Savoy Express

Family: Brassicaceae Vegetable

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

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	Jun 27th
Harvest Ends	Oct 16th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	70
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Rosette
Support Needed	None
Planting Depth	Normal
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.