Wild Cabbage

(Brassica oleracea)

Wild Cabbage (Brassica oleracea)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Brassica oleracea, commonly known as Wild Cabbage, is an evergreen perennial herb native to coastal limestone cliffs, grasslands, and scrub in Western Europe. It is the ancestor of many common edible vegetables, including cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, kale, Brussels sprouts, collard greens, and Savoy cabbage. In its first year, Wild Cabbage forms a stout rosette of large, glaucous leaves, and in the second year, it uses stored nutrients to produce a striking flower spike 1 to 2 meters (3–7 ft) tall with clusters of yellow flowers that bloom from spring to summer. The flowers are highly attractive to pollinators such as bees.

Wild Cabbage is valued for its nutritional leaves, which have been selectively bred to create a variety of vegetables with diverse shapes, sizes, and flavors. It is a versatile plant in cultivation, often grown in vegetable gardens and allotments. It requires full sun for optimal growth and prefers well-drained soil with consistent moisture. While it can adapt to a range of soil types, fertile, loamy soils yield the best results. Regular watering and fertilization can enhance leaf production. Some common issues include pests like aphids, cabbage loopers, and cabbage worms, as well as diseases such as clubroot and black rot. It is important to rotate crops and practice good sanitation to minimize these problems.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Herb
  • Height: 1-1.5 feet
  • Width: 1-1.5 feet
  • Growth Rate: Moderate
  • Flower Color: N/A
  • Flowering Season: Spring, Summer
  • Leaf Retention: Evergreen

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun
  • Water: Medium
  • Drainage: Fast, Medium

Common Uses

Bee Garden, Border Plant, Butterfly Garden, Drought Tolerant, Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption., Potted Plant, Rabbit Resistant, Rock Garden, Salt Tolerant

Natural Habitat

native to coastal limestone cliffs, grasslands, and scrub in Western Europe

Other Names

Common Names: Kale , Kohl , Cavolo , Kål , Kanran , Ye Gan Lan , 양배추

Scientific Names: Brassica oleracea , Brassica oleracea var. capitata , Brassica oleracea var. gemmifera , Brassica oleracea var. gongylodes , Brassica oleracea f. capitata , Brassica oleracea subsp. acephala , Brassica oleracea subsp. gongylodes , Brassica oleracea subsp. gemmifera , Brassica oleracea var. sabellica , Brassica oleracea var. alboglabra

GBIF Accepted Name: Brassica oleracea L.