Question: I would like to start seeds for some ornamental cabbage for fall planting. When should I start the seeds? Do I need to pinch back the seedlings to get that nice, compact head?

Answer: Ornamental kale and cabbage grow best in cool weather and generally take about 60 days to mature. To avoid stressing the seedlings during the hottest days of summer, wait until 4 to 6 weeks before your average first frost date to sow seed. You don't need to pinch back the seedlings. The plants should form a nice head on their own.