Summer Savory in Zone 9a & 9b
Satureja hortensis
When to plant summer savory in zone 9b
Zones 9a and 9b 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 | Jan 4–Jan 11 |
|---|---|
| Direct sow / transplant outside | Feb 15–Feb 22 |
| Estimated harvest | Apr 16–Apr 23 (~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 9's season
Zone 9b's frost-free window runs about 293 days, from February 15 to December 5. 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 9b 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 9b: when to start seeds indoors, when to direct-sow, and when to expect a harvest.
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