Ornamental Cabbage & Kale: Fall’s Flashiest Foliage

As summer blooms fade Ornamental Cabbage and Kale steps in to steal the show. These cool-season annuals are prized not for their flavor, but for their vibrant, ruffled leaves that bring bold color and texture to fall and winter gardens.
Unlike their edible cousins, ornamentals are bred for beauty. Their frilly edged foliage comes in stunning shades of purple, pink, white, and green. As temperatures drop, their colors intensify, making them ideal for adding visual interest to garden beds, borders, and containers.

Ornamental Cabbage and Kale are cold-hardy and thrive in cooler climates and can withstand light frosts, making them perfect for East Texas’s fall and early winter conditions. They prefer full sun and well-drained soil, and once established, require minimal care. They won’t survive an extended hard freeze, but often remain attractive well into spring.

Planting Tips
• Timing: Plant in early to mid-fall for best results.
• Spacing: Give each plant room to spread—about 12–18 inches apart.
• Watering: Keep soil consistently moist but not soggy.
• Companions: Pair with pansies, violas, or dusty miller for a stunning seasonal display.
Though not typically eaten due to their bitter taste, their vibrant foliage will brighten up your landscape during the fall and winter seasons. These leafy showstoppers are a must-have!