Summer Savory
Summer Savory
Summer savory leaves have a peppery flavor and are used fresh or dried to flavor meats, beans, eggs, and salads. Аn annual plant that grows best in well-drained soil and is excellent at repelling insects.In traditional cuisine, Summer savory, a mildly spicy herb native to the Mediterranean region, was widely used by Greek and Roman cultures; it is still often used in modern Italian dishes. Records suggest that savory was introduced to England during the reign of Caesar, where it became prevalent in both cooking and medicine and was named "savory" for its excellent taste. Because of the noted compatibility with beans, German chefs call them "leguminous grass". The spicy flavor complements other herbs and is often used in seasoning combinations such as Herbes de Provence, a French seasoning. Its antiseptic and antibacterial properties treat many diseases, so it is known as a "medicinal plant". This herb relieves ailments such as asthma, colds, persistent coughs. Gardeners have always known that the savory twig used as a poultice is a soothing remedy for insect bites and skin irritations.
How to Grow Summer Savory From Seeds:
- Sowing: Start sowing indoors by sowing it evenly on the soil surface; Store at 65-70 degrees F until germination, which can take up to 21 days. After the last frost, transplant the seedlings outdoors in well-drained or sandy soil and full sun, 9 to 12″ apart. Summer Savory seeds also grow well in containers and are propagated by cuttings. Companion plant improves the flavor of beans, sweet potatoes and onions; repels insect pests and attracts honey bees.
- Plant Spacing: 9-12″.
- Growing of Summer Savory: Keep the seedlings watered until they take root; Mature summer savory thrives in relatively dry soil and strong sunlight and should not be watered regularly. Since the stems often become thin and weak, they may need support to keep them from breaking. To avoid this, remove the ripening flower heads.
- Summer Savory Soil Requirements for: Grows well-drained or sandy soil.
- Summer Savory Seeds - Days to Germination: 18-21 days.
- Light Preference of Summer Savory: Full Sun.
- Life Cycle of Summer Savory: Annual.
- How and When to Harvest Summer Savory: Collecting fresh leaves can begin as soon as the plants are 6″ tall. The best time to harvest is in the morning when the dew dries up. Fresh leaves reach their peak aroma just before the plant's bloom; the flavor then diminishes. Cutting off fresh leaves often encourages new growth. To dry summer savory, cut the stems and hang them upside down in a dry, dark place for about two weeks. Store them in a cool, dark place after drying.
- Summer Savory Days to Maturity: 50 – 60 Days.
- Summer Savory’s Seed Saving: Collect mature Satureja Hortensis seed heads individually. Spread them out to dry out of direct sunlight. Once dry, thresh them to remove summer savory grass seeds, store in a cool, dry place. For best germination, use within one year.
FAST FACTS:
- Common Names: Sammer Savory
- Latin Name: Satureja hortensis
- Species Origin: Eastern Mediterranean
- Life Cycle: Annual
- USDA Zones: 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
- Seeds per Ounce: 40,000
- Sunlight: Full Sun
- Height: 18 Inches
- Color: Green
- Bloom Season: Blooms Late Summer, Blooms Early Fall
- Uses: Culinary, Aromatic, Deer Resistant
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