Savory Herbs: A Complete Guide To Planting, Growing And Caring
Cultivate aromatic kitchen staples with peppery notes for a flavorful garden harvest.
How to Plant, Grow, and Care for Savory Herbs
Savory herbs, composed primarily of summer savory (Satureja hortensis) and winter savory (Satureja montana), are classic kitchen staples recognized for their peppery, aromatic flavor. This comprehensive guide walks you through the entire process of growing savory, from choosing the right variety to harvesting and troubleshooting.
Understanding Savory: Types and Differences
There are two main cultivated varieties of savory:
- Summer Savory: An annual herb, appreciated for its delicate stems and mild, peppery taste. Must be replanted each growing season.
- Winter Savory: A perennial herb, characterized by its hardier structure and slightly sharper, more robust flavor. Survives winter and regrows each year.
While both types thrive in similar conditions, they differ in their growth cycles, flavor intensity, and culinary uses.
Planning Your Savory Garden
Successfully cultivating savory requires a bit of planning to ensure optimal conditions for seed germination and vigorous growth.
When to Plant
- Start Indoors: Begin seeds 8â10 weeks before the last expected spring frost for both summer and winter savory.
- Final Planting: Transplant seedlings outdoors when risk of frost has passed and they have robust root systems.
Choosing a Site and Container Options
Savory prospers in sunny locations with well-drained soils. Both types can be grown:
- In the ground: Place in a vegetable bed or herb garden where they receive full sun.
- In containers or pots: Ideal for greenhouses, conservatories, or indoor settings with adequate sunlight. Container gardening extends harvest and provides tender leaves, especially on winter savory.
Soil Preparation
- Ensure soil is light, fertile, and drains well; add compost or well-rotted organic matter as needed.
- Avoid overly rich or waterlogged soils, which can lead to weak, leggy plants or root issues.
Starting Savory from Seed
Germinating Seeds Indoors
Follow these steps to start your savory successfully from seed:
- Fill seed trays or small pots with a light, seed-starting mix.
- Sow seeds on the soil surface and lightly press them down; savory seeds require some light for successful germination and should not be buried deeply.
- Mist the surface gently to keep it moist but not soaked.
- Cover trays loosely with a clear dome or plastic wrap to maintain humidity; remove when seedlings appear.
- Place in a warm spot (ideally 65â70°F or 18â21°C).
- Germination typically occurs within 7â14 days.
Transplanting Seedlings
- Transplant outdoors or to a larger container once seedlings develop sturdy roots and are large enough to handle (after risk of frost).
- Space plants 12â18 inches apart in rows 18 inches apart for vigorous air circulation.
- If direct sowing outside, thin seedlings first to 6 inches, then again to leave the strongest plants 12â18 inches apart.
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Ongoing Care for Savory Herbs
Regular attention ensures lush herbs and a plentiful harvest.
Watering
- Moderate moisture is best. Water when the top inch of soil is dry.
- Take care not to overwater; savory is drought-tolerant once established but does not like to sit in wet soil.
Fertilizing
- Savory is not a heavy feeder; beds improved with organic mulch or compost are sufficient.
- For transplants, a single treatment with a balanced, diluted liquid fertilizer in spring can assist with root establishment and minimize transplant shock.
Maintenance and Pruning
- Regular harvesting and pruning encourage bushier, fuller plants.
- Without routine pinching back or harvesting, stems may become leggy and weak.
- For winter savory, prune lightly at the start of the season to remove winter damage and old growth.
- Remove flower heads from summer savory to prolong leaf quality.
Propagation Techniques
Propagation methods vary slightly between summer and winter savory.
From Seeds
- Preferred method for both typesâreliable and straightforward.
- Collect mature seeds from dried flower heads at season’s end.
- Store seeds in paper bags with holes for ventilation; viability lasts 1â2 years.
From Cuttings (Winter Savory)
- Take softwood cuttings in spring or semi-ripe cuttings in late summer/early fall.
- Use sanitized shears to cut 4â6 inch stems, removing leaves from the lower third.
- Plant cuttings in moist, well-draining substrate; keep humid until well-rooted.
Pests and Problems
Savory is largely disease-resistant and not often troubled by pests, but keep an eye out for these minor issues:
- Aphids may occasionally appear. Remove with water spray or natural insecticidal soap.
- Root rot may occur in overly wet conditionsâalways ensure good drainage.
- Monitor indoor and potted plants for fungal issues caused by excessive humidity.
Companion Planting With Savory
Savory can benefit your garden by acting as a companion plant:
- Repels bean weevils and cabbage moths. Particularly effective when planted alongside beans and onions.
- Improves the growth and flavor of neighboring herbs and vegetables such as thyme and marjoram.
Harvesting and Storing Savory
When and How to Harvest
- Summer Savory: Harvest whole plants when flower buds appear, typically in late summer or early fall, as flavor peaks before plants flower.
- Frequent harvesting of young leaves encourages a longer productive window.
- Winter Savory: Take cuttings as needed throughout the year; avoid excessive harvests in late fall so the plant can harden off for winter.
Preservation Methods
- Dry savory by hanging small bunches in a warm, well-ventilated space out of direct sunlight.
- Once dry, crumble leaves and store in airtight jars away from heat and direct sun.
- Fresh savory can also be frozen in oil or water for later use.
Uses for Savory in the Kitchen
Savory is a versatile culinary herb, prized for both its flavor and nutritional contribution. Common uses include:
- Flavoring beans, peas, and lentil dishes
- Adding depth to meat stews, sausages, and stuffing
- Seasoning roasted vegetables, soups, and egg dishes
- Providing peppery notes in marinades and salad dressings
Winter Savory vs. Summer Savory: Quick Comparison Table
| Feature | Summer Savory | Winter Savory |
|---|---|---|
| Life Cycle | Annual | Perennial |
| Flavor | Mild, peppery, delicate | Stronger, woodier, sharp |
| Hardiness | Dies after one season | Returns each year |
| Preservation | Best whole-plant harvested and dried | Harvested as needed year-round |
| Growth Habit | Tender, bushy | Woody, upright |
Tips for Growing Savory Indoors
- Sow seeds or start cuttings in pots with high-quality potting mix.
- Ensure at least 6â8 hours of direct sunlight or supplement with grow lights.
- Maintain humidity but avoid overly wet conditions.
- Harvest by snipping young shoots to encourage bushiness.
- Rotate pots for even growth and inspect regularly for pests.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: How long does it take for savory to germinate?
A: Savory seeds usually germinate within 1 to 2 weeks under optimal conditions.
Q: Can I grow summer and winter savory together?
A: Yes. Both can be cultivated in the same garden or containers, as their care requirements are quite similar.
Q: When can I start harvesting my savory plants?
A: For summer savory, begin harvesting when plants reach about six inches. Winter savory can be harvested as soon as stems are sturdy and leafy.
Q: Do savory herbs need fertilizers?
A: Generally, no. Savory grows robustly with just compost or mulch. Young transplants may benefit from a diluted liquid fertilizer in the spring.
Q: Is savory a good companion plant?
A: Absolutely. Savory helps repel pests from beans and cabbage, and enhances the flavor of nearby culinary herbs in the garden.
Final Thoughts
Whether you are a new herb gardener or a seasoned grower, savor the experience of cultivating both summer and winter savory. Their easy care, unique flavors, and garden benefits make them essential additions to the culinary garden. With the guidance above, youâll soon enjoy bountiful harvests and rich flavors straight from your own home or garden.
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