How to Grow Savoy Cabbage Tundra
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Savoy Cabbage Tundra
Brassica oleracea var. sabauda 'Tundra'
vegetableSavoy Cabbage 'Tundra' is a cold-hardy hybrid cultivar known for its heavily crinkled, blue-green leaves and dense, compact heads. This variety is specifically bred for northern climates and late-season harvests, offering excellent frost tolerance and disease resistance. It produces firm heads weighing 2-4 pounds with a sweet, tender flavor.
When should you plant Savoy Cabbage Tundra in your zone?
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Example Savoy Cabbage Tundra timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Savoy Cabbage Tundra
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Savoy Cabbage Tundra
Around Jul 1≈ 75 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Savoy Cabbage Tundra dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 2-8; exceptional cold hardiness makes it ideal for zones 2-5
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Get my Savoy Cabbage Tundra timeline →Growth Stages
Seedling
3-4 weeksYoung plants develop 2-4 true leaves with the characteristic crinkled texture beginning to appear
Keep soil consistently moist. Provide 14-16 hours of light daily if growing indoors. Harden off 7-10 days before transplanting.
Vegetative
4-6 weeks after transplantingPlant establishes a strong root system and produces multiple large, heavily textured leaves
Transplant to garden when 4-6 weeks old and 3-4 inches tall. Apply balanced fertilizer every 3-4 weeks. Mulch to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature.
Head Formation
3-4 weeksLeaves begin curling inward to form a compact, dense head with visible crinkled texture
Apply nitrogen-heavy fertilizer to support head development. Maintain consistent watering. Remove yellow lower leaves if desired. Monitor for pests.
Maturation
2-3 weeksHead becomes firm and solid, weighing 2-4 pounds with deep blue-green coloring
Continue consistent watering. This variety improves in flavor after light frost (cold triggers sugar conversion). Harvest before temperatures drop below -10°F.
Harvest
Harvest windowHeads are fully formed, firm to pressure, and ready for cutting
Harvest in morning when plants are crisp with moisture. Cut at base with sharp knife. Can leave roots in ground for secondary mini-head production.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Use row covers before butterfly emergence. Apply Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) spray. Hand-pick caterpillars. Plant dill and chamomile as trap crops.
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Spray with Bt or insecticidal soap at first sign. Use yellow sticky traps. Encourage parasitic wasps.
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Use row covers on seedlings. Dust with diatomaceous earth. Plant nasturtium as trap crop.
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Practice crop rotation (3+ years without brassicas). Ensure pH above 6.8. Avoid waterlogged soil. Solarize soil if previously infected.
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Spray with water to dislodge. Use insecticidal soap. Introduce ladybugs. Apply neem oil in early morning or evening.
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and
Remove debris and dense mulch near plants. Use beer traps. Handpick at night. Apply copper tape barriers.
Uses
Fresh salads and slaws
CulinaryThe crinkled leaves of Savoy cabbage are naturally tender and more delicate than green cabbage, making them ideal raw for salads, coleslaw, and fresh preparations. The sweet flavor is enhanced after frost. [source]
Braising and stews
CulinaryThe tender, thin leaves soften quickly when cooked, making Savoy cabbage superior for braised dishes, soups, and stews compared to harder cabbage varieties. [source]
Nutritional and anti-inflammatory properties
MedicinalSavoy cabbage is rich in vitamin C, vitamin K, and glucosinolates (compounds with potential anti-cancer properties). It contains sulforaphane, known for anti-inflammatory effects. [source]
Traditional poultice remedy
HouseholdHistorically, cabbage leaf poultices have been applied to bruises, inflammation, and sore muscles. The leaves naturally conform to body contours. [source]
Pollinator support
WildlifeIf a few plants are left to bolt and flower, the yellow brassica flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, supporting garden ecosystem health. [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 dense, typically 75-95 days after transplanting. Tundra's exceptional cold tolerance means flavor actually improves after light frost (32-40°F). Cut heads at the base with a sharp knife in early morning. Inner leaves can be harvested individually during head formation. Mature heads store 2-3 months in cool, humid conditions (32-40°F, 90-95% humidity). Can leave stumps in ground after harvest; secondary smaller heads often develop from remaining leaf buds.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Savoy cabbage has been cultivated in Italy since the 16th century and gets its name from the Savoy region in the Italian Alps.
- 🌱 The 'Tundra' cultivar was specifically bred for subarctic and arctic gardening regions, and can survive temperatures as low as -10°F while still in the field, making it one of the hardiest vegetable varieties available.
- 🌱 Savoy cabbage's wrinkled leaves increase surface area, allowing for better nutrient absorption and more tender texture, but also create natural pockets that can harbor insects and require careful washing before use.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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