Image: Red Cabbage Seedling Growth Stages
Published: December 17, 2025 at 10:40:04 PM UTC
High-resolution image showing red cabbage seedlings at five growth stages, from seed to transplant-ready plant, in realistic soil and natural lighting
This high-resolution landscape image captures the developmental stages of red cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata f. rubra) seedlings in a natural horticultural setting. The composition presents a left-to-right progression from dormant seeds to vigorous young plants ready for transplanting, each stage rendered with botanical precision and artistic realism.
On the far left, three red cabbage seeds rest on the surface of dark, crumbly soil. These seeds are spherical, deep reddish-purple, and slightly textured, with flecks of soil adhering to their surfaces. Moving rightward, the first seedling has just germinated, showing a slender purplish hypocotyl and two smooth, oval cotyledons with a glossy sheen. The second seedling is slightly taller, with broader cotyledons and a more robust stem, indicating early root establishment.
The third seedling introduces the first true leaves—heart-shaped, bluish-purple with faint veining and a matte texture. The fourth seedling displays more advanced foliage: crinkled, veined leaves with a gradient from deep violet at the base to lighter lavender at the edges. Its stem is thicker and upright, suggesting strong vascular development.
The final seedling on the far right is a transplant-ready juvenile plant. It features a sturdy, purplish stem and a rosette of large, mature true leaves with prominent venation, wavy margins, and a subtle blue-green undertone. The soil around this plant is slightly mounded, indicating preparation for transplanting.
The soil throughout the image is rich and well-aerated, with visible clumps and small stones, enhancing the realism of the horticultural environment. The background is softly blurred with green foliage, suggesting an outdoor nursery or garden bed under diffused natural light.
The image’s shallow depth of field keeps the seedlings sharply in focus while gently fading the background, emphasizing the developmental narrative. The color palette is earthy and vibrant, dominated by purples, browns, and greens, creating a visually engaging and educationally rich scene suitable for catalogs, textbooks, or gardening guides.
The image is related to: Growing Red Cabbage: A Complete Guide for Your Home Garden