When to Plant Savoy Cabbage in Kaufman County, TX
May in the garden — Kaufman County, Texas
Your Kaufman County, Texas garden is entering a new phase. Here's what's on the schedule for May and why each task matters now.
-
Bring in the savoy cabbage
The more you pick, the more the plant produces. Letting fruit overripen tells the plant it's time to stop.
Looking ahead to June
- 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.
Kaufman County, Texas is in USDA Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 12 and the first fall frost is November 18, giving you a growing season of approximately 251 days.
At an elevation of 144 feet, Kaufman County receives approximately 59.6 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.
Kaufman County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Clay
Soil pH
6.9-8.3
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 Kaufman County
How your county's soil matches Savoy Cabbage's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (6.9–8.3) is more alkaline than Savoy Cabbage prefers (6.0–7.5). Add sulfur or peat moss to lower pH.
Soil Texture
Heavy clay soil (48% clay) in Kaufman County compacts easily and drains slowly. Amend with compost and avoid working soil when wet.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is moderate (2.8%). 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 31 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Sep 09.
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 | — | 2.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 4.3" | 3.9" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Apr | 4.3" | 6.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 4.3" | 8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 4.3" | 10.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 7.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 6.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 4.3" | 5.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 4.3" | 4.1" | 0.2" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 4.3" | 1.8" | 2.5" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Dec | — | 1.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Kaufman 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 — Kaufman County, TX
Savoy Cabbage Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 5 | Feb 5 – Feb 19 |
| Transplant Outdoors | March 12 | Mar 12 – Mar 26 |
| Direct Sow | February 26 | Feb 26 – Mar 19 |
| Harvest | May 21 | May 21 – Jul 16 |
| Fall Sowing | September 9 | Sep 9 – Sep 23 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| March | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| April | — |
| May | Harvest |
| June | Harvest |
| July | Harvest |
| August | — |
| September | Fall Sowing |
| October | — |
| 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_alkaline
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 8b
📆 Growing Season
251 days in Kaufman County
Growing Tips for Savoy Cabbage in Kaufman County
Direct sow Savoy Cabbage outdoors after March 12 in Kaufman County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
With Kaufman County's clay soil (48% 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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Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Savoy Cabbage in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Savoy Cabbage in Kaufman County, TX?
Kaufman County is in Zone 8b with an average last frost of March 12. Plan your Savoy Cabbage planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Kaufman County, TX?
Kaufman County, Texas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 8b. The average last spring frost is March 12 and first fall frost is November 18.
Your Kaufman County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Kaufman 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.