Summer Savory Flowers

Summer savory (Satureja hortensis) is an annual herb found throughout the northern hemisphere. It is used primarily as a culinary herb. Summer savory is especially popular in Canada where it is used in place of sage. Elsewhere, it is a very versatile seasoning used in stews, sausages, stuffings and marinades. It can be used with any kind of meat; beef, chicken, pork or seafood. It is also used in the Herbes de Provence blend.

In the past, summer savory has been used medicinally to treat sore throats, sciatica, intestinal disorders and the stings of bees and wasps. The Egyptians used it in their love potions.

It is also used in companion planting. Plant it with onions to improve their flavor and with beans to deter to deter the Mexican bean beetle.

Summer savory is a sun loving annual that prefers well-drained soil. It needs to be kept moist until the plants become established. After that, they can tolerate dry conditions. Summer savory is short, about 18 inches, making it a good candidate for container growing. The flowers are lavender, appearing from July to September. Pollinated flowers produce small black seeds which can be harvested and saved for replanting the following year. They only stay viable for one year so use them immediately. The plants also readily self-sow in your garden and can be invasive.

Summer savory is easy to grow from seed. You can direct sow it in your garden right after your last frost date. Surface sow the seeds. They need sunlight to germinate. Germination will occur in 10 to 15 days. After germination, thin your seedlings to 6 to 12 inches apart.

If you want to start your seeds indoors, sow them 4 to 6 weeks before your last frost. Surface sow them. They need light to germinate. Germination should occur in 10 to 15 days. You can transplant them into your garden when the seedlings are 3 to 4 inches tall and all danger of frost has passed. Plant them 6 to 12 inches apart.

You can begin harvesting when the plants have reached 6 inches in height. Harvesting can be done all summer. Summer savory dries easily. Just clip off the branches you wish to dry and hang them upside down someplace that is dark and dry with good air circulation.