Smooth Mix Ornamental Cabbage (Kale)

Smooth Leaf Mix Ornamental Cabbage is a stunning cool-season showstopper that brings rich color and bold texture to fall and winter gardens. This multi-variety mix grows rosettes about 10-18 inches tall and wide, forming layers of round leaves with green outer layers and vibrant shades of pink, purple, and cream white in the centers - each “bloom”-like head becomes more vivid as temperatures drop. Their long-lasting color, unique foliage patterns, and ability to thrive in chilly weather make them a favorite for borders, containers, and decorative displays. Gardeners love how effortlessly they elevate porch pots, entryways, and landscape beds, offering reliable beauty when other plants fade. Growing your own adds the joy of watching the color intensify week by week, and the satisfaction of creating a personalized, eye-catching autumn garden. Ornamental cabbage adds personality to any space, welcomes compliments from visitors, thrives with minimal care, and provides a gorgeous, long-lasting pop of color you can enjoy all season.

Also Known As: Ornamental Cabbage, Ornamental Kale, Flowering Cabbage, Flowering Kale, Brassica Oleracea Dwarf, Decorative Cabbage, Decorative Kale, Winter Cabbage, Winter Kale, Garden Kale, Peacock Kale, Coral Prince Kale, Osaka Pink Cabbage, Chidori Kale, Frilly Leaf Cabbage.

Plant Name:	Ornamental Cabbage/Kale, Round Leaf Mix
Latin Name:	Brassica oleracea var. acephala f. tricolor
Days to Germinate:	7-14
Days to Bloom:	75-90
Plant Height:	8 - 12 Inches
Spread:	12 - 18 Inches
Growth Habit:	Rosette
USDA Zones:	2-11
Lifespan:	Annual
Brand:	TomorrowSeeds
Sunlight:	Full Sun, Partial Shade
Pollination:	Heirloom, Open-Pollinated
GMO:	No
Fungicide-Treated Seeds*:	No
Seeds Packed For**:	2026

*Fungicide-treated seeds protect the seedlings from diseases until they are up and growing. Do not eat treated seeds.
**Seeds are freshly packed for the growing season of the year listed. Seeds are still viable beyond pack date. Store in a cool and dry location such as the refrigerator or basement to best preserve germination rates.

Planting Instructions:

Soil Preparation:

Choose an area with heavy, well-draining soil that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight each day. Remove weeds, large rocks, and litter from the planting area. Leave small weeds and dead grass, they will enrich the soil when turned under. Spade or till the soil 8-12 inches deep. Loosening the soil will help the plant establish strong roots.

Plants grow best in soil with lots of organic matter. You may optionally add fertilizer or organic material such as compost, leaves, or rotted hay to mix into the soil at this point. For small gardens, scatter 2-3 tablespoons of fertilizer evenly and work into the top 2-3 inches of soil for each hill or 2 foot by 2 foot planting area. For larger gardens, scatter 2-3 pounds of a complete fertilizer for each 100 square feet of planting area. Work fertilizer or organic material into the soil and leave the surface smooth.

Planting:

Planting cabbage in cooler weather helps prevent bolting, which can occur in hot temperatures (cabbage grows best in 60F-70F temperatures).

For fall plants, direct sow seeds outdoors 12-14 weeks before the first frost. To plant, make holes 1/4 inch deep and spaced 18-24 inches apart down the rows of raised beds. Plant 2-3 seeds per hole. If choosing to thin to the strongest plant, determine the strongest and healthiest plant, then remove all other plants, narrowing to a single plant per hole. Cover seeds thinly with soil and water after planting.

Planting Depth:	1/4 inch
Within-Row Spacing:	12-18 inches
Between-Row Spacing:	2 feet

Care During the Season:

Ornamental cabbage thrives through the cool season with simple, steady care that keeps its vibrant rosettes looking crisp and colorful. Ensure the soil stays consistently moist but never waterlogged, giving it a deep watering whenever the top inch dries out. A light feeding with a balanced fertilizer every few weeks helps maintain strong color, while removing yellowing outer leaves keeps the plant tidy and healthy. Because ornamental cabbage prefers cool temperatures, it performs best in fall and early winter, so protect it from heat waves and provide adequate airflow to prevent rot or pests.br>