Savoy, Napa, and Red: Which Type of Cabbage Should You Grow?
Cabbage comes in many varieties, but three popular types—Savoy, Napa, and Red—offer distinct flavors, textures, and growing habits. With over 30 years of experience cultivating these varieties in my garden, I can help you decide which cabbage best fits your climate, cooking style, and garden space.
Savoy Cabbage
- Appearance: Wrinkled, crinkly leaves with a delicate texture.
- Flavor: Mild, slightly sweet, and tender.
- Growth: Cooler season crop; slower to mature but stores well.
- Uses: Excellent for salads, slaws, and light cooking.
Napa Cabbage
- Appearance: Oblong, pale green leaves with a softer, looser head.
- Flavor: Mild, crisp, and slightly sweet.
- Growth: Fast-growing; prefers cooler weather but can tolerate mild heat.
- Uses: Ideal for Asian dishes, kimchi, stir-fries, and fresh salads.
Red Cabbage
- Appearance: Round heads with deep purple-red leaves.
- Flavor: Robust, slightly peppery, and firm texture.
- Growth: Slower to mature; prefers cooler temperatures.
- Uses: Great for pickling, slaws, and vibrant salads.
My takeaway:
In my experience, Savoy cabbage is perfect for tender greens and cold-weather gardens, Napa cabbage excels in Asian cuisine and quick harvests, and Red cabbage offers vibrant color and robust flavor for diverse culinary uses. Consider your cooking preferences and growing conditions when selecting your cabbage type.
Savoy vs. Napa vs. Red Cabbage Comparison Chart
| Feature | Savoy Cabbage | Napa Cabbage | Red Cabbage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Leaf Texture | Wrinkled, crinkly | Soft, loose | Smooth, firm |
| Color | Green with crinkled leaves | Pale green | Deep purple-red |
| Flavor | Mild, slightly sweet | Mild, crisp, slightly sweet | Robust, slightly peppery |
| Growth Rate | Slower to mature | Fast-growing | Slower to mature |
| Preferred Climate | Cool-season crop | Prefers cool but tolerates mild heat | Cool-season crop |
| Uses | Salads, slaws, light cooking | Asian dishes, kimchi, stir-fries | Pickling, slaws, vibrant salads |
| Storage | Stores well | Best used fresh | Stores well |
Pro tip:
I’ve found that choosing the cabbage type based on your cooking style and garden climate results in the best flavor and yield.
Cabbage Learning Hub
🥬 Start Here: The Ultimate Cabbage Growing Guide: From Seed to Harvest
🌿 Planting & Timing
- Cabbage Seed Starting Tips
- When to Plant Cabbage: Timing for Spring, Summer, and Fall Crops
Covers zone-based timing, transplant vs. direct sow. - How to Grow Spring Cabbage for Early Harvests
“Spring cabbage growing” – high seasonal interest. - How to Grow Cabbage in Containers: A Complete Guide
Perfect for urban/small-space gardeners. Include spacing, soil depth, and feeding. - How to Space and Thin Cabbage for Tight, Heavy Heads
Spacing is a common problem leading to poor heads or bolting. - How to Plant, Grow, and Harvest Chinese Cabbage
🦟 Pests, Diseases & Troubleshooting
- Common Cabbage Pests and How to Get Rid of Them Naturally
Aphids, cabbage worms, flea beetles, cutworms. - Why Is My Cabbage Splitting? Causes and Fixes for Cracked Heads
Very specific problem; here’s why this happens. - How to Prevent Bolting in Cabbage and Other Brassicas
Seasonal temperature swings confuse many gardeners.
💧 Care & Growing Tips
- How Much Water Does Cabbage Need? A Seasonal Watering Guide
“How often to water cabbage” queries are common. - How to Fertilize Cabbage for Leaf Growth and Head Formation
Discuss starter fertilizer, side-dressing, nitrogen balance. - Best Companion Plants for Cabbage (And What to Avoid)
What to plant with cabbage. - Common Cabbage Pests and Diseases and How to Treat Them Naturally
🧊 Harvesting, Storage & Preservation
- How to Harvest and Store Cabbage
- How and When to Harvest Cabbage for Peak Flavor and Texture
Includes signs of readiness and how to cut heads without damaging the plant.
🥗 In the Kitchen & Beyond
- Seven Ways to Cook and Serve Cabbage
- Five Ways to Cook and Serve Chinese Cabbage
- Four Ways to Cook and Serve Napa Cabbage
🌱 Varieties & Seed Saving
- Best Cabbage Varieties for Your Climate and Growing Zone
Optimized for zone-specific growing.
- Savoy, Napa, and Red: Which Type of Cabbage Should You Grow?
Comparative format — helpful for new gardeners. - Growing Green Cabbage vs. Red Cabbage: The Differences
- Oriental Mustard Cabbage Explained: White Stalks vs. Green Stalks
