Synonym: Brassica oleracea
Family: BRASSICACEAE
Common names: “Ornamental Cabbage” “cauliflower” “kale” “red cabbage”
Plant Type: Evergreen biennial grown as an annual
Conditions:
Zone: 2-11
Light: Full sun
Exposure: Sheltered
Soil: Rich fertile alkaline soil, enjoys lime
Moisture: Moist-average well drained
Aesthetic:
Plant Size: 12-18″ H & W
Leaf and Stem shape: Rosette of rounded, glaucous, green-purple leaves, purple colours develop when the temperature drops below 10°C
Flower: Insignificant 
Maintenance: Low, in mild winter climates, plants often survive winter and remain attractive until they bolt in spring, remove any flower stems as they appear, benefits from lime
Landscape use: Bedding plant, containers, ornamental edible, vegetable garden
Propagate: By seed
Pests & Disease: Cabbage webworm can be a problem – use physical barriers to protect roots, cabbage clubroot may be present in the soil
Comments: Beautiful ornamental cabbages commonly used in street-side planters, edible leaves but usually grown as an ornamental, not as tasty once they bolt, seeds remain viable for 3 years
Cultivars: ~AGM winners: Brassica oleracea (Botrytis Group) ‘Aviron’ , ‘Nessie’ , & ‘Aalsmeer’ , B. o. (Capitata Group) ‘Jason’ & ‘Embassy’
(Capitata Group) – grown as cabbage
(Acephala Group) – grown as kale
Vancouver Island Grows 