Savoy Cabbage
Seed Count: Approx. 300 seeds
Days to Maturity: 90 Days
Description: The Savoy, also known as the Perfection Savoy Cabbage, is a large drumhead type cabbage that is literally the ultimate cooking cabbage. This large, hardy cabbage boasts dark green, finely crinkled, savoyed leaves. The heart is an attractive light green color, and the pattern on this heirloom's leaves are almost lace like in appearance. The 7-9 inch heads, can weigh up to 8 lbs, and for a late maturing cabbage, it is quite easy to grow, making it great for both home gardeners and market growers. The Savoy Cabbage has a sweeter, more delicate flavor than other cabbages, and even gets better in flavor after a light frost! Plus, it doesn't give off that classic sulfur smell while cooking. The possibilities with this variety are endless. You can steam it, use it in salads, sautes, and soups, like minestrone. Personally, I like to use a mixture of Savoy and Napa Cabbage to go in my hotpots. Talk about yum!
How To Grow
Sowing: For a summer crop, start your cabbage seeds 8-12 weeks before your last spring frost. Sow your seeds about a 1/2 inch deep, in rich soil 2 inches apart. 4 weeks before your last frost, plant your seedlings outside,12-18 inches apart in rows 3-4 feet apart. Make sure to bury the stems about half way up, in order to ensure that they have a strong base, while forming their heavy cabbage heads. For a fall crop, direct sow, or transplant your seedlings mid summer. This plant is ideal for raised bed,, but can be grown in containers and grow bags, if they are at least 12 inches wide and deep.
Growing: Cabbages need regular, even watering to avoid splitting. They also need a good composting or fertilizing routine, at least once a month, to form heads quickly. I feed mine fish emulsion at least once a month. Companion plant with dill, rosemary, sage, thyme, chamomile, potatoes, celery, beets, onions, mint, and nasturtiums. Aromatic herbs help to repel those destructive cabbage moths. Cabbages will over winter in most areas. In fact, plants in the brassica family are more tender, sweeter, and delicious after a frost. However, if you're expecting extreme temperatures, mulch may be needed. Late flat dutch tolerates heat well and resists splitting.
Harvesting: As cabbages grow, you can harvest some of its outer leaves. Cabbage heads are ready to harvest once their heads feel firm, and reach their appropriate size. Small cabbages are more tender, However, larger heads store better for winter use. To save seeds, allow the plant to flower and go to seed (they will bolt once warmer temperatures approach). After the pods dry and the seeds inside are dark brown, remove them from the plant, and dry them completely indoors. Clean off as much chaff as possible, then store the seeds in a cool, dry place. Store seeds for up to 5 years.
