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When to plant Savoy Cabbage in Duval County, FL

Plant Savoy Cabbage in Duval County after February 24; the prime window is February 3–February 24. A second sowing from October 4 to October 18 extends the harvest into fall.

When to Plant Savoy Cabbage in Duval County, FL

Duval County, Florida Zone 9b July

Your July game plan for Duval County, Florida

Your Duval County, Florida garden is entering a new phase. Here's what's on the schedule for July and why each task matters now.

Avg. last frost February 24
Avg. first frost November 29
Soil temp (4") 94°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.

Duval County, Florida is in USDA Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is February 24 and the first fall frost is November 29, giving you a growing season of approximately 278 days.

At an elevation of 337 feet, Duval County receives approximately 56.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sand soil. Summer highs average 102°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.

Duval County, FL (Zone 9b) Year-round
278 days
Last Spring Frost February 24
278 growing days
First Fall Frost November 29

Duval County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Sand

Soil pH

5-5.8

Drainage

Well Drained

Savoy Cabbage Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (157 days to spare)
Start indoors: Jan 14 Transplant: Feb 11 🍅 Harvest: Apr 22 – Jun 17
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (152 days to spare)
Start indoors: Jan 27 Transplant: Feb 24 🍅 Harvest: May 5 – Jun 30
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (148 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 21 Transplant: Mar 21 🍅 Harvest: May 30 – Jul 25

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 Duval County

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

Soil pH

Your soil pH (5.0–5.8) is more acidic than Savoy Cabbage prefers (6.0–7.5). Add garden lime to raise pH.

Soil Texture

Sandy soil in Duval 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 (1.4%). 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 278-day season

Sow every 8 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 11 to harvest before frost.

For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Oct 04.

Savoy Cabbage Water Budget

Plant needs
1.0″/week
Rainfall provides
0.9″/week
You supply
0.1″/week
Watering frequency Only during dry spells
Season total 356 gal / 100 sq ft

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 2.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 4.3" 2.8" 1.5" 💧 Light watering
Mar 4.3" 3.6" 0.7" 💧 Light watering
Apr 4.3" 3" 1.3" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 3.5" 0.8" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 8.7" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 7.8" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 8.9" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 6.3" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Oct 4.3" 4.7" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Nov 4.3" 2.6" 1.7" 💧 Light watering
Dec 2.4" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Feb–Nov in Duval 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 ~2,385 GDD — county provides 7,393 GDD Excellent fit

Savoy Cabbage Planting Timeline — Duval County, FL

Savoy Cabbage Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors January 27 Jan 27 – Feb 10
Transplant Outdoors February 24 Feb 24 – Mar 10
Direct Sow February 3 Feb 3 – Feb 24
Harvest May 5 May 5 – Jun 30
Fall Sowing October 4 Oct 4 – Oct 18

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January Start Indoors
February Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
March Transplant Outdoors
April
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 9b

📆 Growing Season

278 days in Duval County

Growing Tips for Savoy Cabbage in Duval County

Direct sow Savoy Cabbage outdoors after February 24 in Duval County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.

Sandy soil in Duval 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 102°F in Duval 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 Duval County, FL?

Duval County is in Zone 9b with an average last frost of February 24. Plan your Savoy Cabbage planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Duval County, FL?

Duval County, Florida is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is February 24 and first fall frost is November 29.

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

In Duval County, FL, plant Savoy Cabbage after the last frost (around February 24) and before the first frost (around November 29). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

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

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

Can Savoy Cabbage grow in Duval County's climate?

Yes — Savoy Cabbage grows well in Duval County's temperate climate. Duval County averages a 279-day frost-free season, with last frost around February 24 and first frost around November 29.

🌱

Your Duval County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Duval County (Zone 9b). 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 Duval County, FL. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: July 2026.

Sources & credits

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