How to Grow Winter Savory
Satureja montana
Winter Savory is a hardy perennial evergreen herb prized for its aromatic leaves and culinary versatility. Gardeners grow it to add robust flavor to dishes while enjoying a drought-tolerant plant that thrives in full sun across many zones.
📷 Wikimedia CommonsStarting Winter Savory: indoors or direct sow?
🌾 Sow directly in the garden — Winter Savory is not usually started indoors.
Start seeds directly in the garden after the last frost date rather than indoors, pressing them lightly into the soil surface.
Soil, care & harvest
Prepare well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0 and 8.0, as this herb dislikes waterlogged conditions. Because Winter Savory is a perennial often established from seed outdoors, sow directly after the last frost when danger of cold has passed. Press seeds gently into the surface without covering them deeply, as they require light for germination which takes about ten to fifteen days.
Space plants eight to twelve inches apart to ensure good air circulation and bushy growth. Once established, water sparingly since this species is naturally drought tolerant; avoid overwatering to prevent root rot. Apply a light layer of mulch in spring to retain moisture and suppress weeds, but keep it away from the crown. No staking or trellising is needed for this low-growing herb.
This plant generally remains pest-free, though occasional aphids may appear; remove them by hand or spray with water. Watch for root rot if the soil stays wet too long and improve drainage if necessary. Harvest leaves when they are mature but before flowering begins, typically seventy-five to ninety days after sowing. Snip stems regularly to encourage continued growth throughout the season.
When to Plant Winter Savory
Planting windows vary by USDA hardiness zone. Look up yours by ZIP code.
Companion Plants for Winter Savory
✓ Good companions
Winter savory repels bean beetles and aphids that commonly attack bean plants
Protects against cabbage loopers and other brassica pests
Deters cabbage worms and flea beetles while improving cabbage flavor
Helps deter carrot rust fly while carrots' deep roots don't compete for surface nutrients
Both plants repel similar pests and their strong scents complement each other
Similar growing conditions and both herbs repel cabbage moths and carrot flies
Compatible Mediterranean herbs that enhance each other's pest-repelling properties
Repels tomato hornworms and may enhance tomato flavor when planted nearby
✗ Keep away from
Winter savory can stunt cucumber growth and reduce fruit production
Allelopathic effects can inhibit winter savory's growth and essential oil production
May cross-inhibit growth when planted too closely together
Nutrition Facts
Per 100g serving (USDA FoodData Central)
