Summer Savory in Zone 4a & 4b
Satureja hortensis
When to plant summer savory in zone 4b
Zones 4a and 4b share the same average frost dates in our data, so this page covers both.
Method: Either: Start indoors for an earlier harvest, or direct-sow outside for less fuss. Summer Savory tolerates either.
| Start indoors | Apr 3–Apr 10 |
|---|---|
| Direct sow / transplant outside | May 15–May 22 |
| Estimated harvest | Jul 14–Jul 21 (~60 days after planting) |
Spacing: 4 per square foot (square-foot-gardening spacing). Mature height: 5-7 in.

Summer savory is a low, bushy annual with a peppery, thyme-adjacent flavor that's traditionally paired with beans so often its German name, Bohnenkraut, translates directly to "bean herb." It's milder and less woody than its perennial cousin, winter savory, and dies back completely each fall rather than persisting.
How summer savory fits zone 4's season
Zone 4b's frost-free window runs about 128 days, from May 15 to September 20. Summer Savory needs about 60 days from sowing to first harvest.
Good companions
No standout companions recorded yet for Summer Savory.
Where to buy summer savory seeds
See why we recommend these suppliers →
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See it growing
Search YouTube for "growing summer savory" videos → (a live search, not a hand-picked video; results vary and aren't vetted by us)
← Back to the full zone 4b calendar · Full companion planting guide · Full plant profile · Plan your beds in the Garden Designer →

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Growing Summer Savory in USDA zone 4b: when to start seeds indoors, when to direct-sow, and when to expect a harvest.
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