Species

Brassica oleraceaWild Cabbage

12 other cultivars

fruit vegetable

Ruby Ball Cabbage

Brassica oleracea 'Ruby Ball'

The Story

Plant Bio

A colorful cultivar of kale with vibrant purple leaves that can be used for ornamental purposes as well as in culinary dishes.

The leaves and head maintain their color even in colder temperatures and can provide a unique visual appeal to gardens.

Uses & Benefits:

Vibrant ruby-red heads add striking color to vegetable gardens and edible landscapes.

Rich in vitamins, antioxidants, and dietary fiber, making it a nutritious addition to meals.

Supports pollinators and beneficial insects when flowering.

SpeciesBrassica oleraceaWild Cabbage

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Fruit Vegetable

Height

12 inches

Width

12 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7

Water

Consistent moisture

Humidity

Moderate

Lifespan

Annual

Native To

Europe and Asia

Toxicity

Non-toxic

Bloom period

Late summer – Early fall

In flower about 2 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Tuck seeds 1 inch deep into moist soil in early spring.
Water regularly to keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
Thin seedlings to 4-6 inches apart once established.
Apply a balanced fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during growth.
Mulch around plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Harvest when heads are firm and compact, about 8-10 weeks after planting.

Pro Tip

Start seeds indoors 4 weeks before the last frost for earlier harvests.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water consistently to keep soil evenly moist 🌱
Apply balanced fertilizer every 4-6 weeks
Mulch to conserve moisture and regulate soil temperature

Don't

Avoid letting soil dry out completely ❌
Don’t overcrowd plants to prevent disease
Avoid high nitrogen fertilizers that promote leaf instead of head growth

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Harvest
Pest Check
Plant

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Edible border with vibrant ruby-red headsVegetable garden centerpieceColorful edible hedge

Companion Plants

Dill Onions Beets Celery Daisies

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Ruby Ball Cabbage questions

What zones can Ruby Ball Cabbage grow in?

Ruby Ball Cabbage is hardy in USDA Zones 4–7. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Ruby Ball Cabbage deer resistant?

Not reliably. Deer may browse Ruby Ball Cabbage, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

When does Ruby Ball Cabbage bloom?

Ruby Ball Cabbage typically blooms in late summer through early fall. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Ruby Ball Cabbage need full sun?

Ruby Ball Cabbage does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.