How to Grow Savory: Planting, Care, and Harvesting

Nov 03, 2026by David Schulze

Summer savory (Satureja hortensis) is a fast-growing annual herb with slender leaves and a peppery bite that has earned it the nickname "bean herb." It is the preferred culinary savory, considered more delicate in flavor than its perennial cousin winter savory, and it is easy to grow from seed with a little warmth and sunshine.

When to Plant Savory

Start summer savory seeds indoors about six weeks before your last frost date, or sow directly in the garden after frost danger has passed. Transplant seedlings outdoors after frost, since summer savory is killed by frost. For a continuous supply of fresh leaves, make successive sowings every three to four weeks through the season.

How to Plant Savory Seeds

Savory seeds are small and need light to germinate, so sow them shallowly, barely covering them with soil, and keep them evenly moist. Germination takes about two weeks. Choose a spot in full sun with moist, well-drained soil; savory does poorly in damp soil or shade. Thin or transplant seedlings to stand about a foot apart.

Caring for Savory Plants

Keep the soil evenly moist but not soggy while plants establish; summer savory needs more water than winter savory, though established plants tolerate some drought. Pinching back the stem tips keeps plants bushy and delays flowering, which extends your harvest of leaves. Savory's flowers attract bees, and the plant makes a good companion for beans and onions in the garden.

Harvesting Savory

Summer savory grows quickly and can be harvested within about two months of sowing, once plants reach around six inches tall. Cut leafy tops just as the flower buds begin to show for the best flavor, and never remove more than a third of the plant's stems at one time. Use the leaves fresh, or cut six- to eight-inch stems just before flowering and dry them for winter use. Cutting plants back before flowering encourages a fresh flush of growth.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between summer and winter savory?

Summer savory is a fast-growing annual with a delicate, peppery flavor, while winter savory is a perennial shrub with a more pungent taste. Summer savory is generally considered the better culinary herb.

Will savory come back every year?

Summer savory will not; it is an annual that is killed by frost, so sow fresh seeds each season. Winter savory is the perennial counterpart if you want a plant that returns year after year.

When should I harvest savory for the best flavor?

Harvest just as the flower buds begin to form, ideally in the morning. Leaves used fresh can be snipped at any time, but for drying, cut the stems before the flowers open.

Enjoying Savory

Summer savory's peppery leaves shine in bean dishes, and it is also good in meats, soups, vegetable dishes, and salads. Its low, bushy habit makes it a tidy edging plant for the herb garden.