Summer Savory
Satureja hortensis
Summer savory is the classic bean herb — its peppery, thyme-like flavour pairs perfectly with broad beans and lentils. This fast-growing annual is far easier to raise than its perennial cousin winter savory. Sow directly where it is to grow in April and May, or start indoors in March for earlier plants. It thrives in poor, well-drained soil and full sun, making it ideal for the edges of raised beds or containers. Plants grow quickly to 30cm and flower by July; keep cutting to delay flowering and prolong the harvest. Both leaves and flowers are edible.
Plan where to grow Summer Savory using our vegetable garden planner.
When to Sow Summer Savory
Sow summer savory in March, April, May.
Time to Harvest Summer Savory
Expect to harvest approximately 2 months after sowing, usually from June to September.
Companion Plants for Summer Savory
- Broad Beans
Savory is the traditional herb to grow with beans: its strong scent is thought to deter blackfly, and it is the classic herb to cook them with.
- Runner Bean
Grown along runner bean rows, savory's aromatic leaves are thought to help keep blackfly away, and its flowers draw in pollinators.
Expected Yield
A 1m row provides weekly fresh pickings all summer.
Growing Tips
Frost-tender: sow under cover in March, or outdoors from late April once frosts are over.
Common Problems with Summer Savory
Plants bolt quickly in hot weather
Sow succession batches every 3 weeks and keep plants well watered. Cut back flower stems promptly to encourage leaf production.
Damping off in seedlings
Sow in well-drained compost, water from below, and ensure good ventilation. Avoid overwatering trays.
Sparse, weak flavour
Savory likes poor soil and plenty of sun. Too much shade or rich compost produces soft, flavourless growth.
Summer Savory: common questions
When should I sow summer savory in the UK?
Sow summer savory from March to May. Sow under cover for an early start, or directly outside once the soil has warmed.
How far apart should I plant summer savory?
Space summer savory about 20cm apart. It grows to around 30cm tall. Sow seeds 0.5cm deep.
How long does summer savory take to germinate?
Summer Savory seeds usually germinate in 10–14 days, depending on temperature.
When is summer savory ready to harvest?
In the UK, summer savory is usually harvested from June to September. It's ready about 2 months after sowing.
Does summer savory come back every year?
No. Summer Savory is an annual: it grows, flowers and dies in one year, so sow it again each year. Some annuals self-seed if a few flowers are left to set seed.
What grows well with summer savory?
Good companions for summer savory include Broad Beans and Runner Bean. See the companion plants section above for why each one helps.
Is summer savory frost hardy?
Only partly. Summer Savory is half-hardy: it copes with cold but not frost, so plant it out after the last frost (usually mid to late May) and protect it if frost is forecast.
Plan your summer savory in the allotment planner
Drag and drop plants onto your plot and get personalised sowing reminders.
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