can remove the stalk to prolong the foliage, but the plant will eventually decline.

Are They Edible?

This is a common question. Technically, yes, ornamental kale and cabbage are edible. They are not poisonous. However, they are bred for looks, not taste. The leaves are typically much more bitter and tougher than culinary varieties.

Also, consider that they may have been treated with pesticides not labeled for food crops if you bought them from a nursery. It’s generally best to admire them with your eyes, not your plate, and grow specific varieties for eating.

Step-by-Step: Planting in Containers

Containers are a perfect home for these plants. Here’s how to do it right.

Choose a pot at least 12 inches wide and deep with good drainage holes.
Fill it with a high-quality potting mix, leaving a few inches from the top.
Remove the plant from its nursery pot and gently loosen the roots if they are pot-bound.
Place it in the container so the top of the root ball is about an inch below the pot’s rim.
Fill in around the roots with more potting mix, firming it gently.
Water thoroughly until water runs out the drainage holes.
Place the container in a sunny spot and water when the top inch of soil feels dry.

FAQ About Ornamental Cabbage and Kale

Q: What’s the difference between ornamental kale and cabbage?
A: Ornamental kale has fringed, feathery leaves, while ornamental cabbage has broader, smoother leaves with a rounded head. Both are often sold under the same common names though.

Q: Can they survive frost and snow?
A: Yes! They are very cold-hardy. Their colors often become more vibrant after a frost. They can handle temperatures down to about 5°F (-15°C), especially if acclimated. Heavy snow may damage the leaves, but they are remarkably tough.

Q: How long do they last in the garden?
A> In cool fall and winter conditions, they can look good for several months, often from planting in fall right through to early spring. Once temperatures consistently warm up in late spring, they will bolt and decline.

Q: Do they need deadheading?
A: No, they do not produce true flowers that need deadheading. The colorful head is the show. You only need to remove any outer leaves that become yellow or damaged to keep the plant looking tidy.

Q: Can I grow them from seed?
A: Absolutely. Start seeds indoors about 6-8 weeks before your intended planting time (midsummer for fall). They need light to germinate, so press seeds lightly into the soil surface but don’t cover them. Keep the soil moist and they should sprout in about a week.

Adding plants that look like cabbage to your garden is a simple way to guarantee months of low-maintenance color. Their dramatic form and cool-weather toughness make them a valuable player in the seasonal garden. With the right timing and basic care, you can enjoy there striking beauty from fall straight through to spring.