When to Plant Savoy Cabbage in Ruby, VA
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.
Ruby, Virginia is in USDA Zone 7a. The average last spring frost is April 3 and the first fall frost is November 4, giving you a growing season of approximately 215 days.
At an elevation of 537 feet, Stafford County receives approximately 47 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 90°F, providing good warmth for Savoy Cabbage during the growing season.
Ruby Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.4-6.9
Drainage
Well Drained
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 | — | 3.8" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 4.7" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | 4.3" | 3.3" | 1" | 💧 Light watering |
| May | 4.3" | 3.5" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 4.9" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 4.3" | 5.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 4.3" | 3.9" | 0.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 3.8" | 0.5" | 💧 Light watering |
| Oct | 4.3" | 2.9" | 1.4" | 💧 Light watering |
| Nov | 4.3" | 3.5" | 0.8" | 💧 Light watering |
| Dec | — | 3.4" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Apr–Nov in Stafford County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.
Savoy Cabbage Planting Timeline — Ruby, VA
Savoy Cabbage Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | February 27 | Feb 27 – Mar 13 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 3 | Apr 3 – Apr 17 |
| Direct Sow | March 20 | Mar 20 – Apr 10 |
| Harvest | June 12 | Jun 12 – Aug 7 |
| Fall Sowing | August 26 | Aug 26 – Sep 9 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | Start Indoors |
| 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
Moderate — regular watering
📅 Days to Maturity
70–110 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: N/A
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 7a
📆 Growing Season
215 days in Stafford County
Growing Tips for Ruby
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
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Savoy Cabbage in Other Locations
Your Stafford County Garden Planner — Free
A 22-page printable planner built for Stafford County (Zone 7a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.