How to grow Summer Savory
Updated October 2026
Summer savory is a quick annual herb with a peppery, thyme-like flavor, the traditional seasoning for beans. It forms a loose mound about a foot tall with fine, purplish stems and small pale flowers that bees enjoy. Sow it after the last frost in full sun and keep cutting the tops before it flowers.
📖 Our full guide: How to Grow Summer Savory
Not to be confused with: Summer savory (Satureja hortensis) is a tender annual. Winter savory (Satureja montana) is a woody, hardy perennial with a stronger, sharper flavor.
Where to plant
Grow summer savory in full sun in light, well-prepared soil that stays moist but drains well. It does not need rich soil; lean soil gives a stronger flavor.
It is a tender annual, so sow or plant it out after the danger of frost has passed.
- Florida, the Gulf South, Texas and the Desert Southwest: sow in early spring and again in late summer; midsummer heat and humidity shorten its life.
- California and Hawaii: sow from spring into summer; Hawaii any month.
- Mid-South, Mid-Atlantic and Southern Plains: sow from April or May into early summer.
- Northeast, Midwest, Northern Plains, Mountain West and the Pacific Northwest: sow outdoors in May or June after the last frost, or start indoors 4 to 6 weeks earlier.
- Alaska: start indoors and plant out in June.
How to plant
- Sow seed on the surface or barely cover it, as light helps it germinate. Press it into moist soil.
- Keep the surface moist until seedlings appear.
- Thin or plant out 6 to 10 inches apart. Transplants take about 4 to 6 weeks to grow from seed indoors.
- Sow again every 3 to 4 weeks for a steady supply of fresh leaves.
Watering and feeding
Water when the soil surface begins to dry, keeping it lightly moist but never soggy.
Summer savory needs little or no fertilizer.
Harvesting
Start snipping sprigs once plants are several inches tall. For drying, cut the leafy tops when the plants start to show flower buds, when the flavor is strongest. Hang small bunches upside down in a dry, airy place, then strip the leaves and store them in a jar.
Growing in pots
Summer savory grows well in a pot at least 6 inches wide in a sunny spot. Use a free-draining mix and water when the top dries.
Using it
Add summer savory to beans, lentils and peas, as well as stuffing, sausages, poultry and egg dishes. It is a key herb in herbes de Provence and is popular in Atlantic Canadian cooking.
Companion planting
Summer savory is traditionally grown with the crop it seasons.
Good companions
- Bush Beans The classic pairing; savory grows happily at the edge of the bean bed and its flowers bring in bees.
- Onion A slim crop that shares the sunny, well-drained bed.
Pests and diseases
Summer savory has very few pests or diseases. Wet soil is the main problem.
Pests to watch for
- Aphids Occasional clusters of small insects on the shoot tips.
Diseases to watch for
- Root rot Plants wilt and collapse in wet, poorly drained soil.
Common questions
What is the difference between summer and winter savory?
Summer savory is a tender annual with a milder, peppery flavor. Winter savory is a woody, hardy perennial with a stronger, sharper flavor. They are used in much the same way.
How do I grow summer savory from seed?
Sow seed on the surface of moist soil or barely cover it, as light helps germination. Sow after the last frost, or start indoors 4 to 6 weeks earlier.
When should I harvest summer savory?
Snip sprigs as needed once plants are a few inches tall. For drying, cut the tops as the plants begin to show flower buds, when the flavor is strongest.
What is summer savory used for?
It is the classic bean herb, and also seasons lentils, stuffing, sausages and poultry. It is part of herbes de Provence.
Does summer savory come back every year?
No, it is an annual and dies with frost, but it sometimes self-seeds. Sow fresh each year.
Sources we checked: University of Illinois Extension: Savory, summer; NC State Extension Plant Toolbox: Satureja hortensis; Johnny's Selected Seeds: Summer savory key growing information.
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