Summer Savory is a fragrant herb that brings a mild, peppery kick to beans, stews, and roasted vegetables. Its versatility makes it a popular choice for both culinary and medicinal uses. Historically valued for its digestive benefits, Summer Savory can help soothe indigestion or flavor teas for sore throat relief. A wonderful addition to your herb garden, it grows quickly and produces a steady supply of aromatic leaves throughout the season.
Summer Savory Growing Guide
Outdoor Sowing (Directly in the Garden)
- Timing: Sow summer savory seeds outdoors in late spring, after the last frost date, when soil temperatures are consistently above 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Summer savory thrives in warm weather and does not tolerate frost.
- Location: Choose a sunny spot with well-draining soil. Summer savory grows well in sandy or loamy soils and prefers slightly dry conditions.
- Soil Preparation: Loosen the soil to a depth of 6-8 inches and incorporate compost to improve fertility. Summer savory prefers soil with a pH of 6.0-7.5.
- Planting Seeds:
- Sow seeds on the soil surface and press them lightly to ensure good contact. Do not cover with soil, as summer savory seeds need light to germinate.
- Space seeds or plants 6-8 inches apart for proper airflow and growth.
- Watering: Keep the soil evenly moist until seeds germinate, which typically takes 10-14 days. Once established, summer savory is moderately drought-tolerant.
Indoor Sowing (Starting Seeds Indoors)
- Timing: Start summer savory seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last expected frost date.
- Containers: Use seed trays or small pots with good drainage, filled with a light, well-draining seed-starting mix.
- Planting:
- Sow seeds on the soil surface and press gently to ensure contact. Do not bury seeds deeply.
- Mist the soil gently to keep it evenly moist without waterlogging.
- Germination:
- Maintain a temperature of 65-75 degrees Fahrenheit for optimal germination.
- Expect seedlings to emerge within 10-14 days.
- Transplanting: Transplant seedlings outdoors when soil temperatures are consistently above 60 degrees Fahrenheit and plants have at least 2-3 sets of true leaves. Space plants 6-8 inches apart.
General Care Tips for Summer Savory
- Sunlight: Provide full sun for best growth. Summer savory requires at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily.
- Watering: Water consistently to keep the soil evenly moist, especially during dry periods. Avoid overwatering, as summer savory prefers well-draining soil.
- Fertilizing: Enrich the soil with compost before planting. Summer savory is a light feeder and does not require additional fertilization during the growing season.
- Pruning: Regularly harvest leaves and stems to encourage bushy growth and prevent the plant from becoming woody.
- Pest and Disease Control: Summer savory is relatively pest- and disease-resistant. Proper spacing ensures good airflow, reducing the risk of fungal issues.
- Harvesting:
- For Leaves: Begin harvesting when the plant is 4-6 inches tall. Snip leaves or stems as needed, leaving enough foliage for regrowth.
- For Drying: Harvest the entire plant before flowering for the best flavor. Hang stems upside down in a cool, well-ventilated area to dry.
- Storage: Store fresh summer savory leaves in a damp paper towel in the refrigerator for up to a week. Dried leaves can be stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry place for up to a year.
