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When to Plant Savoy Cabbage in Choctaw County, AL

Savoy cabbage has crinkled, deeply veined leaves that form looser heads than regular cabbage. It has a milder, sweeter flavor and is more cold-tolerant.

Choctaw County, Alabama is in USDA Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 16 and the first fall frost is November 8, giving you a growing season of approximately 237 days.

At an elevation of 417 feet, Choctaw County receives approximately 54.3 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 98ยฐF, so Savoy Cabbage may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Clay soil retains moisture well for Savoy Cabbage, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Savoy Cabbage root diseases.

Choctaw County, AL (Zone 8a) Long season
237 days
Last Spring Frost March 16
237 growing days
First Fall Frost November 8

Choctaw County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Clay Loam

Soil pH

5.5-6.4

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (114 days to spare)
Start indoors: Jan 31 Transplant: Mar 7 🍅 Harvest: May 16 – Jul 11
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (111 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 9 Transplant: Mar 16 🍅 Harvest: May 25 – Jul 20
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (104 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 6 Transplant: Apr 10 🍅 Harvest: Jun 19 – Aug 14

Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.

Plant Water Budget

Plant needs
1.0″/week
Rainfall provides
1.0″/week
You supply
0.0″/week
Watering frequency Only during dry spells
Season total 80 gal / 100 sq ft
Savoy Cabbage needs ~2,115 GDD — county provides 5,569 GDD Excellent fit

Savoy Cabbage Planting Timeline โ€” Choctaw County, AL

Savoy Cabbage Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 9 Feb 9 โ€“ Feb 23
Transplant Outdoors March 16 Mar 16 โ€“ Mar 30
Direct Sow March 2 Mar 2 โ€“ Mar 23
Fall Sowing August 30 Aug 30 โ€“ Sep 13
Harvest May 25 May 25 โ€“ Jul 20

Plant 1" deep ยท 15" apart ยท Rows 24" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February Start Indoors
March Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
April โ€”
May Harvest
June Harvest
July Harvest
August Fall Sowing
September Fall Sowing
October โ€”
November โ€”
December โ€”

Growing Conditions

Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

Water

Moderate โ€” regular watering

Days to Maturity

70โ€“110 days

Soil pH

6 โ€“ 7.5

USDA Zone

Zone 8a

Growing Season

237 days

Growing Tips for Choctaw County

Start seeds indoors 4-6 weeks before last frost. Savoy cabbage is more forgiving of temperature fluctuations than smooth-leaved types. Excellent for stuffed cabbage rolls.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Avoid Planting Near

  • Strawberries
  • Tomatoes

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Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Savoy Cabbage in Choctaw County, AL?

Choctaw County is in Zone 8a with an average last frost of March 16. Plan your Savoy Cabbage planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Choctaw County, AL?

Choctaw County, Alabama is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8a. The average last spring frost is March 16 and first fall frost is November 8.

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Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Choctaw County gardeners in Zone 8a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.

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Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Choctaw County, AL. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.