Brassica Flowers
Name : Brassica Flowers
Latin Name : Genus: Brassica (Brassica oleracea)
Brassica Description
Brassica is a genus of over 30 wild species of mostly annual or biennial plants in the Mustard Family (Brassicaceae). This genus contains more important agricultural and horticultural crops than any other genus. Brassica is native to the wild in Western Europe, the Mediterranean and temperate regions of Asia. The cultivated species are grown worldwide and many of the wild species grow as weeds, especially in North America, South America, and Australia.
Members of the Brassica genus are collectively known either as cabbages, or as mustards. Brassica crops are sometimes called cole crops, which is derived from the Latin word “caulis”, meaning “stem” or “cabbage".
Some forms of Brassica (Brassica oleracea) have white or purple foliage or flower heads, and are grown for ornamental purposes. These garden varieties are commonly known as ornamental cabbage, or ornamental kale.
The ornamental cabbage has exceptionally beautiful, lacy foliage and makes a bold statement in the fall garden. They are tolerant of mild frost, and remain colourful all winter in mild climates. It is actually the center leaves (not flowers) that colour up in cold weather. The real flowers are small yellow and unassuming, but the leaves that surround them are brilliant and extremely vivid. Ornamental cabbage and kale can grow up to 18 to 24 inches in diameter and 18 to 24 inches tall.
The foliage of ornamental cabbage comes in vivid shades of red, purple, pink, green, and white.
Brassica grows best in full sun. If planted in a shady or partially shady location, the ornamental cabbage will become tall, leggy, and unattractive. New Brassica plants can be propagated from seeds. Sow the seeds six weeks in advance of outdoor planting at 65 F. Do not cover the cabbage seeds since light aids germination, conversely, kale seeds should be covered with 1/4 inch of soil.
Kale and Ornamental cabbage are best planted in areas where you can see their center. They look attractive on slopes, doorsteps, decks, patios, in ground beds and in large plantings.
Popular varieties of Ornamental cabbage include Dynasty Series cabbage in link, red, or white have semi-waved leaves. Popular Ornamental kale varieties in red or white include Chidori, Osaka, and Nagoya, which are heavily fringed and especially uniform, and the Peacock, which is comparatively more compact than others.
Brassica Meaning
The Brassica flower is associated with the meaning Money and Profit.
Brassica Mythology
The Brassica flower has been mentioned in a Greek myth. Greeks knew that grape vines do not flourish when grown near cabbage. According to Legend, the god of wine, Dionysus, wandered to Thrace accompanied by his loyal followers, the Bacchae. Thrace was the area of Lycurgus. Threatened by Dionysus arrival, Lycurgus captured Dionysus and all the Bacchae. To avenge this action, Dionysus had Lycurgus driven mad. Not in his right mind, Lycurgus mistook his son for a vine and cut his son to pieces. When he realized what he had done, Lycurgus wept, and from the tears that fell to the ground sprang a cabbage.
Another ancient belief is that it is unlucky to walk through cabbage fields.
