Ornamental Cabbage/Kale

I would like to plant ornamental cabbage and kale this fall. To save money I am considering starting from seed. Does anyone have any advice and suggestions on when/how to start and good varieties for here?

Thanks

You do realize that unless we have some very cold weather early and often, the colors will not be very good and the plants will want to bolt constantly. They are wonderful north of Missouri.

Thanks James for the info. I did not realize that. Considering the weather we have been having I've forgotten what cold weather is. So weather influences their color?

All the brassicas are real easy from seed--its the only way I will grow them. I've seen them look pretty good down here in Dec and Jan.

Growing them from seed sould save me some money. When do you plant them? Also at what stage is the cold temperature critical to their development?

Broccoli and cabbage I would have transplants in the ground (down here) in Oct. Check with your county extension office--they will have fall planting guides. Ornamental Kale wound go in about the same time as those two plants. They are very closely related. See if they have edible kale on their lists--or other greens. All are pretty closely related. Lettuce is in another family. Hope this helps.

Taking your suggestion I found this fall planting guide
http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/plantanswers/fallgarden/falldirect.html

Thanks, Siggy, and everyone. I was wondering the
very same thing. I printed up the chart and put it in
my notebook.