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When to Plant Savoy Cabbage in USDA Zone 8a

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.

In Zone 8a, the average last spring frost is around March 8 and the first fall frost is around November 18, giving you a growing season of approximately 255 days.

Zone 8a Long season
255 days
Last Spring Frost March 8
255 growing days
First Fall Frost November 18

Savoy Cabbage Planting Timeline — Zone 8a

Where Is USDA Zone 8a?

The map below highlights the states that contain Zone 8a. Click any state to see the Savoy Cabbage planting schedule for that location.

Prints a clean, ink-friendly version without maps or navigation.

Savoy Cabbage Planting Calendar — Zone 8a

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 1 Feb 1 – Feb 15
Transplant Outdoors March 8 Mar 8 – Mar 22
Direct Sow February 22 Feb 22 – Mar 15
Fall Sowing September 9 Sep 9 – Sep 23
Harvest May 17 May 17 – Jul 12

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

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

Free Zone 8a Planting Calendar PDF

Know exactly when to plant every crop in your zone. Get a printable month-by-month calendar customized for Zone 8a with start dates, transplant windows, and harvest times.

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Growing Conditions

Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

Water

Moderate — regular watering

Days to Maturity

70–110 days

Soil pH

6 – 7.5

Zone Temperature Range

10°F to 15°F average annual minimum

Growing Season

255 days (Zone 8a average)

Planting Specifications

Planting Depth1 inches
Plant Spacing15 inches apart
Row Spacing24 inches between rows

Growing Tips for Zone 8a

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

Level Up Your Garden

Saving Savoy Cabbage Seeds

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Soil Test Kit $12-25

Test your soil pH, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium levels before planting.

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Garden Plant Markers $6-12

Keep your garden organized with durable, weather-resistant plant labels.

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Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Savoy Cabbage in Zone 8a?

In Zone 8a, plan your Savoy Cabbage planting around the average last frost date of March 8. Start seeds indoors around February 1. Direct sow outdoors around February 22. Transplant seedlings around March 8.

Can Savoy Cabbage grow in Zone 8a?

Yes, Savoy Cabbage can grow well in Zone 8a, hardy in USDA zones 1a through 10b. Zone 8a has a growing season of approximately 255 days, which is sufficient for Savoy Cabbage (70-110 days to maturity).

When can I harvest Savoy Cabbage in Zone 8a?

In Zone 8a, expect to harvest Savoy Cabbage from May 17 – July 12. Savoy Cabbage takes 70-110 days from planting to harvest.

What is the last frost date for Zone 8a?

The average last spring frost in Zone 8a is around March 8, and the first fall frost is around November 18. This gives a growing season of approximately 255 days. These are 50% probability dates — actual frost dates vary year to year.

What should I plant next to Savoy Cabbage?

Good companion plants for Savoy Cabbage include Celery, Dill, Onion. These companions can help with pest control, pollination, and nutrient sharing.

🌱

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner — organize your planting dates for Zone 8a, track your crops, and plan your garden season from seed to harvest.

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Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals, University Cooperative Extension planting guides. Planting dates are estimates based on average frost dates — local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.