When to Plant Savoy Cabbage in Hamilton County, TX
This month in Hamilton County, Texas
A quick May briefing for Hamilton County, Texas gardeners — what's urgent, what's next, and what can wait.
-
Harvest savoy cabbage as they ripen
Check every 1–2 days. Many of these get tough or go to seed if you wait too long.
Coming up in June — start thinking about
- 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.
Hamilton County, Texas is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 18 and the first fall frost is November 12, giving you a growing season of approximately 239 days.
At an elevation of 4,378 feet, Hamilton County receives approximately 65.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay soil. Summer highs average 93°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.
Hamilton County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Clay
Soil pH
6.9-8.2
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 Hamilton County
How your county's soil matches Savoy Cabbage's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.9–8.2) is more alkaline than Savoy Cabbage prefers (6.0–7.5). Add sulfur or peat moss to lower pH.
Soil Texture
Your clay soil in Hamilton County is workable for Savoy Cabbage. Add compost annually to improve structure.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (3.4%). Annual compost additions will help 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 25 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Sep 03.
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 | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 2.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 4.3" | 3.8" | 0.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Apr | 4.3" | 6.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 4.3" | 9.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 10.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 8.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 8.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 5.7" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 4.3" | 3.7" | 0.6" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 4.3" | 2.2" | 2.1" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | — | 1.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Hamilton 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 — Hamilton County, TX
Savoy Cabbage Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 11 | Feb 11 – Feb 25 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 18 | Mar 18 – Apr 1 |
| Direct Sow | March 4 | Mar 4 – Mar 25 |
| Harvest | May 27 | May 27 – Jul 22 |
| Fall Sowing | September 3 | Sep 3 – Sep 17 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| March | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| April | Transplant Outdoors |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | — |
| 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 8b
📆 Growing Season
239 days in Hamilton County
Growing Tips for Savoy Cabbage in Hamilton County
Direct sow Savoy Cabbage outdoors after March 18 in Hamilton County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
With Hamilton County's clay soil (40% 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
Avoid Planting Near
Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Savoy Cabbage in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Savoy Cabbage in Hamilton County, TX?
Hamilton County is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of March 18. Plan your Savoy Cabbage planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Hamilton County, TX?
Hamilton County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 18 and first fall frost is November 12.
Your Hamilton County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Hamilton County (Zone 8b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.