Full Sun
Easy care
Moderate watering
Frost Hardy
6a
USDA zone
-23°C
Minimum temperature
Expected size
Height | Spread | |
|---|---|---|
60cm | Max | 20cm |
30cm | Min | 15cm |
Flowering
spring
summer
autumn
winter
This plant has a mild fragrance
More images of Summer Savory
Summer Savory Overview
Satureja hortensis is famous for its peppery-thyme flavoured leaves. It is a multi-branched annual plant from the Lamiaceae family, with narrow dark green leaves and very pretty spikes of white to purple flowers. Commonly known as Summer Savory or Summer Thyme. It is more delicately flavoured than the perennial Winter Savoury (S. montana). Also called "the bean herb", because it both enhances the flavour of broad beans, and it reduces flatulence. International Herb Association's 'Herb of the Year 2015'.
Common problems with Summer Savory
This is a tough plant, with no notabe pest or disease problems. Rather, it is known to keep pests away with its strong scent.
Summer Savory Companion Plants
How to harvest Summer Savory
Harvest leaves throughout the growing season, as soon as plant is about 15cm high. Pinching back will give you continuous harvests. For distiling oils, leaves should be harvested just when flowering starts. To harvest seeds, wait for flowers to mature and seeds are brown. The entire plant may be cut and dried.
How to propagate Summer Savory
Seed
Sow in situ in late Spring; Spacing 40 - 50 cm; Sowing depth 4mm; Germination time 7 - 14 days, thin out to 15cm apart. They do not transplant well.
Cuttings
Softwood cuttings in summer.
Special features of Summer Savory
Attracts useful insects
Butterflies and Bees
Repels harmful insects
It discourages cabbage moths, Mexican bean beetles, sweet potato weevil and black aphids.
Crop rotation
Light feeder
Pot plant
Will flourish in a well-drained pot, feed lightly and do not over water. The plant has thin, weak stems that need support.
Other uses of Summer Savory
Culinary, soil conditioner, insect repellant Culinary, soil conditioner, insect repellant and aphrodisiac.
Medicinal
Traditionally believed to cure several ailments, esp beestings. A "cure-it-all" according to dr N Culpeper (1600's). Said to increase sex drive when an infusion is massaged onto the lower back.
Edible
Gives a delicious taste to a wide variety of food, esp beans, soup, stew, meat and vegetables. Can be used fresh, cooked or preserved in vinegar. Tea with savory is said to control diarrhea.