When to Plant Savoy Cabbage in Caldwell County, TX
Your May planting checklist for Caldwell County, Texas
Each item below is timed to Caldwell County, Texas's frost dates and soil temperatures. Skip nothing, stress about nothing.
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Collect savoy cabbage at their peak
Morning harvests are best — cooler temperatures mean crisper produce and longer fridge life.
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- First harvests: savoy cabbage
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.
Caldwell County, Texas is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 27 and the first fall frost is December 1, giving you a growing season of approximately 277 days.
At an elevation of 3,482 feet, Caldwell County receives approximately 60.8 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay soil. Summer highs average 90°F, providing good warmth for Savoy Cabbage during the growing season. 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.
Caldwell County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Clay
Soil pH
6.8-8.1
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant Planting Risk Windows
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 Caldwell County
How your county's soil matches Savoy Cabbage's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.8–8.1) overlaps with Savoy Cabbage's range (6.0–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
Heavy clay soil (43% clay) in Caldwell County compacts easily and drains slowly. Amend with compost and avoid working soil when wet.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.3%). Annual compost additions will help Savoy Cabbage.
How to Plant Savoy Cabbage
Fall planting: Sow 8 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Savoy Cabbage
Sow every 8 weeks. Last sowing by Aug 13 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Oct 06.
Plant Water Budget
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 | — | 1.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | 4.3" | 2.1" | 2.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Mar | 4.3" | 4.1" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Apr | 4.3" | 6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 4.3" | 9.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 9.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 7.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 7.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 5.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3.8" | 0.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 4.3" | 1.8" | 2.5" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Dec | 4.3" | 1.5" | 2.8" | 🚿 Regular watering |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Feb–Dec in Caldwell 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 Planting Timeline — Caldwell County, TX
Savoy Cabbage Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | January 30 | Jan 30 – Feb 13 |
| Transplant Outdoors | February 27 | Feb 27 – Mar 13 |
| Direct Sow | February 6 | Feb 6 – Feb 27 |
| Harvest | May 8 | May 8 – Jul 3 |
| Fall Sowing | October 6 | Oct 6 – Oct 20 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | Start Indoors |
| February | Start Indoors Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| March | Transplant Outdoors |
| April | — |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| 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: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 9a
📆 Growing Season
277 days in Caldwell County
Growing Tips for Savoy Cabbage in Caldwell County
Direct sow Savoy Cabbage outdoors after February 27 in Caldwell County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
With Caldwell County's clay soil (43% clay), work in 3-4 inches of compost before planting Savoy Cabbage. Avoid tilling when soil is wet to prevent compaction.
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
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Savoy Cabbage in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Savoy Cabbage in Caldwell County, TX?
Caldwell County is in Zone 9a with an average last frost of February 27. Plan your Savoy Cabbage planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Caldwell County, TX?
Caldwell County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 27 and first fall frost is December 1.
Your Caldwell County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Caldwell 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.