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Annuals/Cabbage plants

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Expert: - 4/17/2008


Question
Hi

I would like to know the name of the small shrubs or plants that resemble a head of cabbage.

Thanks

Answer
Mary,
These are ornamental cabbages and kales. They are annual plants, grown in the spring from seed and usually planted in the fall.  In areas with fairly mild winters they last through the winter and into the spring.  At this point most people dig them up and toss them out, because they don't stay the same or thrive past spring.  You can read more about growing them from seed at this website: http://www.thegardenhelper.com/kale.html

In my area (Northeast) these are used in gardens, pots and window boxes and are planted in early September. In warmer parts of the country they may be planted in October or November along with winter pansies.

I hope this helps!
C.L.
www.gardenlady.com

Annuals

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C.L. Fornari

Expertise

Annuals suggested for specific situations (sun, shade, windowboxes etc) New or unusual annuals are a particular interest of mine, and I grow many of these from seed. I am happy to help problem solve, answer questions about maintenance, and guide you to sources of unusual plants.

Experience

I am a garden writer/speaker/consultant and host of a weekly gardening radio program in the Northeast. I have been gardening all my life for my own pleasure, and started as a professional gardener and garden communicator 15 years ago. I work part-time at a garden center, selling and tending shrubs/trees/annuals/perennials...and doing some propagation and design work. I often think that all these professional activities serve to put a somewhat legitimate framework around a serious case of plant-lust.

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