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Savoy Express

Family: Brassicaceae Vegetable

Planting Schedule

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

Savoy Express unfurls with a lush, deeply crinkled canopy that feels like velvet under the fingertips—its tight head forms a handsome, compact silhouette with cool, blue-green tones.

Expect a crisp, tender bite and a gentle sweetness that shines whether you enjoy it fresh or turn it into hearty favorites. Savoy Express is a standout for gardeners who want dependable, 70-day performance and a striking texture that elevates every harvest basket.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 70 DaysHabit: Rosette

Botanical illustration of Savoy Express

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Savoy Express 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 Jul 27th – Aug 29th
Zone 2b Apr 17th May 8th Jul 17th – Aug 25th
Zone 3a Apr 17th May 8th Jul 17th – Sep 1st
Zone 3b Apr 21st May 12th Jul 21st – Sep 21st
Zone 4a Apr 17th May 8th Jul 17th – Sep 24th
Zone 4b Apr 15th May 6th Jul 15th – Sep 27th
Zone 5a Apr 10th May 1st Jul 10th – Sep 30th
Zone 5b Apr 6th Apr 27th Jul 6th – Oct 5th
Zone 6a Apr 3rd Apr 24th Jul 3rd – Oct 10th
Zone 6b Mar 28th Apr 18th Jun 27th – Oct 16th
Zone 7a Mar 23rd Apr 13th Jun 22nd – Oct 20th
Zone 7b Mar 13th Apr 3rd Jun 12th – Oct 28th
Zone 8a Mar 4th Mar 25th Jun 3rd – Nov 5th
Zone 8b Feb 23rd Mar 16th May 25th – Nov 12th
Zone 9a Feb 6th Feb 27th May 8th – Nov 26th
Zone 9b Jan 12th Feb 2nd Apr 13th – Dec 9th
Zone 10a — Oct 1st Dec 10th – Feb 28th
Zone 10b — Oct 1st Dec 10th – Feb 28th
Zone 11a — Oct 1st Dec 10th – Feb 28th
Zone 11b — Oct 1st Dec 10th – Feb 28th
Zone 12a — Oct 1st Dec 10th – Feb 28th
Zone 12b — Oct 1st Dec 10th – Feb 28th
Zone 13a — Oct 1st Dec 10th – Feb 28th
Zone 13b — Oct 1st Dec 10th – Feb 28th

Crop Details

TraitValue
Days to Maturity70
Sun RequirementsFull SunFull sun
Growth HabitRosette
Support NeededNone
Planting DepthNormal
Germination Temp (°F)75
Min Soil Temp (°F)45
Min Night Temp (°F)30
Harden Off (days)6

Culinary Notes


Chef's Note

This savoy cabbage earns its keep with that tight, crinkled leaf texture—shred it and it stays crisp under dressing, or cook it and the folds melt into silky sweetness without turning mushy. Expect a gentler brassica edge than most cabbages, so it plays especially well with fatty, salty partners and a bright hit of acid.

Best Uses

  • thin shreds for crunchy slaws and cabbage salads
  • sauté or stir-fry so the leaves blister and stay pleasantly snappy
  • steam and fold into buttered noodles or potato hashes
  • braise with stock to make silky, spoon-tender cabbage

Flavor Profile

crisp-tender bite gentle sweetness savory brassica bite with a soft, vegetal finish finely crinkled leaf texture that holds dressings well

Kitchen Pairings

butter bacon caraway lemon mustard parmesan

Frequently Asked Questions


What pest or disease is most likely on Brassica oleracea var. capitata (savoy) and how do I control it?
Watch for cabbage worms (Imported cabbageworm/diamondback moth larvae) and aphids, which commonly chew savoy leaves and leave frass on the cabbage head. Inspect weekly and hand-pick larvae when you see them, then spray an appropriate Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) product for caterpillars or insecticidal soap for aphids, applying in the evening for better coverage. If you notice blackened stems or leaves and poor growth, remove affected plants early to reduce spread, and avoid replanting brassicas in the same spot for at least 3 years.
How often should I water Brassica oleracea var. capitata during the main head-forming phase?
During the main growing phase (from when plants start forming heads until harvest), keep the soil evenly moist—aim for about 1–1.5 inches (2.5–4 cm) of water per week depending on heat and rainfall. Water deeply so moisture reaches the root zone, then let the top 1 inch (2.5 cm) of soil dry slightly before watering again to prevent rot while avoiding stress that can cause loose heads. In hot spells, check more often because savoy can wilt quickly in full sun.
How can I tell when savoy cabbage is ready to harvest?
Harvest when heads reach a firm, dense feel and the outer leaves look fully developed, typically around 70 days from transplanting for this type. The head should resist gentle pressure—if it compresses easily, give it a bit more time. Cut heads at the base in the morning for best texture, leaving a few outer leaves to protect the head.