Perfection Drumhead Savoy

Family: Brassicaceae Vegetable

Sink your senses into the dense, velvety heart of Perfection Drumhead Savoy—leaves unfurl in a dramatic, drum-tight rosette with a cool, sea-green glow and deeply crimped texture.

Expect a sweet, clean flavor with a tender bite, making it a standout for fresh salads, hearty braises, and silky slaws. A Flat Dutch cabbage type for gardeners who love a showpiece: sturdy heads form steadily in cool weather and hold their quality beautifully through the season.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 85 DaysHabit: Rosette

Botanical illustration of Perfection Drumhead 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

Perfection Drumhead Savoy is built for texture: the tightly crimped, velvety leaves stay sweet and tender, not cabbagey-bitter, even when you shred them. Heat turns that mild brassica bite silky, so it shines in braises and slaws where other cabbages can go flat or sharp.

Best Uses

shredded slaw with a creamy or mayo-based dressing (keeps its crunch without tasting harsh)
braised wedges or stuffed cabbage—slow cook until the crimp goes silky
hot skillet sauté with butter and a splash of vinegar for a glossy, mellow finish
layered cabbage-and-potato bakes or stews where it soaks up broth evenly

Flavor Profile

sweet, clean cabbage flavor tender, slightly nutty bite moist, velvety leaf texture mild brassica bite that softens beautifully with heat

Kitchen Pairings

butter apple cider vinegar mustard bacon or pork belly caraway smoked paprika

Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease most often affects Brassica oleracea (Savoy cabbage), and how can I control it at home?

Cabbage often suffers from cabbage worms (imported cabbageworm/diamondback moth larvae) that chew ragged holes in savoy leaves. Inspect weekly and pick off larvae by hand early, then apply Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) according to label directions when caterpillars are small. If you see yellowing with soft, collapsing tissue, remove affected plants and improve airflow between plants to reduce black rot/other brassica rots.

How often should I water Savoy cabbage during the main growing phase, and what soil moisture level is ideal?

During head formation (roughly mid-season until harvest), keep the root zone consistently moist so the soil doesn’t dry out between waterings. Aim for deep watering about 1–2 times per week, increasing frequency during hot, windy weather, and use mulch to slow moisture loss around the plants. If leaves wilt in the afternoon then recover, water more often rather than giving a single heavy soak.

How can I tell when Perfection Drumhead Savoy (Brassica oleracea var. capitata) is ready to harvest?

Harvest when heads are firm and fully formed, with tight leaves that don’t compress easily when you gently press the outer head. Typical maturity is around 85 days, but final timing depends on firmness—don’t wait for overgrown loose heads. Cut the head at the base early in the day, leaving a few outer leaves to protect the savoy texture during storage.