How to Grow Summer Savory
Satureja hortensis
When to Start
Start seeds indoors 6 weeks before your last frost date. Transplant outdoors once night temperatures stay above 10°C and soil has warmed to at least 15°C.
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Growth Stages
Approximate days from start
Care Essentials
- Rarely needed. Thrives in poor to moderate soil.
- Peppery flavour similar to thyme. Winter savory (perennial) is a hardier alternative.
Companion Planting
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Growing Conditions
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- Sow indoors
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- Transplant out
- —
- First harvest
- —
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Spacing & Planting
| Plant spacing | 20 cm |
| Row spacing | 30 cm |
| Sow depth | 0 cm |
| Mature height | 40 cm |
| Mature spread | 25 cm |
Compact annual herb. Direct sow or transplant after last frost.
Care Guide
- Feeding
- Rarely needed. Thrives in poor to moderate soil.
- Watch for
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- Generally pest-free
Pests & Diseases
Pest Aphids
Identification: Clusters of small green or black insects on shoot tips; sticky honeydew; distorted young growth
- Blast off with a jet of water
- Spray with insecticidal soap
- Encourage ladybirds and hoverflies as natural predators
- Spray with a contact insecticide containing pyrethrins if infestations are severe
Pest Slugs and Snails
Identification: Seedlings eaten at ground level; ragged holes in young leaves; slime trails on soil
- Apply organic slug pellets (ferric phosphate based) around seedlings
- Hand-pick at dusk; use beer traps
- Grow in containers or raised beds for better drainage and fewer slugs
- Apply ferric phosphate slug pellets around vulnerable seedlings
Disease Root Rot
Symptoms: Wilting despite adequate water; yellowing lower leaves; dark, mushy roots; plant collapses at the base
Treatment: Remove and destroy affected plants; improve drainage; reduce watering
Prevention: Plant in well-drained soil; avoid overwatering; add grit to heavy soils; grow in containers if drainage is poor
Disease Powdery Mildew Erysiphe spp.
Symptoms: White, powdery coating on leaves; affected leaves yellow and drop; reduced vigour and flavour
Treatment: Remove affected leaves; improve air circulation; spray with potassium bicarbonate solution
Prevention: Space plants for good airflow; water at the base; avoid overhead watering; avoid overcrowding
Growing Conditions
| Min. soil temperature | 15°C |
| Germination temperature | 18–22°C |
| Photoperiod sensitivity | day neutral |
Frequently Asked Questions
- How far apart should I plant Summer Savory?
- Plant Summer Savory 20cm apart with 30cm between rows.
- When can I harvest Summer Savory?
- Summer Savory is ready to harvest approximately 30 days after transplanting.
- Is Summer Savory frost hardy?
- Summer Savory is classified as Tender.
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