Brassica oleracea ornamental cabbage is one of the most decorative plants in the fall and winter.This species is eagerly grown in home gardens, but we can also see it in city parks and more and more often in flower shops.
Growing ornamental cabbage is simple. We sow its seeds from March to June in a seedbed or in pots. It is worth trying to get seedlings, because seedlings germinating directly in the ground may be exposed to pests, diseases and temperature fluctuations. In June and July, the seedlings are planted at their destination, approx. 30 cm apart. During further growth, ensure an adequate supply of fertilizers - after about 14 days from planting, we can start applying nutrients.For fertilization it is best to use nettle manure diluted with water in a ratio of 1: 5 .
In order for ornamental cabbage to develop he althily, it should be properly watered. It is best to irrigate it in the evening hours, when water losses due to evaporation and transpiration are the lowest. Pests, such as cabbage soup, cabbage cream, snails.When we observe symptoms of caterpillars feeding on plants, e.g. white-tailed moth, as soon as possible use ecological methods of deterring them, e.g. comfrey decoction or tomato leaf extract (pour 2 handfuls of leaves over 2 liters of water and leave it for 2 hours, then we spray the plants).
The decorative color and texture of the leaves make the decorative cabbage decorative. They start to color in September, when the temperature drops below 15 ° C.Then the real festival of colors begins, the inner leaves range from white, yellow to more intense - red and purple.Often, several colors can appear on one plant at the same time.The shape of the leaf plate is also varied. curly, heavily frayed or sinus-indented leaves.
Due to its decorative value, decorative cabbage looks great on perennial beds as a complement to the composition or in colorful carpets. It is also a valuable addition to autumn plantings, it looks beautiful with, for example, golden shadows.Since ornamental cabbage is usually winter-hardy, it prolongs the effectiveness of the garden arrangement when most of the plants have already finished their growing season.
The most commonly grown varieties are the Pigeon and Kyoto series with round leaves.They grow up to 30 cm and reach the same diameter of the leaf rosette. The varieties with cream and green leaves, e.g. 'Round White', and green and pink-cream ones, like 'Victoria', are interesting. Equally interesting are the varieties from the Coral series with heavily milled leaves and a dense rosette, as well as 'Coral Queen' with a deep red color of the leaves and the white-green 'Coral Prince'.
Cultivation requirements
The ornamental cabbage comes from Asia and southern Europe. It is grown as an annual or biennial plant. It is characterized by a rosette-like habit and grows up to 60 cm (cut flower varieties). Like the varieties intended for consumption, it should be provided with a moist and very fertile substrate.The stand for growing this plant should be enriched with compost or manure.Decorative cabbage requires a fully sunny place.
In bouquets and in containers
Decorative cabbage can be successfully grown in containers - it will perfectly decorate balconies and terraces.Its special varieties, such as 'Crane', are also eagerly used in floristry. They grow in the form of a slender cone and are twice as tall as the other varieties.The leaves of the plant are gradually removed from the bottom until an unusual flower-like rosette is formed at the top.An additional advantage of this plant is the fact that it stays fresh for a long time after cutting.
