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Herbaceous Perennial

Brassica oleracea

wild cabbage

This is the wild cabbage plant from which many types of vegetable have been bred - cabbage, sprouts, broccoli, cauliflower, kale, kohlrabi and more. It is a short-lived perennial which looks very similar to other wild brassicas, with evergreen leaves and yellow flowers. It is extremely variable but the lower leaves are large and fleshy, on stalks, often with several leaflets and a wavy or toothed edge, whilst the upper leaves are small, stalkless and narrow. The flowers become long green pods containing dark brown seeds. All parts are edible when young

Other common names

ornamental cabbage
bresych gwyllt

Synonyms

Brassica sylvestris

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Ultimate height

1–1.5 metres

Time to ultimate height

2–5 years

Ultimate spread

0.1–0.5 metres

Sand

Loam

Clay

Chalk

Moisture

Moist but well–drained

pH

Alkaline, Neutral

	Stem	Flower	Foliage	Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Full sun
Partial shade

Aspect

East–facing or North–facing or South–facing or West–facing

Exposure

Exposed or Sheltered

Hardiness
Hardiness ratings
All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets
H1a: under glass all year (>15C)
H1b: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
H1c: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20)

Botanical details

Family: Brassicaceae
Native to GB / Ireland: Yes
Foliage: Evergreen
Habit: Spreading branched, Columnar upright
Genus: Brassicas can be annual, biennial or perennial plants, most are upright with alternate, often glaucous leaves, long taproots and clusters of cross-shaped, yellow or white flowers. The genus includes a number of species bred to produce food crops, such as cabbages, turnips, mustards and oilseed rape, as well as others grown for their ornamental value
Name status: Correct
Plant range: W coastal Europe

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow outdoors in fertile but firm, soil that isn't too acidic. This is the wild type of many of our cabbage-type vegetables and it is likely to be this, if you let any of your brassica vegetables run to seed. It is attractive to butterflies and pollen beetles, but take care as it can harbour pests and diseases which on your food crops will be unwelcome.

Propagation

Propagate by seed

Suggested planting locations and garden types

Cottage and informal garden
Wildlife gardens

Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

May be susceptible to attack by caterpillars when eggs laid by butterflies, hatch and feed. It is very popular food for pigeons and snails, although once plants are established, this damage isn't usually severe. Also, flea beetle can prevent seedlings from thriving.

Diseases

May be susceptible to brassica downy mildew and brassica white blister

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