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How to Grow Summer Savory

Reviewed by MyLocalPlanting Editorial Team Updated Sources
Summer Savory (Satureja hortensis)

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🛠️ Supplies You'll Need

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🌿 Plant Overview

Scientific Name Satureja hortensis
Category herb
Days to Maturity 60 days
Starting Method Direct Sow

☀️ Growing Requirements

☀️

Sun

Full Sun (6-8 hours)

💧

Water

Low to Moderate

↔️

Spacing

12" apart

🌱

Depth

0.125" deep

📏

Height

12-18"

🌱

Germination

10-14 days

Ready to Grow Summer Savory?

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🌾 Seed Saving Guide

🟢 Easy
✅ Open-pollinated — seeds grow true to parent

When to Harvest Seed

Let plants fully flower and seed heads dry on the plant. Harvest when brown.

Processing

Strip dried stems over a bowl, rub to release tiny seeds, winnow to remove chaff.

Seed Viability

Up to 3 years when stored cool, dark, and dry.

Pro Tip

Surface sow when planting — seeds need light to germinate.

Seed Storage Supplies

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Raised Bed Planting Guides

A 4×8 bed fits 32 plants of Summer Savory. See plant counts, spacing grids, and companion pairings for every bed size →

Summer Savory Planting Calendar by Zone

Summer Savory Planting Calendar by State

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Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Summer Savory? +

Sow Summer Savory seeds directly in the garden 2 weeks before your last frost date. Use the search on this page to find exact dates for your location.

How long does Summer Savory take to grow? +

Summer Savory typically matures in about 60 days from planting. Exact timing varies by variety, soil conditions, and local climate.

Should I start Summer Savory indoors or direct sow? +

Summer Savory does best when direct sown outdoors. Plant seeds directly in the garden at the appropriate time based on your local frost dates.

How much sun does Summer Savory need? +

Summer Savory requires full sun (6-8 hours) to thrive.

How far apart should I plant Summer Savory? +

Space Summer Savory plants 12 inches apart to allow adequate airflow and root development.

How much water does Summer Savory need? +

Summer Savory has low to moderate water needs. Consistent moisture is important especially during germination and early growth.

Can you save seeds from Summer Savory? +

Yes — seed saving difficulty for Summer Savory is rated easy. Let plants fully flower and seed heads dry on the plant. Harvest when brown. Strip dried stems over a bowl, rub to release tiny seeds, winnow to remove chaff.

How long do Summer Savory seeds last in storage? +

Properly dried and stored Summer Savory seeds remain viable for up to 3 years. Store in a cool, dark, dry location in an airtight container with a silica gel packet for best results.

Are Summer Savory seeds open-pollinated? +

Yes — Summer Savory is open-pollinated, meaning seeds saved from your harvest will grow plants true to the parent variety. This makes it an excellent candidate for building a self-sustaining garden.

About Summer Savory

Annual herb with peppery, thyme-like flavor. Traditional bean seasoning herb — companion planting with beans deters bean beetles. Easy to grow from seed.

Expect your Summer Savory to be ready for harvest in approximately 60 days from planting.

Use the search above or browse by zone or state to find the perfect planting dates for your location.