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Savoy Cabbage Tundra

Savoy Cabbage Tundra

Brassica oleracea var. sabauda 'Tundra'

vegetable

Savoy 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.

Growing Conditions

☀️
Sun: Full sun, 6-8 hours daily minimum
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Water: Consistent moisture; 1-1.5 inches per week. Keep soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. Drought stress causes loose, poor-quality heads.
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Spacing: 18-24 inches
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Days to maturity: 75-95 days
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Planting depth: 0.25-0.5 inches for seeds; transplants at same depth as container

Soil

Type: Well-draining loamy soil rich in organic matter
pH: 6.0-7.5
Amendments:
Compost aged manure calcium (lime if pH is below 6.0) nitrogen-rich fertilizer

Growing Zones

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Thrives in zones 2-8; exceptional cold hardiness makes it ideal for zones 2-5

2a 2b 3a 3b 4a 4b 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a

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Growth Stages

1

Seedling

3-4 weeks

Young 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.

2

Vegetative

4-6 weeks after transplanting

Plant 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.

3

Head Formation

3-4 weeks

Leaves 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.

4

Maturation

2-3 weeks

Head 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.

5

Harvest

Harvest window

Heads 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:

Beets onions garlic chamomile dill sage thyme potatoes celery

Avoid planting near:

Tomatoes peppers eggplant strawberries fennel kohlrabi other brassicas (if spacing is limited)

Common Pests

  • Use row covers before butterfly emergence. Apply Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) spray. Hand-pick caterpillars. Plant dill and chamomile as trap crops.

  • Spray with Bt or insecticidal soap at first sign. Use yellow sticky traps. Encourage parasitic wasps.

  • Use row covers on seedlings. Dust with diatomaceous earth. Plant nasturtium as trap crop.

  • Practice crop rotation (3+ years without brassicas). Ensure pH above 6.8. Avoid waterlogged soil. Solarize soil if previously infected.

  • Spray with water to dislodge. Use insecticidal soap. Introduce ladybugs. Apply neem oil in early morning or evening.

  • and

    Remove debris and dense mulch near plants. Use beer traps. Handpick at night. Apply copper tape barriers.

Uses

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Fresh salads and slaws

Culinary

The 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]

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Braising and stews

Culinary

The tender, thin leaves soften quickly when cooked, making Savoy cabbage superior for braised dishes, soups, and stews compared to harder cabbage varieties. [source]

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Nutritional and anti-inflammatory properties

Medicinal

Savoy 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]

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Traditional poultice remedy

Household

Historically, cabbage leaf poultices have been applied to bruises, inflammation, and sore muscles. The leaves naturally conform to body contours. [source]

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Pollinator support

Wildlife

If 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.

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