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James H. Schutte
Brassicaceae
BRASSICA oleracea 'Vertus Savoy'( Capitata Group)
Cabbage, Vertus Savoy Cabbage
The very thin, large, ruffled and blistered leaves of 'Vertus Savory' are more delicately flavored than those of most standard cabbage varieties. This large heirloom cabbage is ideal as a fall, winter or spring growing as it is quite tolerant of subfreezing temperatures and light snow. The leafy heads are decorative and delicious eaten cooked or raw. Maturing 95 to 120 days after planting from seedlings, 'Vertus Savoy' forms a 4- to 6-pound (2- to 3- kilogram) head nestled in the center of large green outer leaves. Vigor and flavor decline with increasing summertime heat.
Cabbages are categorized by their texture and color. Most have smooth, ribbed, somewhat leathery leaves with a strong pungent flavor. These can be green (from pale grassy to deep emerald, often with blue overtones) or red (with burgundy-purple hues predominant). Savoy cabbages are distinct in having heavily crinkled, thin, mildly flavored leaves. Most cabbages have an outer layer of larger, spreading, more deeply hued "wrapper" leaves. Cabbages also vary markedly in size and days to harvest, with early-maturing varieties bearing much smaller heads than later ones. Vigor and flavor decline with heat. Although cool weather enhances flavor, plants may flower (or "bolt") in extended chilly spells. Cabbage heads may split if not harvested promptly. Somewhat cold-hardy, cabbages can be grown as a winter vegetable in areas such as the Lower Southeast United States and western California.
This cool weather crop prefers full sun and fertile, organic-rich garden soil with ample drainage. Plant seed or transplants in early spring, or in summer for fall or winter harvest. For an extended harvest, plant both early- and late-cropping varieties. Plants may produce a second crop of side sprouts from the "stumps" of the harvested heads.
Cabbages are rewarding to grow and well worth the effort. As with all members of Brassica oleracea, they are susceptible to a number of pests, including cabbage loopers and several other types of caterpillars.
6 - 1
7 - 11
A1, A2, A3, H1, H2, 1a, 1b, 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Vegetable
Full Sun, Partial Sun
20"-24" / 50.8cm - 61.0cm
24"-30" / 61.0cm - 76.2cm
Spring, Late Spring, Early Summer
Southern Europe, Western Europe, Mediterranean
Acidic, Neutral
Well Drained
Loam, Sand
Fast
Average Water
Rosette/Stemless
Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
Showy
Yellow
Green, Blue Green
Yes
No
Single
Bold
Matte
Semi-Evergreen
Edible, Herb / Vegetable
Butterflies
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