Ornamental kale and cabbage are becoming increasingly popular as fall bedding plants for Louisiana. An alternative to garden mums and pansies, these plants have feathery leaves of robust colors that make them well suited for landscape and container plantings.
New hybrid varieties are more uniform, compact and colorful than the older open‑pollinated varieties. Selecting the correct variety to grow in Louisiana depends on your individual preference. Peacock kale is available in white and red and has a striking appearance with deeply serrated and feathery leaves. Nogoya kale is also available in white and red and has heavily crinkled leaves with vibrant colors. It is great for container plantings. Osaka cabbage is also referred to as the Dynasty series and has semi‑fringed leaves on plants having a brightly colored, large center. Toyko cabbage is red, white or pink with smooth, waxy-edged leaves. Due to the smaller plant size of Toyko, it is frequently used in flower arrangements.
The culture of flowering cabbage and kale in the landscape is similar to that of garden varieties. Proper soil preparation is essential. An ideal pH is 6.0-7.0. Proper soil preparation includes soil cultivation, incorporating fertilizer (2 lbs. 8-8-8/100 square feed) and if needed, dolomitic lime worked into the top 6” of soil prior to planting. After planting, broadcasting a 3- to 4-month slow‑release fertilizer over the planting bed is recommended.
Growing ornamental cabbage and kale in containers is more of a challenge. A well-drained medium, such as one containing equal parts of peat moss, perlite and vermiculite, amended with an ounce of dolomitic lime per 1-gallon container, is good for pot culture. Also incorporate a low rate of slow-release fertilizer in addition to using a liquid fertilizer containing trace elements. Trace elements are essential when using a soilless medium.
Insect control is very important to maintain the aesthetics of flowering kale and cabbage. Worms are the most prevalent. Several insecticides are labeled for the control of insects on these plants. Treat when you begin to see insect activity.
Flowering kale and cabbage have several uses in the landscape. Try them as a background plant for a pansy or viola planting. Proper soil preparation and follow-up care after planting will lead to success with these plants.