How to Grow Summer Savory: A Complete Guide
Summer savory (Satureja hortensis) is an annual herb in the mint family (Lamiaceae) known for its peppery flavor and versatility in the kitchen. It’s easy to grow, making it a perfect addition to any garden, even for beginners. In this guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about planting, caring for, and harvesting summer savory.
Why Grow Summer Savory?
Summer savory is an ideal herb to grow for both its culinary and practical benefits:
- Flavorful Herb: Its unique taste complements meats, beans, vegetables, and soups.
- Pest Deterrent: The herb’s strong aroma naturally repels pests like aphids and whiteflies.
- Pollinator Magnet: When it flowers, summer savory attracts beneficial insects like bees.
Growing Requirements for Summer Savory
1. Light
- Needs full sun for at least 6–8 hours daily.
- Grows best in a location with plenty of direct sunlight.
2. Soil
- Prefers well-drained, sandy, or loamy soil.
- Optimal soil pH is 6.0–7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral).
3. Water
- Keep soil evenly moist during germination and early growth.
- Once established, water moderately and avoid overwatering.
4. Temperature
- Thrives in warm weather, with an ideal growing temperature of 70–85°F (21–29°C).
- Sensitive to frost—wait until after the last frost date to plant outdoors.
How to Plant Summer Savory
1. Planting from Seed
Starting from seed is the most common way to grow summer savory:
- Indoors:
- Start seeds indoors 6–8 weeks before the last frost date.
- Sow seeds on the soil surface; lightly press them into the soil without covering, as they need light to germinate.
- Keep the soil moist and maintain a temperature of 70–75°F (21–24°C).
- Seeds germinate in 7–14 days.
- Outdoors:
- Directly sow seeds after the danger of frost has passed.
- Space seeds about 6–8 inches apart.
2. Transplanting
- Harden off seedlings by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions over a week.
- Transplant to the garden when they are 2–3 inches tall, spacing them 6–8 inches apart.
3. Growing in Containers
- Choose a container that’s at least 8 inches deep with good drainage.
- Use a high-quality potting mix and place the container in a sunny spot.
Caring for Summer Savory
1. Fertilizer
- Summer savory doesn’t require heavy feeding.
- Use a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer once or twice during the growing season, or mix compost into the soil before planting.
2. Pruning and Maintenance
- Regularly pinch or trim the tips to encourage bushier growth.
- Remove any yellowing leaves or spent flowers to keep the plant healthy.
3. Pests and Diseases
- Common Pests: Rarely affected by pests, but watch for aphids or spider mites.
- Diseases: Avoid waterlogged soil to prevent root rot or fungal diseases.
Companion Planting with Summer Savory
- Good Companions: Beans, peas, tomatoes, onions, and other herbs like thyme and parsley.
- Bad Companions: Avoid planting near mint, as it can outcompete summer savory.
Harvesting Summer Savory
When to Harvest
- Begin harvesting leaves when the plant reaches 6 inches tall.
- For peak flavor, harvest before the plant flowers.
How to Harvest
- Use scissors or pruners to snip stems just above a leaf node to encourage new growth.
- Avoid taking more than one-third of the plant at a time to keep it healthy.
End-of-Season Harvest
- Just before the first frost, cut the entire plant and preserve it.
Preserving and Storing Summer Savory
- Drying:
- Hang bundles upside down in a cool, dark, and well-ventilated space.
- Once dry, strip the leaves from the stems and store them in an airtight container.
- Freezing:
- Chop fresh leaves and freeze them in ice cube trays with water or oil.
Common Questions About Growing Summer Savory
1. Can summer savory grow indoors year-round?
Yes, as long as it receives sufficient light, either from a sunny windowsill or grow lights.
2. How long does summer savory take to grow?
It matures in 60–70 days from planting, but you can begin harvesting leaves much earlier.
3. Is summer savory invasive?
No, it is not invasive. Unlike perennial mint relatives, summer savory is an annual and doesn’t spread uncontrollably.
Conclusion
Growing summer savory is an easy and rewarding way to enhance your herb garden and spice up your kitchen. With minimal care, this versatile herb will provide a bountiful harvest of flavor-packed leaves throughout the season. Whether you plant it in the ground or containers, summer savory is a must-try herb for gardeners of all levels.
