Savory

Growing Savory - Standard Substrate, Sunny Location or Partial Shade, Moderate Watering

How to Grow Savory Successfully

Savory (Satureja) is an unpretentious aromatic herb that thrives in most gardens and containers. Whether you choose summer savory (Satureja hortensis) or winter savory (Satureja montana), both species are easy to grow and reward gardeners with aromatic leaves perfect for culinary use.

Ideal Growing Conditions for Savory

Substrate and Soil Requirements

Savory isn't demanding when it comes to soil. It grows well in standard garden soil or universal potting substrate. The key requirements are:

Well-draining substrate - savory doesn't tolerate waterlogged soil
Moderately fertile soil with balanced nutrient content
pH slightly alkaline to neutral (6.5-7.5)
Sandy-loam or loamy soil is ideal

If growing in containers, use quality potting mix with added perlite or sand for better drainage.

Light Requirements - Sun or Partial Shade

Savory is a sun-loving herb that performs best in:

Full sun - 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily, ideal for maximum aroma and flavor
Partial shade - tolerates locations with 4-6 hours of sun, though growth may be slightly slower
Protected spot in colder regions

In hotter climates, light afternoon shade can prevent leaf scorching during peak summer.

Watering Savory - Moderate Approach

Proper watering is crucial for healthy savory plants:

Moderate watering - keep soil lightly moist but never soggy
Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings
Water more frequently during hot, dry weather
Reduce watering in cooler months and during dormancy
Avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal diseases

Savory is relatively drought-tolerant once established, making it suitable for water-wise gardens.

Growing Tips for Success

Planting and Spacing

Plant seeds or seedlings after the last frost
Space plants 15-20 cm apart for proper air circulation
In containers, use pots at least 15-20 cm deep

Maintenance

Regular harvesting encourages bushier growth
Light feeding with balanced fertilizer during growing season
Trim back after flowering to maintain shape
Winter savory is perennial and hardy; summer savory is annual

Harvesting

Harvest leaves as needed throughout the growing season. For best flavor, pick leaves in the morning after dew has dried. The most intense aroma develops just before flowering.

Common Growing Issues

Leggy growth - insufficient light; move to sunnier location
Yellow leaves - overwatering or poor drainage; adjust watering schedule
Weak aroma - too much shade or over-fertilization; reduce nutrients and increase light

With these simple requirements - standard substrate, sunny to partially shaded location, and moderate watering - you'll enjoy abundant harvests of this flavorful Mediterranean herb throughout the season.

Growing Winter Savory

Winter savory (lat. Satureja montana) belongs to the Lamiaceae family. Winter savory or perennial savory probably originates from southern Europe, but it has been known and cultivated in our regions for many years. Winter savory is a hardy semi-shrub approximately 40 cm tall with narrow lanceolate, grey-green leaves. Tiny lavender-pink to purple flowers appear from July to September. They grow in upright inflorescences and particularly attract bees.
Winter savory is undemanding to grow and thrives best in light, calcareous soil in a warm and sunny position. Freely cultivated winter savory plants must be protected from severe frost in our latitudes with suitable cover.

Cultivation and Harvesting of Winter Savory

Winter savory is mostly propagated by seeds, rarely by division of clumps. It is sown in April and May, or also in August directly in the bed. As with all seeds that germinate in light, covering with a minimal amount of soil is possible. In spring, old stems are cut back deeply.
Leaves and young stems are best cut just before flowering, as they have the most aroma at that time. They are cut close to the ground and dried hanging in bunches.

Medicinal Effects of Winter Savory

Winter savory contains essential oils and tannins. In the Middle Ages, it was considered a universal remedy; today it is used to strengthen the stomach, reduce flatulence, against cramps, and as an antibacterial agent. In case of insect bites, it can be applied as a paste to the affected area, where it quickly provides relief.