When to Plant Savoy Cabbage in Donley County, TX
Top priorities for Donley County, Texas gardeners in May
May rewards gardeners who work with the weather, not against it. Here's how to stay in step this month in Donley County, Texas.
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Indoor seed-starting week for savoy cabbage
Starting these indoors now means sturdy transplants ready the moment your soil warms up.
To set up a strong June, finish these tasks
- 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.
Donley County, Texas is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 7 and the first fall frost is October 31, giving you a growing season of approximately 207 days.
At an elevation of 4,196 feet, Donley County receives approximately 57 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sandy loam soil. Summer highs average 100°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.
Donley County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sandy Loam
Soil pH
7.8-8.2
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 Donley County
How your county's soil matches Savoy Cabbage's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (7.8–8.2) is more alkaline than Savoy Cabbage prefers (6.0–7.5). Add sulfur or peat moss to lower pH.
Soil Texture
Sandy soil in Donley 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 (1.0%). Add 2-3 inches of compost before planting Savoy Cabbage.
How to Plant Savoy Cabbage
Fall planting: Sow 10 weeks before your first frost date for a fall harvest.
Succession Planting Savoy Cabbage
Sow every 8 weeks. Last sowing by Jul 13 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Aug 22.
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 | — | 4.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 2.9" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 3.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 1.9" | 2.4" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| May | 4.3" | 1.3" | 3" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 2.1" | 2.2" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 10.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 11.1" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 8.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 4.3" | 4.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | — | 3.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 3.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Oct in Donley 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 — Donley County, TX
Savoy Cabbage Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 3 | Mar 3 – Mar 17 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 7 | Apr 7 – Apr 21 |
| Direct Sow | March 24 | Mar 24 – Apr 14 |
| Harvest | June 16 | Jun 16 – Aug 11 |
| Fall Sowing | August 22 | Aug 22 – Sep 5 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | — |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| September | Fall Sowing |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
70–110 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: too_alkaline
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 7b
📆 Growing Season
207 days in Donley County
Growing Tips for Savoy Cabbage in Donley County
Direct sow Savoy Cabbage outdoors after April 07 in Donley County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Sandy soil in Donley 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 100°F in Donley 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
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Savoy Cabbage in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Savoy Cabbage in Donley County, TX?
Donley County is in Zone 7b with an average last frost of April 7. Plan your Savoy Cabbage planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Donley County, TX?
Donley County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 7 and first fall frost is October 31.
Your Donley County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Donley County (Zone 7b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.