Brassica oleracea
Wild cabbage, Spring greens, Flowering kale, Ornamental kale
Also known as Brassica sylvestris
- Height × spread
- 0.45m – 0.45m × 0.3m – 0.3m
- Position
- Full sun
Availability
Please ask in store about availability
Many plants are seasonal. Call 01234 567890 to check current stock.
About this plant
The wild cabbage include many cultivated forms that are the source of kale and spring greens. A number of forms have been developed that are used for their ornamental value. They are typically used in the winter months, planted in containers. These forms look like cabbages but are coloured in shades of green, cream and yellowish, and reddish and purple tints. The leaves are often elaborately crisped and furled, and forms are developed that have two colours. They do gradually hoist themselves up on stems as the winter progresses. They are generally discarded in spring.
- Foliage colour
- Green, Pink, Purple, White
- Variegated
- No
- Scent
- No
- Shape
- Dome
- Height
- 0.45m – 0.45m
- Spread
- 0.3m – 0.3m
- Season of interest
- Autumn, Winter
- Evergreen
- Evergreen
- Garden style
- Winter garden
- Sun or shade
- Likes full sun, tolerates part shade
- Soil type
- Chalk, Loam (normal)
- Soil pH
- Alkaline, Neutral
- Drainage
- Moisture retentive soil, Well drained soil
- Winter hardiness
- Varies, most are hardy
- Borders & containers
- Borders
- Use for
- Bedding plant
- Hazards
- No
Spring
Spring - late · Outdoors
Feed with slow release fertiliser
Apply a general purpose slow release fertiliser, spreading it around the root area of the plant as it is coming into growth. (Or apply a liquid feed at regular intervals throughout the growing season.)
This is a simple way to provide a nutrient boost as a single annual procedure.
Spring-Autumn · Outdoors
Water to keep the soil moist
For best results, this plant needs soil that is always moist. Water deeply and regularly as soon as soil appears dry. Even for established plants in the ground, a dry week can cause problems with some soils. Check plants in pots more often, especially in hot weather. Or install an automatic irrigation system which will do the hard work for you, even when you are away on holiday.
Without regular watering some plants never fully regain their beauty.