When to Plant Savoy Cabbage in Whitman County, WA
Your May planting checklist for Whitman County, Washington
If you only do a handful of things in the garden this May, make it these. They're sequenced around your zone's frost timing.
-
Get savoy cabbage in the ground
Your last frost (May 10) has passed. These warm-season crops can handle outdoor soil now.
June will be here before you know it — start on
- Starting indoors: 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.
Whitman County, Washington is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is May 10 and the first fall frost is September 29, giving you a growing season of approximately 142 days.
At an elevation of 1,541 feet, Whitman County receives approximately 14.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 88°F, providing good warmth for Savoy Cabbage during the growing season. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Savoy Cabbage successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.
Whitman County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.5-6.7
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 Whitman County
How your county's soil matches Savoy Cabbage's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.5–6.7) overlaps with Savoy Cabbage's range (6.0–7.5), though not a perfect match.
Soil Texture
The silt loam soil in Whitman County is excellent for Savoy Cabbage — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is excellent (5.0%) — Savoy Cabbage will thrive.
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 Jun 11 to harvest before frost.
For a dedicated fall crop, sow by Jul 21.
Plant Water Budget
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 | — | 2.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Feb | — | 1.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | — | 1.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Apr | — | 1.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| May | 4.3" | 0.8" | 3.5" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jun | 4.3" | 0.6" | 3.7" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Jul | 4.3" | 0.3" | 4" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Aug | 4.3" | 0.2" | 4.1" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Sep | 4.3" | 0.6" | 3.7" | 🚿 Regular watering |
| Oct | — | 1.3" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Nov | — | 2.2" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Dec | — | 2.5" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (May–Sep in Whitman 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 — Whitman County, WA
Savoy Cabbage Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | April 5 | Apr 5 – Apr 19 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 10 | May 10 – May 24 |
| Direct Sow | April 26 | Apr 26 – May 17 |
| Harvest | July 19 | Jul 19 – Sep 13 |
| Fall Sowing | July 21 | Jul 21 – Aug 4 |
Plant 1" deep · 15" apart · Rows 24" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | — |
| April | Start Indoors Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | — |
| July | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| August | Fall Sowing Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
1"/week · 1-2 times/week
📅 Days to Maturity
70–110 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: acceptable
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 6b
📆 Growing Season
142 days in Whitman County
Growing Tips for Savoy Cabbage in Whitman County
Direct sow Savoy Cabbage outdoors after May 10 in Whitman County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
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.
Whitman County receives only 14" of rain annually. Savoy Cabbage needs consistent moisture — install drip irrigation or water deeply 2-3 times per week.
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 Whitman County, WA?
Whitman County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of May 10. Plan your Savoy Cabbage planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Whitman County, WA?
Whitman County, Washington is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is May 10 and first fall frost is September 29.
Your Whitman County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Whitman County (Zone 6b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.