Ornamental Cabbage Care: Tips for Growing and Maintaining Your Plants

If you are looking for a unique addition to your garden or landscape, ornamental cabbages might be just what you need. These plants are known for their colorful leaves that resemble the appearance of traditional cabbages but with vibrant hues of pink, purple, and green. In this article, we'll provide you with some tips on how to properly care for these plants to help ensure they thrive.

Choosing the Right Soil for Ornamental Cabbages

The right soil is essential for healthy growth of your ornamental cabbages. They prefer well-drained soil with a pH level between 6.0 and 7.5. A mix of peat moss, vermiculite, and perlite can provide the right balance of moisture retention and drainage. Before planting, amend the soil with organic matter such as compost or aged manure to enrich it.

Planting and Watering Ornamental Cabbages

Ornamental cabbages should be planted in an area with full sun exposure for at least six hours per day. The plants can tolerate some shade, but too much shade can result in leggy growth and less vibrant coloration. When watering, avoid getting water on the leaves as this can promote disease. Instead, water at the base of the plant and allow the soil to dry out slightly before watering again.

Managing Pests and Diseases

While ornamental cabbages are relatively low-maintenance, they can still fall victim to common pests and diseases. Aphids, caterpillars, and flea beetles are among the most common pests that can attack these plants. To prevent infestations, regularly inspect the plants and remove any visible pests by hand or with a strong spray of water. Fungal diseases like downy mildew and powdery mildew can also affect ornamental cabbages. Ensure proper air circulation around the plants by avoiding overcrowding and keeping the leaves dry.

Fertilizing Your Ornamental Cabbages

Applying fertilizer to your ornamental cabbages can help promote healthy growth and colorful foliage. Use a balanced fertilizer with equal parts nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium every four to six weeks during the growing season. Avoid over-fertilizing as this can lead to leaf burn and stunted growth.

Ornamental cabbage with pink leaves

Pruning Your Ornamental Cabbages

To encourage bushier growth, pinch off the top inch of growth from each stem when the plant reaches a height of about six inches. This will prompt lateral branching and a fuller plant. You can also remove any yellowed, damaged, or dead leaves as needed to keep the plant healthy and aesthetically pleasing.

Overwintering Ornamental Cabbages

Ornamental cabbages are typically grown as annuals and do not survive winter temperatures below 25°F. However, if you want to attempt overwintering them, it's best to grow them in containers so you can easily move them indoors when frost threatens. Place the container in a sunny window and water sparingly until spring when you can repot them outside.

Ornamental cabbage with purple leaves

Growing and maintaining ornamental cabbages can be a fun and rewarding experience. With proper care, you can enjoy their vibrant colors and unique texture throughout the growing season. Remember to choose the right soil, provide adequate sunlight, manage pests and diseases, fertilize appropriately, prune when necessary, and overwinter with care. Happy gardening!

Ornamental cabbage, gardening tips, plant care, landscape design