Brassica oleracea 'Savoy King'
vegetableSavoy cabbage forms a loose, slightly cone-shaped head of crinkled, tender blue-green leaves, the most delicate and mild-flavored of the round-head cabbages and prized for wraps, slaws, and slow braises. It is hardy and reliable, especially as a fall crop, and its savoyed leaves take cold weather in stride.
Sun
full sun
Water
Every 2 days
Harvest
~90 days
Difficulty
easy
Lifecycle
biennial
Leaves year 1, flowers year 2
Spacing
12-18 in. apart
Planting Depth
1/4-1/2 in.
Soil pH
6.0-7.5
Soil Type
Rich, well-draining
Hardiness Zones
Zones 3 β 9
Grown as an annual β this range is its winter hardiness, but you can grow it for a single season in any zone.
When to Fertilize
About 3 weeks after transplant, then every 3-4 weeks
Fertilizer
Nitrogen-rich
Start seed indoors and transplant, or direct sow, giving full sun, fertile soil, and steady moisture so the heads form solid. Like other cabbages it does best maturing in cool weather, and hardened plants set out early tolerate spring frosts. Keep moisture even to prevent the heads from splitting as they mature.
spring planting
Start seeds indoors
Mar 4
Transplant outdoors
Apr 1
Projected first harvest
Jun 30
fall planting
Start seeds indoors
Jun 23
Transplant outdoors
Jul 28
Projected first harvest
Oct 26
Good neighbors that attract beneficial insects or deter pests
Proactive ways to stop trouble before it starts β tap a name with an arrow for its full guide
Cover with row cover, handpick, and treat with Bt if needed
Hose off colonies and encourage ladybugs and hoverflies with flowers
Use row cover and rotate where brassicas grow
Cut the head at the base once it is about softball size or larger and firm to hand pressure, but before it cracks or splits. Savoy withstands frost and temperatures down to the upper teens, which sweetens the leaves; the tender crinkled leaves are best used fresh, as savoy keeps only briefly in the refrigerator.
Like all cabbage, savoy is loaded with vitamins C and K and supplies fiber, folate, and potassium at very low calories, along with the glucosinolate compounds common to cruciferous vegetables.
For educational and informational purposes only β HomeSown is not medical, health, or other professional advice. Always positively identify any plant before handling or eating it; some plants, and some parts of otherwise-edible plants, are toxic. Consult a qualified professional before consuming or otherwise using any plant, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have a health condition.
spring planting
fall planting