How to Grow Savoy Cabbage 'Green Goblin'

Savoy Cabbage 'Green Goblin'

Brassica oleracea var. sabauda 'Green Goblin'

vegetable

Green Goblin is a compact Savoy cabbage cultivar prized for its deeply crinkled, dark green leaves and dense, flavorful heads. This variety produces medium-sized heads (2-4 lbs) with excellent texture and is well-suited to both home gardens and small-scale commercial growing. It combines the tender, sweet character of Savoy cabbages with improved disease resistance and cold hardiness.

Growing Conditions

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Sun: Full sun, 6-8 hours daily minimum; afternoon shade beneficial in hot climates

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Water: Consistent moisture of 1-1.5 inches per week; water deeply at soil level to keep foliage dry and prevent disease. Maintain even soil moisture to prevent head splitting.

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Spacing: 18-24 inches between plants in rows 24-30 inches apart inches

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Days to maturity: 70-90 days from transplant; 80-100 days from seed

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Planting depth: Transplants: set at same depth as nursery pot; seeds: 0.5 inches deep

Soil

Type: Well-draining loamy soil rich in organic matter

pH: 6.0-7.5

Amendments:

Compost aged manure nitrogen-rich fertilizer bone meal for phosphorus

Growing Zones

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Thrives in zones 3-9; performs best in cool-season growing conditions (zones 4-7)

3a 3b 4a 4b 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 8b 9a

Growth Stages

Seedling (Weeks 1-3)

3 weeks

Small plants with 2-4 true leaves emerge; cotyledons are kidney-shaped and waxy.

Maintain soil temperature of 60-70°F. Provide bright indirect light. Water gently to avoid damping-off. Thin seedlings to prevent crowding.

Vegetative Growth (Weeks 4-7)

4 weeks

Plant develops 6-10 true leaves with characteristic crinkled texture; growth is vigorous and leafy.

Harden off transplants before field planting. Fertilize every 2-3 weeks with balanced NPK. Ensure consistent moisture. Monitor for aphids and flea beetles.

Head Formation (Weeks 8-12)

5 weeks

Center leaves begin to curl inward; head becomes visible and starts to densify. Outer leaves remain loose and protective.

Apply nitrogen-rich side dress if growth slows. Increase watering frequency as head fills. Monitor for caterpillars and loopers. Use row covers if needed.

Head Maturation (Weeks 13-16)

3-4 weeks

Head fills completely with dense, tightly wrapped crinkled leaves. Outer leaves yellow slightly but remain attached. Compact, firm head develops characteristic deep green color.

Reduce nitrogen; maintain consistent moisture to prevent splitting. Begin harvesting when heads reach desired size and feel firm to gentle pressure.

Harvest Ready (Week 16+)

Variable; can hold in field 2-4 weeks after maturity

Head is fully mature, compact, and densely wrapped with crispy, deeply textured green leaves. Plant may remain in field for extended harvest window.

Harvest in morning when plants are hydrated. Cut head at base with sharp knife, leaving stem to potentially regrow smaller secondary heads.

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Beets carrots celery chamomile dill garlic nasturtiums onions potatoes thyme

Avoid planting near:

Fennel kohlrabi other brassicas (within 1 year) strawberries tomatoes

Common Pests

Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) spray; hand-pick caterpillars; row covers during vulnerable stages; netting
Bt spray; row covers; hand-picking; insecticidal soap; parasitic wasp encouragement
Row covers on seedlings; diatomaceous earth; neem oil; reflective mulches; kaolin clay
Strong water spray; insecticidal soap; neem oil; encourage ladybugs and lacewings
Row covers; paper collars around transplant base; crop rotation; soil drench with spinosad
Improve air circulation; sulfur dust or spray; reduce overhead watering; resistant varieties

Uses

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Fresh salads and slaws

Culinary

The deeply crinkled leaves of Savoy cabbage are more tender and sweet than green cabbage, making them ideal for fresh applications. Excellent shredded raw in slaws, salads, and coleslaws; retains texture and provides visual appeal. [source]

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Braised, steamed, and cooked dishes

Culinary

Savoy's tender texture makes it perfect for braising, steaming, and sautéing. The crinkled leaves absorb flavors beautifully and cook faster than standard cabbage. Popular in European cuisine for stuffed cabbage rolls and soups. [source]

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Nutritional and anti-inflammatory support

Medicinal

Like all cruciferous vegetables, Savoy cabbage contains glucosinolates and sulforaphane, compounds studied for their anti-inflammatory and potential cancer-preventive properties. Rich in vitamin C, K, and fiber. [source]

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Natural folk remedies

Household

Cabbage leaf compresses have been traditionally used as natural pain and inflammation relief for bruises, arthritis, and minor injuries. Leaves are sometimes applied directly to skin. [source]

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Pollinator and beneficial insect support

Wildlife

When allowed to bolt and flower, Savoy cabbage produces small yellow flowers attractive to bees and other pollinators. Also hosts beneficial insects that prey on common pests. [source]

This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.

Harvest Tips

Harvest when heads are firm and fully developed, typically 70-90 days after transplanting. Cut heads at the base with a sharp knife in the morning. Heads can remain in the field for 2-4 weeks after maturity for extended harvest. Inner leaves may regrow after main head harvest. For storage, harvest before hard frost and keep at 32-40°F with high humidity; will keep 2-3 months.

Fun Facts

🌱 The name 'Savoy' refers to the Savoy region of France and Italy where this crinkled cabbage variety was historically developed, dating back to the 16th century.
🌱 Savoy cabbage's deeply wrinkled, crinkled leaves (called 'savoyed') are not just for texture—the extra surface area increases tenderness compared to smooth-leafed varieties.
🌱 Green Goblin was bred for improved disease resistance and compact growth habit, making it well-suited to home gardens and high-density market farming operations.

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