Des Vertus Savoy

Family: Brassicaceae Brassica

Unfurl Des Vertus Savoy and savor the sight—and the promise—of its tightly layered, deeply crinkled leaves, cool as velvet and richly aromatic.

At maturity, heads form a firm, elegant globe with a gentle, sweet cabbage flavor and a tender, springy texture that holds its character beautifully for classic garden use. Ideal for hearty braises and slow-simmered preparations, this Savoy cabbage brings a refined, crinkled beauty to the table from the first harvest through the last leaves.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 75 DaysHabit: Rosette

Botanical illustration of Des Vertus Savoy

Planting schedules and alerts are optimized for Columbus (Zone 6b).

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Mar 28th
Last Frost	Apr 25th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Apr 25th
Harvest Begins	Jul 9th
Harvest Ends	Oct 16th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	75
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Rosette
Support Needed	None
Planting Depth	Normal
Germination Temp (°F)	70
Min Soil Temp (°F)	45
Min Night Temp (°F)	32
Harden Off (days)	6

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

Des Vertus Savoy’s tightly crinkled leaves soften into a tender spring rather than collapsing, so it carries braising juices like a sponge. Use it where you want that gentle sweetness and aromatic brassica edge to stay intact—especially with butter, bacon, or sharp vinegar.

Best Uses

butter-braised savoy wedges until silk-tender
slow-simmered braises and ragù-style cabbage pot cooking
stir-fry or quick sauté where the ridges catch seasoning
shredded slaw with assertive vinaigrette for crisp-tender bite

Flavor Profile

gentle sweet cabbage flavor tender, springy bite in the leaves pleasantly aromatic, faintly nutty brassica depth crinkled leaf texture that clings to sauce

Kitchen Pairings

caraway bacon mustard butter apple cider vinegar smoked paprika

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease most commonly affects Brassica oleracea var. capitata (Savoy cabbage), and how can I control it?

A very common issue is cabbage worms (imported cabbageworm/loopers) that chew irregular holes in the leaves. Inspect the undersides weekly and hand-pick early; then cover seedlings and actively growing heads with fine row cover so butterflies can’t lay eggs. If damage is already present, use Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) spray targeted for caterpillars and repeat as label directions require.

How often should I water Savoy cabbage during the main growth phase?

During head formation (roughly after the plant is well established), keep the soil consistently evenly moist but never waterlogged—aim for about 1 inch (2.5 cm) of water per week, adjusted for rainfall and heat. Sandy soil may need more frequent watering (smaller amounts), while heavier soils may need less; check by pushing a finger 1–2 inches into the soil—water when it feels dry at that depth. Mulch helps prevent the moisture swings that can lead to loose heads and split or stressed foliage.

How do I know when Des Vertus Savoy (Brassica oleracea var. capitata) is ready to harvest?

Harvest when the heads feel firm and compact and the outer leaves look fully grown but still fresh-green (generally around 75 days from sowing, depending on your start method). A good test is to gently squeeze the head—if it compresses slightly but doesn’t feel soft, it’s ready; if it feels tight and rigid, pick promptly. Cut the head with a sharp knife at the base, leaving a few wrapper leaves to protect the surface.