SproutSmart
SproutSmart™ Intelligent Garden Sowing

Deadon

Family: Brassicaceae Vegetable

Planting Schedule

Provide your location or planting zone to unlock dates and add Deadon to a garden.

Sink your senses into Deadon’s richly textured savoy leaves—deep, velvety green with a softly crinkled, almost lacy surface that catches the light like fine fabric.

At maturity (about 85 days), it forms a compact, dense head with a gentle, sweet brassica flavor and a tender bite that stays appealing whether you’re enjoying it fresh or turning it into hearty garden favorites. Deadon’s classic savoy character makes it a standout for growers who want beauty in the bed and dependable performance from season to season.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 85 DaysHabit: Rosette

Botanical illustration of Deadon

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Deadon Planting Dates by USDA Zone

Estimated US hardiness-zone windows for sow, transplant, and harvest. Enter a US ZIP above for exact local dates, or open a zone below.

Zone Start Indoors Sow / Transplant Harvest
Zone 1a Protected Environment Only
Zone 1b Protected Environment Only
Zone 2a Apr 27th May 18th Aug 11th – Aug 29th
Zone 2b Apr 17th May 8th Aug 1st – Aug 25th
Zone 3a Apr 17th May 8th Aug 1st – Sep 1st
Zone 3b Apr 21st May 12th Aug 5th – Sep 21st
Zone 4a Apr 17th May 8th Aug 1st – Sep 24th
Zone 4b Apr 15th May 6th Jul 30th – Sep 27th
Zone 5a Apr 10th May 1st Jul 25th – Sep 30th
Zone 5b Apr 6th Apr 27th Jul 21st – Oct 5th
Zone 6a Apr 3rd Apr 24th Jul 18th – Oct 10th
Zone 6b Mar 28th Apr 18th Jul 12th – Oct 16th
Zone 7a Mar 23rd Apr 13th Jul 7th – Oct 20th
Zone 7b Mar 13th Apr 3rd Jun 27th – Oct 28th
Zone 8a Mar 4th Mar 25th Jun 18th – Nov 5th
Zone 8b Feb 23rd Mar 16th Jun 9th – Nov 12th
Zone 9a Feb 6th Feb 27th May 23rd – Nov 26th
Zone 9b Jan 12th Feb 2nd Apr 28th – Dec 9th
Zone 10a — Oct 1st Dec 25th – Feb 28th
Zone 10b — Oct 1st Dec 25th – Feb 28th
Zone 11a — Oct 1st Dec 25th – Feb 28th
Zone 11b — Oct 1st Dec 25th – Feb 28th
Zone 12a — Oct 1st Dec 25th – Feb 28th
Zone 12b — Oct 1st Dec 25th – Feb 28th
Zone 13a — Oct 1st Dec 25th – Feb 28th
Zone 13b — Oct 1st Dec 25th – Feb 28th

Crop Details

TraitValue
Days to Maturity85
Sun RequirementsFull SunFull sun
Growth HabitRosette
Support NeededNone
Planting DepthNormal
Germination Temp (°F)45
Min Soil Temp (°F)45
Min Night Temp (°F)30
Harden Off (days)6

Culinary Notes


Chef's Note

Deadon’s savoy leaf crinkles like little green pockets, so dressing and fat grab and cling instead of sliding off. The sweet, tender bite makes it ideal for slaw, quick sauté, or cabbage rolls where you want flavor without the cabbage turning sharp or threadbare.

Best Uses

  • shredded slaw with a creamy dressing that clings to crinkles
  • quick sauté or braise where the leaves stay sweet and pliant
  • stuffed cabbage—where tender folds hold up without going mushy
  • slow-cooked cabbage rolls or braised cabbage with a smoky finish

Flavor Profile

gentle sweet brassica flavor tender, subtly cabbage-sweet bite deeply green, savory-leaning savoriness softly crinkled, velvety leaf texture

Kitchen Pairings

caraway bacon apple cider vinegar mustard butter caramelized shallot

Frequently Asked Questions


How do I prevent and treat cabbage worms on Brassica oleracea (savoy-type) while growing it?
Inspect the undersides of leaves weekly for small green caterpillars and ragged feeding. Hand-pick early, then spray with Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) targeted to caterpillars, repeating as directed until new damage stops. Cover seedlings with floating row cover soon after planting to block adult moths, and remove covers only when plants are established enough to keep harvesting safely.
What soil moisture level should I maintain for Brassica oleracea during the main growth phase?
From mid-growth through heading/firming (roughly weeks 4–10), keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged—aim for even moisture at a 1–2 in depth. Water deeply about 1–2 times per week depending on rainfall and heat, increasing frequency during hot spells to prevent stress-related loose heads. Mulch around plants to reduce moisture swings that can lead to poor head development in Brassica oleracea.
How can I tell when my savoy-type Brassica oleracea is ready to harvest at about 85 days?
Harvest when heads feel firm and reach the expected size, and the outer leaves are fully expanded and deep green (or the cultivar’s mature color). Avoid waiting until leaves start to yellow heavily or heads begin to loosen—cabbage quality declines in the final days if left too long. For best texture, cut heads at the base in the morning and immediately chill.