Here is the list of the Best Ornamental Vegetables that not only add beauty to your garden but also make for stunning visual displays.
When it comes to vegetable gardening, many of us focus solely on the practicality of growing fresh produce. However, there is a fascinating world of Ornamental Vegetables that not only provide a bountiful harvest but also add visual appeal to your garden and platter!
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Best Ornamental Vegetables
1. Rainbow Swiss Chard
Botanical Name: Beta vulgaris var. cicla var. Flavescens
First on the list of ornamental vegetables is the Rainbow Swiss Chard. Its glossy leaves come in shades of red, yellow, orange, pink, and white, creating a visual feast.
2. Purple Cauliflower
Botanical Name: Brassica oleracea var. botrytis
With its deep, rich purple florets, this striking vegetable is as attractive as it is nutritious. The color intensifies as the plant matures, making it a stunning centerpiece!
3. Black Pearl Peppers
Botanical Name: Capsicum annuum ‘Black Pearl’
Next on the list of ornamental vegetables are Black Pearl Peppers. These compact plants produce small, round peppers that start off glossy black and ripen to a deep red color.
4. Golden Sweet Cherry Tomato
Botanical Name: Solanum lycopersicum.
Sweet Gold stands out by offering both a rich, sweet tomato flavor and beautiful golden yellow fruits. These glossy 1-inch fruits are a delightful treat!
5. Redbor Kale
Botanical Name: Brassica oleracea (Acephala Group) ‘Redbor’
This stunning ornamental vegetable features deeply ruffled leaves in shades of deep purple and red. Use it as an ornamental focal point in the garden.
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6. Romanesco Broccoli
Botanical Name: Brassica oleracea ‘Romanesco’
Its lime-green florets form intricate spirals that resemble a fractal pattern. The unique shape and vibrant color of this vegetable make it a captivating addition to any garden.
7. Scarlet Runner Beans
Botanical Name: Phaseolus coccineus
Scarlet Runner Beans are renowned for their striking red flowers and vibrant green foliage. The beautiful red flowers attract pollinators, adding life to your outdoor space.
8. Glass Gem Corn
Botanical Name: Zea mays
Glass Gem Corn is renowned for its stunning, translucent kernels in a variety of colors. The vibrant hues range from shades of blue, purple, yellow, pink, and red.
9. Lemon Cucumber
Botanical Name: Cucumis sativus ‘Lemon’
Lemon Cucumber is a delightful ornamental vegetable that looks like a lemon but tastes like a cucumber. The vibrant color and unique shape make it eye-catching.
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10. Globe Artichokes
Botanical Name: Cynara scolymus
These plants possess a high level of ornamental appeal, characterized by their large, jagged, silvery leaves and tall flower stems that bear sizeable globe-shaped buds.
11. Purple Pole Beans
Botanical Name: Phaseolus vulgaris
Purple Pole Beans are both visually appealing and productive. These plants produce beautiful deep purple pods that hang in clusters, contrasting with the lush green foliage.
12. Red Romaine Lettuce
Botanical Name: Lactuca sativa var.
Its elongated leaves range from dark maroon to deep red, providing a dramatic burst of color in your garden. This lettuce adds a crisp, slightly bitter flavor to salads.
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13. Dragon Carrots
Botanical Name: Daucus carota ‘Purple Dragon’
Dragon Carrots are not only delicious but also visually intriguing. This heirloom variety features dark purple skin and vibrant orange flesh.
14. Watermelon Radishes
Botanical Name: Raphanus sativus ‘Watermelon’
Watermelon radishes are ornamental vegetables that usually have an ivory color with a slight pink blush, particularly on the taproot.
15. Gold Beetroots
Botanical Name: Beta vulgaris
The skin of the beet is semi-rough, exhibiting marks, russet tones, and scratches, and it varies in color from deep orange to a blend of gold, brown, and pale yellow.
16. Red Cabbage
Botanical Name: Brassica oleracea var. capitata f. rubra
Similar to kale, red cabbages can serve as visually appealing bedding plants. Their vibrant reddish-purple leaves have a captivating glow on sunny days.
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17. Rouge Vif D’Etampes Pumpkin
Botanical Name: Rouge Vif D’Etampes Pumpkin
With its appealing shape and vibrant color, it serves as a remarkable centerpiece for fall displays. Beyond its aesthetic charm, this variety holds significant culinary value too.
18. Rainbow Carrots
These carrots come in a variety of vibrant colors, including purple, yellow, and white, in addition to the traditional orange.
19. Purple Asparagus
Unlike green asparagus, these ornamental vegetables have a striking purple color, making them visually enticing.
20. Purple Potatoes
These potatoes have an eye-catching deep purple color that remains intact even after cooking. If you always wanted something colorful on your platter, this is it!
21. Ornamental Cabbage
Ornamental cabbage displays a range of vibrant colors in its foliage, including shades of pink, purple, white, and green. The colors intensify as the weather turns colder.
22. Black Tomatoes
Black tomatoes have a deep, dark color that sets them apart from traditional red tomatoes and adds an element of intrigue and elegance to their appearance.
23. Ornamental Chillies
Ornamental chillies, also known as decorative peppers or hot peppers, are a group of chili pepper varieties primarily cultivated for their attractive fruits and foliage. These peppers are grown for their ornamental value rather than for culinary use.
