ornamental cabbage

I purchased some seed recently for this for fall planting. Has anyone ever tried growing the seeds? Any tips to be successful? I hope to give them away as gifts. I'm thinking I should wait until the end of July to start them. Our estimated first frost date is November 15th. I would like to have them ready by the end of September - first of Oct. Any info would be greatful.
dawn

Dawn, mine have reseeded on their own in the past, so I guess that counts. I have learned not wait too late in the year to start Fall type veggies, but can't advise about the time other than to say I'd not wait any later than than end of July.

Laurel

Thanks Laurel, I knew someone would chime in. OK, I'll get them going by then end of July. Do you do all your fall veggies this early?

I am looking at last year's calendar and seeded cabbage, collards, and rutabaga on the 2nd and 3rd of July. Rutabagas were reseeded two more times through early August. Small seedling beds in the garden (about 12" x 30") are dug and enriched soil is used to grow seedlings until they are about two inches tall. I then transplant to the permanent spot. I'll keep transplanting as much as there is room for while the laggards catch up. Our garden is decent sized, but so crammed with summer stuff I need the extra time for summer veggies before the fall veggies are planted.

Don't go by the seed package days to harvest for fall veggies. It takes weeks longer than indicated. The days are shorter and temps start dropping. Bugs and worms are way worse. I plant more seed than in spring to offset losses. The upside is we can forage greens all winter when we come to visit

Thank you so much for this info. I know what I will be doing when I get home tonight then. I grew nothing but tomatoes this year and have already pulled up a few plants. I think my plan will be to get the seeds started on my cabbage along with the broc, cauliflower, b sprouts. Once I get a good spot cleared I'll ammend the soil and get it ready to receive some of the plants I hope to have from the seeds.
My FIL was in an accident back in April and their neighbors have been so helpful while he is recovering. I know the ladies would like the cabbage to go in their flowerbeds. I thought to give them all some as a small jesture of thanks.
This was my first year growing tomatoes by seed which I did pretty good I think. I did learn that I started too early and they got too big before time to put in the ground. That's why I didn't want to start too soon. Glad I asked.
Thanks
Dawn

The kale gifts are a creative and thoughtful gesture. I failed to mention that we planted edible kale on the above mentioned dates too. Also, the rutabagas were planted in place and were doing great until the deer came to visit. They ate the greens and dug the roots as well. Thanks for your question as I failed to look at last year's calendar and now realize I've some work to do myself. :)

Laurel