March 26, 2025, 2:40 pm | Read time: 7 minutes
Savoy cabbage is particularly attractive because of its characteristic curled leaves and mild, slightly nutty flavor. Find out here how to nurture and care for this versatile cabbage to ensure a rich harvest.
Savoy cabbage (Brassica oleracea convar. capitata var. sabauda), also known as savoy, is part of the cruciferous family. Savoy cabbage originates from the Mediterranean region, with northern Italy being the most likely origin. It has also been cultivated in Germany since the 18th century. The vegetable is somewhat more resistant than other cabbages and is therefore particularly suitable for amateur gardeners who want to gain their first experience in growing cabbage.
Overview
Appearance and Growth
Savoy cabbage is a headed cabbage. It is similar in growth to white and red cabbage but differs in its wavy leaves. These are yellow-green to dark green in color and form heads that are either rounded or tapered. If the cabbage is not harvested, the small yellow flowers appear in branched, racemose inflorescences in the second year. The pods in which the seeds ripen develop from these.
Sowing and Planting Savoy Cabbage
Savoy cabbage can either be pre-grown or sown directly, although pre-growing usually works better. Depending on the variety, cultivation takes place between February and July. Seeds are sown about one centimeter deep in shallow seed trays. As soon as the first true leaves appear after the cotyledons, the small plants can be transplanted into individual pots.
Early varieties are sown outdoors from April and late varieties from July. Direct sowing is carried out from April for early varieties and later for late varieties. The exact sowing times can be found on the seed packets. The planting distance should be between 40 and 60 centimeters, depending on the variety.
Location, soil, and Bed Neighbors
Savoy cabbage thrives best in sunny locations, but it will also do well in partial shade. The soil should be loose, well-drained, loamy, nutrient-rich, and rich in humus. Sandy soils can be improved with a good portion of compost mixed in.
Good neighbors for savoy cabbage are spinach, lettuce, peppers, carrots, potatoes, beans and peas. Bad neighbors include onions, garlic, and strawberries.
Savoy cabbage can also grow in containers. However, as it needs a lot of space, cabbage lovers who garden on a balcony or terrace are certainly better advised to switch to cabbage lettuces such as Mizuna, Green in Snow, or Red Giant.
Varieties
Savoy cabbage is available in many varieties. Among others, the following are recommended:
- ‘Forerunner 3’ is a very early variety. The heads are small and rounded.
- ‘Smaragd’ is a medium-early to late variety with firm, round-to-transverse oval heads.
- ‘Große Tugenden’ is a late and high-yielding variety with large, round, and firm heads that can withstand the first frosts in the fall.
- ‘Paradeisler’ is a late, old, and robust Swiss landrace variety with medium-sized, flat-round heads and high cold tolerance.
- ‘Winter King 2’ is a very late variety with medium-sized, round to flat-round heads, a very slow development time, but good storability.
Cultivating Savoy Cabbage
Savoy cabbage is not entirely uncomplicated to care for. To keep the numerous pests at bay, it is advisable to use insect netting from the outset. Another care measure is to heap soil on the bottom of the stalks. This has two advantages. Firstly, it provides stability and prevents the heavy heads from falling over, and secondly, it offers a certain degree of protection against the cabbage fly, which prefers to lay its eggs at the root neck of the cabbage. During the growth phase, the soil around the plants should be loosened with a hoe from time to time.
Watering
Savoy cabbage needs a good supply of water. It should be watered regularly, especially at the young plant stage and in July and August. A layer of mulch around the plants can help to protect the soil from drying out quickly.
Fertilization
Savoy cabbage is a heavy feeder. It should, therefore, be fertilized about every four weeks. Suitable fertilizers are vegetable fertilizers or diluted nettle slurry. Be careful not to overdo it with the fertilizer, as too much fertilizer reduces resistance to diseases. The shelf life also decreases with too much fertilizer.
Pruning
Outer, wilted leaves can be removed if necessary.
Propagation
Savoy cabbage is propagated by sowing. You can find out how sowing works in the section “Sowing and planting savoy cabbage.” It is a biennial plant that only forms its seeds in the second year of cultivation. If seeds are to be obtained, the cabbage head must, therefore, not be harvested. In the second year, flowers form first, then pods. When the pods are yellow-brown, the seeds can be harvested.
Overwintering
Savoy cabbage is very cold-tolerant compared to many other vegetables. Depending on the variety, it can withstand temperatures as low as -10 degrees. A mulch layer of compost, leaves, and straw, as well as a protective fleece, can be helpful in the event of severe cold spells.
Toxicity
Savoy cabbage is not poisonous.
Alternatives
A good alternative to savoy cabbage is pointed cabbage. It has more tender leaves, a milder taste, and a more compact growth habit. Kale is also a good alternative. It can also cope with cold temperatures, is robust, and can be harvested leaf by leaf over a long period of time.
Bee Friendliness
Savoy cabbage is usually harvested before it flowers. However, if it is not harvested and comes into flower, wild bees and hoverflies like to fly to it.
Diseases and Pests
The most important diseases of savoy cabbage include the fall sickness and the dreaded cabbage hernia, both of which are fungal diseases. While fall sickness causes young plants to die, cabbage heartburn causes root thickening and inhibits growth. A cultivation break of at least four, but preferably six years, is crucial to prevent both diseases and promote the health of the soil.
Savoy cabbage, like other types of cabbage, is attacked by various pests. These include cabbage flies, cabbage white butterflies, and earth fleas. Crop protection nets can significantly reduce infestation. Creating a mixed crop or spreading beneficial insects can also help. Slugs and snails also love savoy cabbage and attack young plants in particular.
Harvesting and Storage
If sown early, early varieties can be harvested as early as July, while later varieties can be harvested well into the winter. The cabbage is cut off with a sharp knife just below the head as soon as it is firm and sufficiently large. The outer leaves are then removed. To prevent the spread of disease, the roots should be dug up and disposed of after harvesting.
If the cabbage is to be stored for longer, it is ideal to keep it in a cool, dark place, such as a cellar or storeroom. Savoy cabbage should be harvested with the stem and hung upside down. Moisture promotes rotting, so it is important to clean the cabbage dry and not wash it. Savoy cabbage does not necessarily have to be stored whole. It can also be frozen, pickled, or fermented.
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Use in the Kitchen
Savoy cabbage can be used to make cabbage rolls. It also tastes good in soups, stews, and casseroles. It is great raw in salads and smoothies. The leaves are particularly tasty when prepared as chips.