How to Grow Savory Seeds

Grow Guide #2402
Family: Lamiaceae
Binomial name: Satureja sp.
Life Cycle: Annual or Perennial

This 'How to Grow' guide details everything a home gardener needs to know to plant, grow and care for Savory (Satureja sp.).

When to Sow Savory Seeds

Savory can be a warm-season annual or a perennial that grows year round in most climates. Use the table below to identify the best time of year to sow savory seeds in your climate.

  JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC
Cool
Temperate
Sub-Tropical
Tropical
Arid

Preparation

Savory plants are best grown in full sun. Choose a location that will receive at least 6 hours of full sun each day.

Some savory plants are perennial, meaning they live for several years. If you are growing a perennial variety, choose a permanent position where plants can grow undisturbed by regular digging or disturbance.

Savory plants need a well drained soil enriched with plenty of organic matter. Prepare soil by weeding it thoroughly, digging it over to loosen it and adding aged animal manure or compost. Keep the area free of weeds until planting. Learn more about preparing soil for planting here.

Savory plants can be grown in containers. If possible choose a variety that’s recommended for container growing. Use a good quality potting mix and make sure your container is large enough for mature plants; a minimum of 10 litres is recommended for savory. During the growing season, keep in mind that container grown plants may need additional fertiliser to encourage healthy growth.

How to Sow Savory Seeds

Savory seeds do not require any treatment (eg soaking, stratification) before sowing.

Savory seeds can be sown directly into the garden OR seedlings can be raised in trays or other containers and transplanted to the garden once established.

Sow Direct

  1. Sow seeds directly in the garden 3mm deep and 30-40cm apart.
  2. Keep soil moist but never wet or dry.
  3. Seeds should germinate in around 7-14 days at a soil temperature of 20-22°C.
  4. Young seedlings will need protection from pests, pets and weather until they are established.

Raise Seedlings

  1. Fill trays, punnets or jiffy pots with a good quality seed-raising mix, or use soil starter pellets.
  2. Sow seeds 3mm deep.
  3. Keep soil moist but never wet or dry.
  4. Seeds should germinate in around 7-14 days at a soil temperature of 20-22°C.
  5. Transplant seedlings to the garden once they have their first true leaves and are large enough to handle (usually 5-10cm tall).
  6. Plant out, spacing plants 30-40cm apart.

Optional: In cool climates savory seeds can be sown indoors 6 weeks before the last expected frost. Grow them in a warm position with plenty of natural light.

How to Grow Savory

Savory plants may need watering during the growing season. Water when the soil is dry about 5cm below the surface (test this by scratching away a little soil with your finger). Water deeply in the early morning or late afternoon. Avoid watering the leaves of plants to avoid fungal diseases. Learn more about watering here.

If soil was well prepared no extra fertiliser should be necessary. In poor soil or to give your plants an extra boost, application of a balanced fertiliser or one formulated for fruit and vegetables can be beneficial:

  • Apply slow release fertiliser at the recommended rate when transplanting or when seedlings are 5-10cm tall.
  • Apply liquid fertiliser at the recommended rate and frequency while plants are fruiting or flowering.

When plants have finished flowering prune them back to neaten them and encourage strong new growth. Using sharp secateurs or snips, cut individual stems just above a set of lower leaves.

How to Harvest Savory

Savory should be ready to harvest in approximately 60-70 days.

Savory is ready to harvest when the stems have grown long enough to pick, and can be harvested as needed. Harvest by pinching off the outer stems and leaves, leaving some on the plant for future growth. Savory stems can be stored short term in a perforated plastic bag in the fridge. For longer term storage savory can be dried.

Common Problems when Growing Savory

Like all plants, savory is susceptible to some pests, diseases and other problems. Below is a list of the most common problems gardeners encounter when growing savory plants:

  • Aphids
    Aphids are small (2-4mm long) sap-sucking insects that congregate on the new shoots or the undersides of leaves. They can cause leaves to wilt or become discoloured, and also excrete honeydew which can attract ants and other insect pests. To manage aphids, remove them by spraying with a garden hose, apply a soap or alcohol spray, or encourage predatory insects to your garden. Read more about aphids here.
  • Root rot
    Root rot is a disease caused by soil-borne fungi found in wet soil. Plants may be slow to establish, have yellowing or wilted foliage and have soft, brown tissue around the base of the stem and roots. Root rot is often fatal; remove and dispose of affected plants. Reducing soil moisture, adding organic matter to the soil and making sure mulch doesn't touch the stems of plants may help avoid root rot.

Browse Savory Seeds

Savory- Summer

Savory- Summer

Packet 290 seeds

$1.50

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Savory- Summer Midget

Savory- Summer Midget

Packet 250 seeds

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Savory- Winter

Savory- Winter

Packet 250 seeds

$1.75