Hairy wild cabbage (Caulanthus pilosus)

Also known as: Hairy Wild Cabbage

The hairy wild cabbage (Brassica oleracea) thrives in the coastal and limestone cliff environments of southern and western Europe. It prefers well-drained, alkaline soils and can withstand salty, windy conditions. This plant features fleshy, lobed leaves covered with fine hairs, which help reduce moisture loss. It also produces tall, branching flower stalks adorned with yellow flowers, growing up to 2-3 feet in height. This biennial plant's structure aids in attracting pollinators in its native habitat.

In This Article

Care Tips Water Sunlight Temperature Soil Fertilize Prune Propagation Repotting

Attributes of Hairy wild cabbage

Lifespan

Annual

Plant Type

Herb

Plant Height

30-60 cm

Spread

N/A

Leaf Color

Green, often with purple tinges

Flower Size

0.5-1 cm

Flower Color

Chocolate brown

Images of Hairy wild cabbage

Quickly Identify Hairy wild cabbage

Caulanthus pilosus can be identified by its hairy stems and leaves, which are often tinged with purple. The flowers are small, with chocolatey brown petals, making it distinctive among wild cabbages.

Scientific Classification of Hairy wild cabbage

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Dicotyledons

Order

Brassicales

Family

Cruciferae

Genus

Wild cabbage

Species

Hairy wild cabbage

Planting and Growing of Hairy wild cabbage

Care Difficulty

Moderate

Watering Schedule

Every 2 days

Sunlight Requirements

Full sun

Sunshine Duration

4-6 hours

Ideal Temperature

65-75℉

Soil Type

Potting Mix, Peat Mix

Soil pH

6.5-7.5

Fertilizer Type

Balanced

Pruning Season

Spring, Summer

Pruning Area

Branches, Leaves

Pruning Frequency

2 times a year

Repotting Season

Spring

Pot Type

Plastic, Ceramic

How to Water Hairy wild cabbage?

Caulanthus pilosus requires about 300 ml of water per session. The key principle is to maintain moderately moist soil, ensuring it is damp but not soggy. Water until the soil feels slightly moist when you touch it with your finger without water pooling at the base.

What are the symptoms of an underwatered Hairy wild cabbage? ›

What should I do if my Hairy wild cabbage is not getting enough water? ›

What are the symptoms of an overwatered Hairy wild cabbage? ›

How to save an overwatered Hairy wild cabbage? ›

What Are the Sunlight Requirements for Hairy wild cabbage?

Sunlight Requirements: Full sun, Partial sun

Duration of light: 6 to 8 hours

Ideal light conditions involve providing Caulanthus pilosus with partial to full sun exposure. These conditions promote healthy growth, vibrant flowering, and strong structural development for optimal plant health.

What is the ideal light condition for Caulanthus pilosus? ›

How can you achieve the ideal light conditions? ›

What are the benefits of providing ideal light conditions? ›

What Is the Ideal Temperature Range for Hairy wild cabbage?

Ideal Temperature: 65 ~ 75℉

The ideal temperature range for Caulanthus pilosus, between 65°F and 75°F, is crucial for optimal growth and development. Maintaining these temperatures ensures that physiological processes such as photosynthesis and respiration are at their most efficient, contributing to healthy plant build and increased resistance to pests and diseases.

What Soil is Best for Hairy wild cabbage?

Soil type: Sandy soil, Loam, Sandy loam

Soil PH: 6.5 ~ 7.5

Caulanthus pilosus thrives in well-drained soil conditions which prevent root rot and encourage healthy growth. Ensuring proper drainage allows the roots to breathe and absorb essential nutrients efficiently. This plant benefits from a nutrient-rich soil that supports its robust growth. Multi-nutrient fertilizers can be added to sandy loam soils to enhance the nutrient content, aiding in vigorous stem and leaf development. While avoiding waterlogged conditions, Caulanthus pilosus requires soil that can retain moderate moisture. This helps in sustaining plant health during drier periods without frequent watering.

How to Fertilize Hairy wild cabbage?

Fertilizer type: Balanced

For Caulanthus pilosus, you should use a balanced amount of fertilizer, ideally NPK 10-10-10. For liquid fertilizer, apply 1/8th of a tablespoon for each watering session. Ensure that the soil is moist before you add liquid fertilizer to prevent root burn.

How to Prune Hairy wild cabbage?

Pruning Time: Spring, Summer

Begin your pruning session by removing any dead or damaged leaves. This allows the plant to focus its energy on producing new growth rather than trying to repair damaged sections. Prune to maintain the desired shape by cutting back any overgrown or unruly stems. It's important to follow the natural shape of the plant to enhance its aesthetic appearance without sacrificing its health. Trim the tips of the plant’s branches to promote bushier growth. This encourages the plant to branch out, creating a fuller, more robust appearance. More About Pruning Techniques→

How to Propagate Hairy wild cabbage plant?

Propagate Time: Spring, Late spring

Choose viable seeds from mature pods or select healthy, disease-free stems for cuttings. Ensure that the seeds are plump and undamaged. If using cuttings, opt for stems with several nodes and healthy leaves.

Use a well-draining potting mix or seed-starting mix rich in nutrients. Fill seed trays or pots with the medium, water lightly to set the soil, and make small indentations for sowing seeds or inserting cuttings.

Sow seeds at a shallow depth or insert cuttings into the soil with the nodes buried. For seeds, cover lightly with more soil; for cuttings, firm the soil gently around the stems. Maintain moisture and place in a warm, indirectly lit area.

More About Propagating Techniques→

How to Repot Hairy wild cabbage plant?

Repotting frequency: Every 1-2 years

Caulanthus pilosus should be repotted when its roots outgrow the current pot, usually noticeable when roots start appearing through the drainage holes or the plant exhibits slow growth despite adequate care. Repot in early spring for best results, giving it plenty of time to establish before active growing seasons.

Select a pot that is one size larger than the current one, ensuring it has ample drainage holes to prevent waterlogging. A slightly larger pot encourages healthy root expansion without overwhelming the plant with excess soil, maintaining a balanced moisture level.

Opt for a well-draining sandy mix to recreate its natural habitat. A soil mix with sand or perlite will ensure proper drainage, preventing root rot and promoting good aeration, which is crucial for the healthy growth of Caulanthus pilosus.