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When to plant Savoy Cabbage in Citrus County, FL

Aim to plant Savoy Cabbage in Citrus County on or after January 24; the window stays open through February 14. Citrus County's 292-day frost-free season gives you plenty of room for a spring and fall cycle. A second sowing from October 7 to October 21 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Savoy Cabbage in Citrus County, FL

Citrus County, Florida Zone 9a June

Your June planting checklist for Citrus County, Florida

If you only do a handful of things in the garden this June, make it these. They're sequenced around your zone's frost timing.

Avg. last frost February 14
Avg. first frost December 2
Soil temp (4") 87°F
Watering Low
Pest pressure High
Daylight 13.8 hrs

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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.

Citrus County, Florida is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 14 and the first fall frost is December 2, giving you a growing season of approximately 291 days.

At an elevation of 423 feet, Citrus County receives approximately 55.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sand soil. Summer highs average 98°F, so Savoy Cabbage may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Savoy Cabbage will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Savoy Cabbage root diseases.

Citrus County, FL (Zone 9a) Year-round
291 days
Last Spring Frost February 14
291 growing days
First Fall Frost December 2

Citrus County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Sand

Soil pH

5.2-6.2

Drainage

Well Drained

Savoy Cabbage Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (168 days to spare)
Start indoors: Jan 6 Transplant: Feb 3 🍅 Harvest: Apr 14 – Jun 9
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (165 days to spare)
Start indoors: Jan 17 Transplant: Feb 14 🍅 Harvest: Apr 25 – Jun 20
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (157 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 15 Transplant: Mar 15 🍅 Harvest: May 24 – Jul 19

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.

Soil Compatibility in Citrus County

How your county's soil matches Savoy Cabbage's growing requirements.

Soil pH

Your soil pH (5.2–6.2) is more acidic than Savoy Cabbage prefers (6.0–7.5). Add garden lime to raise pH.

Soil Texture

Sandy soil in Citrus County warms quickly in spring but drains fast. Savoy Cabbage will need more frequent watering and regular compost additions to retain nutrients.

Organic Matter

Organic matter is low (1.5%). Add 2-3 inches of compost before planting Savoy Cabbage.

How to Plant Savoy Cabbage

1"
Planting Depth
15"
Between Plants
24"
Between Rows

Fall planting: Sow 8 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.

Succession Planting Savoy Cabbage

4
successive plantings in your 291-day season

Sow every 8 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 14 to harvest before frost.

For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Oct 07.

Savoy Cabbage Water Budget

Plant needs
1.0″/week
Rainfall provides
0.8″/week
You supply
0.2″/week
Watering frequency Only during dry spells
Season total 611 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

Water stress score is 6/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching

Monthly Watering Guide for Savoy Cabbage

Savoy Cabbage needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.

Month Savoy Cabbage Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan 2.9" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 4.3" 3.3" 1" 💧 Light watering
Mar 4.3" 2.9" 1.4" 💧 Light watering
Apr 4.3" 2.9" 1.4" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 4" 0.3" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 7.8" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 7.2" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 8.3" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 7.5" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Oct 4.3" 4.6" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Nov 4.3" 2" 2.3" 🚿 Regular watering
Dec 4.3" 2.5" 1.8" 💧 Light watering

Water needs are for active growing months only (Feb–Dec in Citrus County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Savoy Cabbage Heat Requirements (GDD)

What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?

Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.

Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.

Savoy Cabbage needs ~2,115 GDD — county provides 6,862 GDD Excellent fit

Savoy Cabbage Planting Timeline — Citrus County, FL

Savoy Cabbage Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors January 17 Jan 17 – Jan 31
Transplant Outdoors February 14 Feb 14 – Feb 28
Direct Sow January 24 Jan 24 – Feb 14
Harvest April 25 Apr 25 – Jun 20
Fall Sowing October 7 Oct 7 – Oct 21

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

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

Growing Conditions

☀️ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

💧 Water

1"/week · Only during dry spells

📅 Days to Maturity

70–110 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: too_acidic

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 9a

📆 Growing Season

291 days in Citrus County

Growing Tips for Savoy Cabbage in Citrus County

Direct sow Savoy Cabbage outdoors after February 14 in Citrus County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.

Sandy soil in Citrus County dries quickly — mulch Savoy Cabbage with 2-3 inches of straw and water deeply 2-3 times per week rather than lightly every day.

With summer highs reaching 98°F in Citrus County, provide afternoon shade for Savoy Cabbage and water deeply in the morning.

Common pests for Savoy Cabbage in this region include cabbage worm and flea beetles. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.

General growing tips

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

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Savoy Cabbage in Citrus County, FL?

Citrus County is in Zone 9a with an average last frost of February 14. Plan your Savoy Cabbage planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Citrus County, FL?

Citrus County, Florida is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 14 and first fall frost is December 2.

When should I plant Savoy Cabbage in Citrus County, FL?

In Citrus County, FL, plant Savoy Cabbage after the last frost (around February 14) and before the first frost (around December 2). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Citrus County, FL for Savoy Cabbage?

Citrus County sits in USDA Zone 9a. Savoy Cabbage grows reliably in zones 1a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Savoy Cabbage grow in Citrus County's climate?

Yes — Savoy Cabbage grows well in Citrus County's temperate climate. Citrus County averages a 292-day frost-free season, with last frost around February 14 and first frost around December 2.

🌱

Your Citrus County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Citrus County (Zone 9a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.

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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 Citrus County, FL. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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