Savoy cabbage de Pontoise - organic-seeds

Savoy Cabbage de Pontoise

Savoy Cabbage de Pontoise is a winter-hardy variety of savoy cabbage that ripens late, producing large, dense, purplish heads with lightly crinkled leaves. This variety is known for its cold tolerance, capable of withstanding frosts down to -8°C, making it ideal for colder climates and winter harvests.

Cultivation Advice for Savoy Cabbage de Pontoise

Sowing and Harvest Period

• Sowing Time: Savoy cabbage is generally sown from March to June (under cover or in open ground) for harvest between August and December.
• Late and winter-hardy varieties can also be sown directly in open ground from May to June for a winter harvest.
• Choose the right sowing time according to the variety you are growing to achieve the desired harvest period.

Germination and Growing Conditions

• Germination Temperature: 20°C
• Cold Treatment: Not necessary, but may speed up germination.
• Soaking Seeds: Optional, soaking seeds can make germination more uniform and faster.
• Germination Duration: 6 to 10 days.

Pricking Out and Transplanting

• Pricking Out: Thin seedlings to 5 cm apart once the first leaves appear.
• Transplanting: Transplant the seedlings for the first time in the nursery when they have 3 to 4 leaves, with 10 cm spacing. Transplant them to the open ground in June/July when they have 6 to 8 leaves, with 80 cm spacing.

Growing Conditions for Savoy Cabbage de Pontoise

• Soil: Prefers well-drained, organic-rich soil with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH.
• Climate: This cabbage variety is well-suited for temperate climates, tolerates light frost, but is not suitable for extreme heat.
• Growth: Mostly grown for late harvest and can be harvested in the fall or winter, depending on the variety.

Harvesting and Storing Savoy Cabbage

Harvest

• Savoy cabbage is usually harvested from late summer to winter, depending on the sowing period and variety. Wait until the cabbage is firm and well-formed for the best harvest.
• Use a sharp knife to cut the cabbage at the base, leaving a few outer leaves for protection during storage.

Storage

• Freshly harvested cabbage can be stored for several weeks in a cool, humid location such as a cellar or refrigerator.

Diseases and Pests of Savoy Cabbage

Diseases

• Savoy cabbage is susceptible to clubroot, downy mildew, and black rot.

Pests

• The most common pests are flea beetles, cabbage whites, and aphids.

Protection Measures and Tips

• Practice crop rotation to reduce disease and pest issues.
• Use protective nets to keep harmful insects away.
• Remove infected plant debris to prevent disease spread.
• Choose resistant varieties and encourage natural predators like ladybugs.
• Avoid overwatering, as excess moisture can cause infections.

Bonus Tip

• If the cabbage is not fully formed, it can survive through the winter and be harvested in the next spring. In this case, sow in June.