Planting and Growing Guide for Summer Savory, or Bean Herb (Satureja hortensis)
Description
There are two types of Savory: Summer savory (Satureja hortensis), is an annual and has a more delicate flavor. Winter savory (Satureja montana), is a perennial and has a stronger flavor. Summer Savory is a small bush, growing to 30 cm (12 inches) high, with dark green leaves and pink or white flowers. The leaves are pungent and have a tangy, spicy flavor. Summer Savory prefers a well-drained, fertile soil and full sun or partial shade. It is usually grown as an annual in colder areas because it is frost tender. You can cut off the branches before the first frost and dry the leaves for later use.
The flavor of Summer Savory is similar to thyme, but with a stronger and more spicy and peppery taste. Summer Savory can be used to flavor salads. It is widely used a as a garnish for meat, fish, and chicken dishes. It is widely used to season stews, bakes, barbecues, grills and to flavor sauces, flans and pie fillings. It pairs well with poultry such as chicken, turkey and duck. It is commonly added to flavor peas, beans cabbage or lentils. It has a slightly spicy and refreshing flavour.
Planting Guide
Seed Depth: Sow seed directly into the garden, or in seed trays at a depth of 5 mm (1/4 inch) after the last frost. Lightly cover the seed with soil. Seedlings may take from 14-21 days to emerge. Summer Savory can also be grown in pots.
Space between plants: Thin the seedlings to a spacing of 10-20 cm (4-9 inches) between plants.
Harvest Time: Harvest in 6-10 weeks. Allow plants to reach 15 cm (6 inches) high before starting to harvest the shoots, leaves and branched. Harvest before flowering for peak flavor.
Hints:
- Grows best in full sun and is generally planted as an annual
- Summer Savory requires a friable, deep soil, that is rich in organic matter. The soil needs to be loose with lots of organic matter,such as well-rotted animal manures and composts into the soil before planting.
- Feed regularly and add compost around the plants as they grow as a mulch and source of nutrients.
- Do not over-water or over-fertilise Summer Savory or your plants will bolt and become elongated with fewer leaves to harvest.
- Summer Savory does best in well-drained, sandy, or light loamy soil with a slightly acid pH (6.0-6.8).
Disclaimer: The PlantWhatWhen vegetable planting guide is only designed for use as a very general reference for home gardening purposes. It is not to be used for farming, markets or commercial activities of any kind whatsoever. We take absolutely no responsibility for the accuracy and adequacy of the information provided on this site. We recommend that you consider your local climate, weather patterns and conditions when deciding what and when to plant in your home garden. It's entirely your own decision. Happy Gardening and Best Wishes!