Summer savory Satureja hortensis
Summer savory (Satureja hortensis) is an annual herb in the Lamiaceae family, native to Southeast Europe and western Asia. It grows 30–45 cm (12–18 in) tall and 20–30 cm (8–12 in) wide, wants full sun and low water, and is hardy to about -1 °C (30 °F). Space plants about 20 cm (8 in) apart.
Plan Summer savory in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
Summer savory at a glance
| Type | Annual herb |
|---|---|
| Family | Lamiaceae |
| Mature height | 30–45 cm (12–18 in) |
| Mature spread | 20–30 cm (8–12 in) |
| Spacing | 20 cm (8 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Low; drought tolerance moderate, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 6–7.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About -1 °C (30 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 10) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 32 °C (90 °F) |
| Flowering | about 9–13 weeks after planting, for 4–9 weeks |
| Days to maturity | About 70 days from planting |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Yes: leaves, flowering tops |
| Native to | Southeast Europe and western Asia |
| Common in gardens of | 🇩🇪 Germany, 🇫🇷 France |
Is Summer savory toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not well documented
- Dogs: not well documented
Culinary herb; not listed as toxic in ASPCA references.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Summer savory
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and low water.
Questions about Summer savory
- How far apart should I plant Summer savory?
- About 20 cm (8 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 20–30 cm (8–12 in).
- Does Summer savory need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Summer savory need?
- Low water. Drought tolerance is moderate and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Summer savory?
- It tolerates about -1 °C (30 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 10. As an annual it is usually planted out after the last frost.
- When does Summer savory flower?
- About 9–13 weeks after planting, for 4–9 weeks.
- Is Summer savory poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not well documented; for dogs not well documented; for people not known to be toxic. Culinary herb; not listed as toxic in ASPCA references.
- What grows well with Summer savory?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Summer savory. Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (low).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade C (C: plausible, mixed evidence).
- RHS Plant Finder, Royal Horticultural Society
- University extension gardening guides (general), Various land-grant university extensions
- Plants For A Future database, PFAF
Notes and assumptions
- Typical garden-form values; cultivars and local conditions differ.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Basil Ocimum basilicum
- Rosemary Salvia rosmarinus
- Thyme Thymus vulgaris
- Mint Mentha spicata
- English lavender Lavandula angustifolia
- Creeping thyme Thymus serpyllum
- Common sage Salvia officinalis
- Oregano Origanum vulgare