Savoy Cabbage — Growing reference
| Scientific name | Brassica oleracea var. sabauda |
|---|---|
| Seed germination (days) | 4–7 |
| Soil temperature for germination (°C) | 18.3–23.9 |
| First harvest or flowering (days) | 80–110 |
| Measured from | Transplant |
| Plant spacing (cm) | 45.7–61 |
| Mature height (cm) | 30.5–45.7 |
| Mature spread (cm) | 45.7–61 |
| USDA hardiness zones | 3–10 |
| Light | Full sun |
| Water | Moderate |
| Sowing method | indoor-start |
Growing directions
Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before transplanting; set out in full sun in fertile, well-drained, slightly alkaline to neutral, deeply prepared soil; savoy cabbage is distinguished from standard green or red cabbages by its deeply wrinkled, crinkled, blistered leaves that form a less tightly packed, more loosely structured head — the deeply textured leaves are more tender, delicate, and sweet than smooth-leaved cabbages and are prized for raw salads, braising, stuffed cabbage rolls, and colcannon. The plant is markedly more cold-hardy than standard cabbages, tolerating hard frosts below 20°F when mature, and improves considerably in sweetness after exposure to frost. The spring crop tends to be less satisfying than fall-harvested heads; time fall planting so heads mature in cool autumn temperatures. Excellent varieties include 'Savoy Express' (early, compact), 'Savoy King' (large, late), and 'Deadon' (very cold-hardy). Rotate brassica family crops on a 3-year cycle to prevent clubroot buildup.
Source and local conditions
Typical planning ranges from OpenPlantDB (CC0). Cultivar, climate, season and growing method can change these values. Confirm the seed label and local guidance before planting.
Source & verification
OpenPlantDB · CC0