How to grow Summer Savory

Summer Savory

How to Grow: Summer Savory (Satureja hortensis)

Summer Savory is readily grown from seed and prefers direct sowing.

Direct Sowing (Recommended): Sow seeds directly outdoors in early spring after all danger of frost has passed and the soil has warmed. For a continuous harvest, you can sow successive crops every 2-3 weeks until mid-summer.
Sowing Depth: Scatter the tiny seeds lightly on the surface of well-prepared soil. Gently press them down, but do not cover them heavily, as they need light to germinate. A very light dusting of soil is acceptable.
Germination Time: Seeds typically germinate in 7-14 days at temperatures around 65-70°F (18-21°C). Keep the soil consistently moist during this period.
Starting Indoors: You can start seeds indoors 4-6 weeks before the last frost, but be gentle when transplanting as it can be sensitive to root disturbance.
Thinning: Once seedlings are a few inches tall, thin them to 6-8 inches apart.

Light & Growing Summer Savory thrives in full sun and well-drained conditions.

Sunlight: Summer Savory requires full sun, needing at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day, for the best growth and most potent flavor.
Growth Habit: It grows as a small, bushy annual plant, typically reaching 12-18 inches tall and wide. It has slender, narrow leaves and produces small, delicate pink or white flowers in summer, which are attractive to pollinators.
Maintenance: o Pinching: Pinch back young plants to encourage bushier growth. o Deadheading (Optional): While you can let it flower, harvesting regularly (which is essentially pinching) helps prolong leaf production. o Succession Planting: Since it's an annual, succession planting (sowing new seeds every few weeks) ensures a continuous supply of tender leaves throughout the growing season.

Harvesting Summer Savory Regular harvesting promotes more tender growth and keeps the plant productive.

Timing: Begin harvesting once the plant is well-established and has a good amount of foliage (at least 6 inches tall). You can harvest as needed throughout the growing season, with the flavor being most intense just before flowering.
How to Harvest: o Snip Sprigs: Snip off entire sprigs or stems using clean scissors. You can cut back about one-third of the plant at a time. o For Drying: For a major harvest, cut the entire plant down to a few inches above the ground just as it begins to flower, as this is when flavor is often at its peak.
Storage: o Fresh: Use fresh sprigs immediately or store wrapped in a damp paper towel in a plastic bag in the refrigerator for a few days. o Drying: Summer Savory dries exceptionally well, retaining its flavor beautifully (and some even say it intensifies). Hang small bunches upside down in a cool, dark, well-ventilated area, or spread sprigs on screens. Once thoroughly dry, strip leaves from stems and store in airtight glass jars away from light and heat. o Freezing: Chop fresh savory and freeze it in ice cube trays with water or olive oil.

Why Grow Summer Savory?

Distinctive Culinary Flavor: Summer savory offers a unique, pungent, peppery, slightly piney, and earthy flavor. It's often associated with dishes in Eastern European and German cuisine. It pairs exceptionally well with beans (hence its nickname "bean herb"), peas, cabbage, lamb, poultry, fish, eggs, and stuffings. It's also a key ingredient in "Herbes de Provence."
Medicinal Properties (Traditional): o Digestive Aid: Traditionally used to aid digestion, reduce gas and bloating, and stimulate appetite. o Antiseptic: Possesses mild antiseptic properties. o Expectorant: Historically used in teas for coughs and colds as an expectorant. o Insect Repellent: The strong aroma is believed to help repel some insects, both in the garden and in the home.
Easy to Grow: It's a low-maintenance annual that grows quickly from seed, making it very rewarding for gardeners.
Companion Plant: Often planted near beans to improve their growth and flavor, and to deter bean beetles. Summer Savory is a wonderfully versatile and flavorful herb that, while perhaps less common than some other herbs, earns its place in the kitchen and garden with its unique taste and benefits.

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