Lombard Cabbage Brassica oleracea (Savoy Cabbage Group)

Savory cabbages are biennials grown as an annual and named after the Savoy region in France. They are also known as Milan and Lombard cabbage after those two regions of Italy.  The genus name is Latin for cabbage. 

Cabbages are cool-weather plants and are best grown in full sun in amended, well-drained moist garden soils. Get a soil test before planting and fertilize according to recommendations. Seeds can be started indoors and transplanted to the garden in late summer for a fall or winter crop. A second crop can be obtained from an early spring planting. Savory cabbage can be a bit more challenging to grow.

These cabbages generally have less densely packed heads than other cabbages and leaves have a crinkled appearance. They are more tender and subtly sweet than other cabbages. They are ready to pick when they feel heavy for their size and the color is a bright green. They are versatile plants and can be eaten raw or cooked in various ways.

Plant in the edible garden or amount the perennials for winter interest.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:  Slugs can be a problem as well as cabbage worms, cabbage loopers, caterpillars, cutworms, slugs, and nematodes.  and cabbage aphids.  Leaf spot, blackleg, black rot, and yellows can be an issue.  Some may be affected by root maggots.

The Clemson Cooperative Extension Home and Garden Information Center has a factsheet on common Cole crop diseases and other plant problems.

More information on Brassica oleracea

VIDEO Created by Elisabeth Meyer for "Edibles, Bulbs, and Houseplants" a plant identification course offered in partnership with Longwood Gardens.   

More information on Brassica oleracea.