Brassica oleracea

Flower beds and containers are often short of colour in the winter months, before spring bedding starts its main display, and ornamental cabbages provide one way of filling the gap.

Ornamental cabbages are actually edible when young, although the flavour can be rather strong, but their chief merit is the bright colouring of their loose hearts, increasing in intensity as the temperature falls. Red, pink or white are the usual shades, with green or steely blue hints at the edges of some leaves. They may also be sown in winter for spring display.

Grow Brassica oleracea capitata group in moist but well-drained soil in full sun to shade.