Dakota Gardener: Ornamental cabbage and kale

We are in the dog days of summer and many gardens are on full display. Some North Dakotans long for this time of year as they spend their weekends at the lake, at rodeos or simply outside. Other North Dakotans are spending their time indoors as they don't like the heat and are looking forward to the cooler days that we will have in a couple of months. The cooler months bring us a second chance to grow some cool-season crops.

If you are looking for a pop of color in your garden this fall, consider adding ornamental cabbage and kale. Ornamental cabbage and kale are the same species as edible cabbage and kale but have much more color and texture to offer. These showy plants come in a variety of color from white to pink, purple or even red. They are a great option to replace well-spent annuals. Though they are edible they are more bitter than the cultivars we grow for produce.

Ornamental cabbage and kale are the perfect addition to your garden in the fall as they don't tolerate the heat of summer and will bolt. The plants grow to about 15 inches tall and one foot wide. It takes cooler temperatures below 50 degrees Fahrenheit for the vivid colors to show. Once they are accustomed to their environment, they can survive temperatures as low as 5 degrees Fahrenheit. These plants are well suited for North Dakota as they can survive into late fall and early winter.

Now is the time to start your ornamental cabbage and kale seeds. I started mine a few weeks ago indoors and have beautiful little baby plants growing. If do you start your own seeds, you will want to wait until temperatures are cooler before transplanting outdoors. Pick a sunny location and plant the lowest leaves at the soil line. If you don't need an extra project right now, many local nurseries tend to have them available in August.

When purchasing from a local nursery, select large, compact plants that are fully colored. The plants generally don't grow much larger after planting into your garden, so select a size you desire.

I hope you give ornamental cabbage and kale a try this fall as I am very excited to get mine out into my garden beds.

For more information about gardening, contact your local NDSU Extension agent. Find the Extension office for your county at ndsu.ag/countyoffice.