Ornamental Cabbage Care

In just a few years, garden cabbage has become one of the most popular outdoor plants in the cold months. Something that is not only due to the uniqueness of its leaves or its incredible color. There is another reason that adds up and that is as irresistible as the plant itself. And it is that the care of ornamental cabbage is extremely simple, and suitable for any level of gardening.

But although its ease of cultivation is a good reason to bet on decorative cabbage, there is another even more attractive. The aesthetics of these unique cabbage is incredibly striking. And what is more interesting: they unfold all their splendor and colors in the winter months. What’s more: unlike many other plants, garden cabbage welcomes frost. It is precisely these drops in temperature that accentuate its color.

So let’s see in detail what are the care of ornamental cabbage. Some that compensate, and boy do they compensate! with its incredible presence in any garden or planter.

5 ESSENTIAL ORNAMENTAL CABBAGE CARE FOR YOUR WELL-BEING

Before knowing what the care of ornamental cabbage is, it does not hurt to know it a little more thoroughly. As exotic as it may seem to us, the truth is that this typically winter plant is typical of the Mediterranean. Interestingly, and despite these origins, the low temperatures do not take their toll. What’s more: garden cabbage is one of those cold-resistant perennial plants with which we can decorate our exterior in the months when the mercury plummets.

But what makes this decorative cabbage so valued? It is clear that the simplicity of its care is a point in favor, yes. But there is no doubt that it is its aesthetics that wins and convinces those who choose to include it among their plants. Its beauty does not lie solely in its curly leaves or its good growth, which can reach 30 centimeters. Actually, its greatest attraction is the play of colors that garden cabbage presents with a central rosette in a more intense color than the rest of its leaves.

So let’s see what are the care of ornamental cabbage to finish falling in love with it. And before we look at the list, let’s get something clear. We have not forgotten to mention the temperature or pruning among its cultivation tasks. In the first case and as we said, it has no problem with low temperatures. And in the case of pruning, it is not considered a necessity as such. It will be enough to remove the leaves in poor condition to promote its growth.

1. Lots of light, key for garden cabbage

We start with what is, without a doubt, one of its greatest demands. Garden cabbage needs full sun exposure, but beware of this. If we plant it in the summer months, we will have to find a location where it receives sun but with some moderation. The summer solar incidence can burn it.

And watch out: depending on the species, decorative cabbage can even be biennial. For this reason, and even if we plant it in autumn, we must anticipate where it will be located when the months of intense sun return.

2. Fertile soil with good drainage, vital in the care of ornamental cabbage

One of the aspects that we must pamper the most to enjoy this unique plant. As with many other plants, ornamental cabbage does not tolerate waterlogging at its roots. For this reason, we will have to check that the planting site has good drainage that guarantees the evacuation of excess irrigation.

But, in addition to this precaution, we will have to consider something else. Garden cabbage requires that the substrate is always slightly moist. For this reason, we will not only have to opt for a substrate that maintains that humidity. In addition, it is important that it is light and enriched with organic matter or organic fertilizer amendments. It is worth reviewing how to use worm humus correctly since it is postulated as the best choice for growing this unique plant.

3. Regular watering, essential for its well-being

As we said, decorative cabbage needs a substrate that always maintains a certain degree of humidity. Something that gives us a clue as to what their water needs are. Of course: let’s not lose sight of the fact that its roots suffer from excess. For this reason, we will have to water again whenever we see that the substrate begins to dry out, always avoiding that it becomes completely dry. If you do, it will not grow fully.

If we have it planted directly in the ground, we can even ignore irrigation if we observe that the rains are abundant. What’s more: if we contemplate mulching, this simple technique will help us to maintain the necessary humidity for its growth even better.

4. Subscriber, important after planting

Decorative cabbage needs a good number of nutrients to grow properly. That is why having a fertile substrate, both in a pot and in the ground, is essential.

Beyond this, it is more than advisable to apply an organic fertilizer from the month of planting and more so if this work takes place at the dawn of autumn. Thanks to this dose of fertilizer, we will not only be responding to the nutrient demand of garden cabbage. In addition, we will be reinforcing it in the face of the arrival of the cold.

5. Pest control, the last detail of ornamental cabbage care

It is, perhaps, the most demanding of ornamental cabbage care. And it is that, despite being an ornamental cabbage not dedicated to human consumption, the pests are practically the same as in the case of a vegetable garden.

So, to prevent your life from being compromised, we will have to be especially attentive to two critters for whom cabbages are their great whim. We refer to aphids but also to worms. Against them nothing like a good insecticide to keep them at bay.

We will also have to pay attention to the appearance of fungi such as mildew: a symptom, also, of excess humidity.

And now that you know more about this plant, do you dare to give your exterior this note of originality and color?