Easter is a time for renewal, fresh colors, and creative decorations, and nothing captures that spirit quite like a blooming cabbage centerpiece.
It’s a stunning, nature-inspired arrangement that blends rustic charm with elegance, perfect for brightening up your Easter table. Instead of the usual floral vases, why not use something unexpected, an ornamental cabbage or kale?
These gorgeous plants have layers of ruffled leaves resembling roses, making them a unique and eye-catching focal point.
I’ve created many of these centerpieces over the years, and they never fail to impress guests. Plus, they’re incredibly easy to make!
Whether you want a soft pastel theme or a bold, vibrant display, I’ll guide you through every step so you can create your own blooming cabbage masterpiece just in time for Easter.
Choosing the Perfect Cabbage for Your Centerpiece
The star of this arrangement is, of course, the cabbage itself. Ornamental cabbages and kale are your best choices because they have beautifully layered leaves in shades of green, white, purple, and pink.
These plants thrive in cool weather, and their colors intensify when exposed to chilly temperatures.
When selecting one, go for a firm, healthy cabbage with tightly packed leaves. Avoid anything that looks wilted or has brown spots.
You can find these at most garden centers, especially in early spring or fall. If you have time, you can even grow your own, just plant them in late summer for a gorgeous autumn harvest.
Prepping the Cabbage for Your Floral Arrangement
Once you have your cabbage, the first step is to prepare it to hold flowers. You want it to act like a natural vase. Here’s what I do:
- Cut the bottom stem so the cabbage sits flat and steady on your table.
- Use a sharp knife to carve out a small, circular hole in the center, making sure it’s wide and deep enough to fit a small glass or jar. A shot glass or short juice glass usually works well.
- Place the glass inside the hollowed-out cabbage. If it doesn’t fit snugly, trim the hole carefully until it does.
- Fill the glass with water, this will keep your flowers hydrated for days without needing floral foam.
Selecting and Arranging Your Easter Flowers
Since this is an Easter-themed centerpiece, you want soft, cheerful colors. I always include a mix of pastels and vibrant spring blooms. Some of my favorite flowers to pair with cabbage are:
- Tulips – These delicate, long-stemmed flowers bring an unmistakable Easter feel.
- Daffodils – Bright yellow daffodils add warmth and contrast beautifully with deep green cabbage leaves.
- Roses – Soft pink, cream, or peach roses blend perfectly with the ruffled edges of ornamental cabbage.
- Hyacinths – Their fragrance fills the room, making the centerpiece even more special.
- Ranunculus – With their layers of petals, they mimic the cabbage’s own ruffled look.
To arrange the flowers, start with the largest ones first and work your way down to smaller, delicate blooms.
I like to add greenery, like eucalyptus or ferns, around the edges for a fuller look. Gently place the stems into the water-filled glass, making sure they are evenly distributed.
A pro tip? Add a few small Easter eggs, decorative butterflies, or even tiny fairy lights around the arrangement for a festive touch.
Here’re some my results over the past few years:
Keeping Your Blooming Cabbage Centerpiece Fresh
Since this arrangement uses real flowers, you’ll want to keep it looking fresh throughout Easter celebrations. Here’s how:
- Trim the stems every couple of days to help them absorb water better.
- Change the water in the glass daily to keep bacteria from forming.
- Keep the centerpiece in a cool place when not in use to prolong the flowers’ life.
- Swap out any wilting blooms so the arrangement stays vibrant.
The cabbage itself will stay fresh for several days, but if it starts looking tired, you can replace it with a new one or transfer your flowers to another vase.
