How to Grow Savoy King Cabbage
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Savoy King Cabbage
Brassica oleracea var. sabauda
vegetableSavoy King is a crinkled-leaf cabbage variety known for its tender, deeply textured dark green leaves and mild, sweet flavor. This cold-hardy brassica forms dense, medium-sized heads and is prized for both fresh eating and cooking. It's more delicate than smooth-headed varieties but offers superior tenderness and taste.
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Example Savoy King Cabbage timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Savoy King Cabbage
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 King Cabbage
Around Jun 26≈ 70 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Savoy King Cabbage dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 3-9; excellent cold tolerance makes it ideal for spring and fall crops
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Seedling
10-14 daysTiny cotyledons emerge, developing first true leaves with characteristic savoy texture. Plants are delicate and pale green.
Maintain consistent moisture and warmth (65-75°F). Provide bright light to prevent leggy growth. Thin seedlings to 2 inches apart if direct seeding.
Vegetative Growth
3-4 weeksPlant develops 4-8 true leaves with increasingly pronounced crinkled texture. Stem thickens and leaf color deepens to medium green.
Harden off transplants gradually before planting out. Keep soil consistently moist. Apply balanced fertilizer every 2-3 weeks. Monitor for pests like cabbage moths.
Head Formation
4-6 weeksLeaves begin wrapping tightly around central core, forming a loose, textured head. Plant reaches full size with darker green coloration.
Increase nitrogen slightly to support head development. Maintain consistent watering—irregular moisture causes splitting. Add secondary layer of mulch to shade and protect heads.
Head Maturity
2-3 weeksHead becomes solid and dense with deeply crinkled leaves. Texture is pronounced and leaves feel tender. Head reaches 4-6 pounds.
Continue steady watering. Check regularly for cabbage looper and other pests. Heads tolerate light frosts and may improve in flavor after cold exposure.
Harvest
Harvest window 1-2 weeksHead is firm, fully sized, and ready for cutting. Leaves are tender and vibrant green with full savoy crinkle.
Harvest when head feels solid by squeezing gently. Cut at base with sharp knife. Morning harvest after dew has dried is ideal.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Row covers on seedlings, Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) spray, hand-picking eggs, insecticidal soap
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Bt spray, netting, handpicking, encourage parasitic wasps
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Row covers, Bt, kaolin clay spray, parasitic wasps
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Row covers, diatomaceous earth, neem oil, reflective mulch
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Strong water spray, insecticidal soap, neem oil, encourage ladybugs
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Floating row covers, paper collars around stems, crop rotation, diatomaceous earth
Uses
Tender Cooking Greens & Stir-Fries
CulinarySavoy cabbage's delicate, crinkled leaves cook down more gently than smooth varieties and develop a sweet, mild flavor. Ideal for stir-fries, steaming, sautéing, and braising. [source]
Fresh Slaws & Salads
CulinaryRaw savoy leaves provide tender texture and visual appeal in coleslaw, salads, and wraps. The natural crinkle holds dressings well. [source]
Fermented Dishes
CulinarySavoy cabbage ferments beautifully into sauerkraut and kimchi, developing complex flavors while preserving beneficial probiotics. [source]
Anti-inflammatory & Digestive Support
MedicinalSavoy cabbage contains glucosinolates and sulforaphane compounds with anti-inflammatory properties, plus high fiber supporting digestive health. [source]
Food Preservation & Storage
HouseholdIts excellent cold storage capacity makes Savoy King ideal for preserving harvests through winter, reducing waste and providing fresh greens year-round. [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 formed, typically 70-95 days after transplanting. Cut the main head at the base with a sharp knife; side shoots may develop for secondary harvest. Savoy King tolerates light frosts and flavor improves after exposure to cold (32-50°F). Heads store 3-4 weeks in cool conditions or 2-3 months in cold storage (32-40°F, 95% humidity).
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Savoy cabbage was cultivated as early as the 16th century in Italy and Savoy, France—hence its name—making it one of the oldest cabbage varieties.
- 🌱 The crinkled leaves of Savoy cabbage aren't just for looks; they increase surface area for nutrient absorption and create natural pockets that hold dressing and cooking liquid.
- 🌱 Savoy King has exceptional cold hardiness and flavor actually improves after light frosts, as plants convert starches to sugars for frost protection—a phenomenon called 'sweetening'.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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