Ormskirk Savoy

Family: Brassicaceae Brassica

Feel the slow, satisfying crunch of Ormskirk Savoy as its tight head forms—deeply quilted leaves with a cool, sea-green sheen that seems to hold winter light.

With a mild, sweet cabbage flavor and a tender, finely savoyed texture, it’s ideal for long-season growing and steady harvest when temperatures turn crisp. Grow Ormskirk Savoy for hearty braises, comforting soups, and classic slaws that showcase its richly ruffled leaf surface.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 85 DaysHabit: Rosette

Botanical illustration of Ormskirk 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 18th
Harvest Begins	Jul 12th
Harvest Ends	Oct 16th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	85
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Rosette
Support Needed	None
Planting Depth	Normal
Germination Temp (°F)	45
Min Soil Temp (°F)	40
Min Night Temp (°F)	32
Harden Off (days)	6

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

Ormskirk Savoy comes off sweet and gentle, with that tightly quilted texture that stays springy—so braises feel plush but not collapsed. Pair it with sharpness (mustard or vinegar) and fat (butter or bacon) to make the leaves taste round instead of flat.

Best Uses

braised wedges that soften while keeping structure
slow-simmered cabbage soups and broths
shredded slaw for a crisp, ruffled bite
pan-roasted cabbage steaks with a glossy finish

Flavor Profile

mild, sweet cabbage flavor tender, finely savoyed crunch cool, lightly vegetal edge holds sauce without turning mushy

Kitchen Pairings

caraway bacon mustard butter apple cider vinegar caramelized onions

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s a common disease or pest problem for Brassica oleracea var. capitata (savoy cabbage), and how do I manage it?

Watch for cabbage worms (imported cabbageworm/diamondback moth larvae) that chew ragged holes in the savoy leaves. Use row cover after transplanting to prevent egg laying, and hand-pick larvae early; if needed, spot-treat with a Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) product targeted to caterpillars. Also inspect for black rot symptoms (yellowing V-shaped leaf edges that darken) and remove infected plants promptly to prevent spread through splashing water.

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

During active head-building (roughly mid-season through the last 4–6 weeks), keep soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. Aim for about 1–1.5 inches (2.5–4 cm) of water per week, adjusting to rainfall and heat, and water at the soil line to reduce leaf wetness. In uneven moisture, cabbage heads are more likely to split, so avoid long dry spells followed by heavy watering.

How can I tell when Ormskirk Savoy cabbage is ready to harvest?

Harvest when heads feel firm to the squeeze and the outer leaves look fully developed, typically around 85 days from transplanting. You’ll notice the head stops “filling” and stays tight rather than springy. Cut at the base with a sharp knife, leaving a bit of wrapper leaf to protect the savoy texture during storage.