How to Grow Savory
Wikimedia Commons
Savory
Satureja hortensis (Summer) / Satureja montana (Winter)
herbSavory is a Mediterranean herb available in two main types: summer savory (annual) with delicate, fine leaves and a peppery flavor, and winter savory (perennial) with tougher, slightly more intense leaves. Both are aromatic culinary herbs that have been used for centuries in cooking and traditional medicine.
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Example Savory timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Savory
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Savory
Late summer into fallBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Savory dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 4-9; summer savory grown as annual nationwide, winter savory hardy in zones 5-9
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Get my Savory timeline →Growth Stages
Seedling
2-3 weeksTiny, fragile seedlings with first true leaves appearing. Stems are thin and green with opposite, narrow leaves.
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Provide bright light. Thin seedlings to proper spacing once they have 2-3 true leaves.
Vegetative
3-4 weeksPlant develops bushy growth with increasingly dense, narrow foliage. Stems become woody and more robust.
Pinch back growing tips to encourage bushier form. Reduce watering as plant matures. No fertilizer needed if soil is decent; reduce if plant becomes too lush.
Flowering
4-6 weeks (staggered)Small pink, purple, or white flowers appear in terminal spikes along the stems. Foliage remains abundant.
Pinch off flowers for summer savory if you prefer tender leaves; allow to flower on winter savory for ornamental value. Flowers are edible.
Seed Production
3-4 weeksFlowers fade and small brown seeds develop in the spent flower heads. Plant begins to slow growth.
Allow some flowers to go to seed if you want self-sowing or seed collection. Summer savory dies at first frost; winter savory goes semi-dormant.
Harvest Ready
Throughout growing seasonPlant is at peak flavor with abundant harvestable foliage throughout the season.
Harvest regularly to maintain bushiness and delay flowering. Winter savory can be harvested year-round; summer savory best before frost.
Common Pests
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Spray with water to dislodge; use neem oil or insecticidal soap if severe. Improve air circulation.
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Yellow sticky traps; spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Remove heavily infested leaves.
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Spray with strong water stream; use neem oil or insecticidal soap. Encourage beneficial insects.
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Improve drainage immediately. Reduce watering. Remove affected plants if severe. Allow soil to dry between waterings.
Uses
Seasoning & Cooking
CulinarySavory has a peppery, slightly thyme-like flavor used fresh or dried to season bean dishes, stews, meats, and vegetables. It is particularly prized in European, Mediterranean, and Middle Eastern cuisines. [source]
Digestive & Antimicrobial Properties
MedicinalTraditionally used as a tea or infusion to aid digestion, reduce gas and bloating, and support respiratory health. Contains carvacrol and thymol, compounds with antimicrobial and antispasmodic properties. [source]
Natural Insect Repellent
HouseholdDried savory bundles or essential oil can repel insects and moths from stored foods and textiles. Often used in sachets and potpourri. [source]
Pollinator Attractor
WildlifeSavory flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators, making it valuable for supporting pollinator populations in the garden. [source]
Herbal Wreaths & Dried Arrangements
CraftDried savory stems and flowers are attractive in wreaths, dried arrangements, and herbal crafts, retaining color and fragrance for months. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Begin harvesting once plant is 6 inches tall by pinching off top 2-3 inches of stems. Harvest regularly—best before flowering for tender leaves. Cut in the morning after dew dries. For drying, harvest just before flowers open. Summer savory must be harvested before frost. Winter savory can be harvested year-round but is most flavorful in summer and fall.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Savory was called the 'bean herb' by Romans because they believed it could prevent digestive discomfort from eating beans—a use that persists today.
- 🌱 Winter savory is a perennial that can live 5-10 years or more with proper care, making it a permanent garden fixture, while summer savory must be replanted annually.
- 🌱 Both types of savory are native to the Mediterranean region and have been used in culinary and medicinal traditions for over 2,000 years, mentioned in ancient Greek and Roman texts.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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