Winter Savory
Satureja montana
Winter savory is a hardy, evergreen perennial herb with a stronger, more peppery flavour than summer savory. It is a classic companion to beans and robust winter stews. Plant in very well-drained, poor to moderately fertile soil in full sun — it hates wet feet and will rot in heavy clay. Grow from cuttings taken in summer or buy young plants in spring. Once established it forms a neat, woody mound to 40cm. Trim after flowering in late summer to maintain shape. In very cold gardens, a gravel mulch around the base improves drainage and protects the roots.
Plan where to grow Winter Savory using our vegetable garden planner.
When to Plant Winter Savory
Plant winter savory in April, May, June.
Time to Harvest Winter Savory
Expect to harvest approximately 4 months after planting, usually from May to October.
Companion Plants for Winter Savory
- Broad Beans
A traditional partner for broad beans: savory's scent is thought to discourage blackfly, a common pest of the bean tips.
- Sage
Winter savory and sage are both shrubby herbs that want sun and sharp drainage.
- Runner Bean
Perennial winter savory makes a fragrant edge to bean beds, and its small flowers attract bees that also pollinate the beans.
Expected Yield
One mature bush supplies year-round fresh leaves.
Pruning Winter Savory
Trim lightly in mid-spring to shape and again after flowering, cutting into leafy growth only.
Common Problems with Winter Savory
Woody, bare lower stems
Prune plants hard back by a third in late spring to encourage fresh new growth from the base.
Root rot in wet winters
Plant in very free-draining soil or a raised bed. A gravel mulch around the crown sheds excess water.
Slow to establish from seed
Winter savory germinates poorly. Use softwood cuttings in July — they root reliably in gritty compost with a plastic bag cover.
Winter Savory: common questions
When should I plant winter savory in the UK?
Plant winter savory from April to June.
How far apart should I plant winter savory?
Space winter savory about 30cm apart. It grows to around 40cm tall.
When is winter savory ready to harvest?
In the UK, winter savory is usually harvested from May to October. It's ready about 4 months after planting.
Does winter savory come back every year?
Yes. Winter Savory is a perennial and comes back every year, dying back or slowing down over winter and regrowing in spring.
When should I prune winter savory?
Trim lightly in mid-spring to shape and again after flowering, cutting into leafy growth only.
What grows well with winter savory?
Good companions for winter savory include Broad Beans, Sage and Runner Bean. See the companion plants section above for why each one helps.
Is winter savory frost hardy?
Yes. Winter Savory is hardy and survives a normal UK winter outdoors.
Plan your winter savory in the allotment planner
Drag and drop plants onto your plot and get personalised sowing reminders.
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