Summer savory Satureja hortensis
ABOUT
The plant known by the common name summer savory has a bushy appearance with fine, needle-like leaves. These leaves are generally a vibrant green color and grow opposite each other on the stems. The plant produces small, delicate flowers which are typically white to pale lilac in color. These blossoms are clustered at the tips of the branches, giving the plant an ornamental look when in bloom. The stems of summer savory are somewhat woody at the base, becoming more herbaceous and flexible toward the tips where the growth is new. The overall form of the plant is somewhat rounded and it possesses a potent, peppery fragrance.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Summer Savory, Garden Savory, Bean Herb, Savory.
Common names
Clinopodium hortense, Satureia hortensis, Thymus hortensis, Micromeria hortensis, Satureja vulgaris, Satureja hortensis var. brachycarpa, Satureja hortensis var. macrostyla, Satureja hortensis var. longipilosa, Satureja hortensis var. hortensis, Satureja hortensis var. inermis, Satureja acinos, Satureja vulgaris var. brachycarpa, Satureja vulgaris var. longipilosa.
ToxicityTo humans
Summer savory (Satureja hortensis) is not known to be toxic to humans when consumed in typical culinary quantities. However, like any substance, it can cause adverse reactions in certain individuals or when consumed in excessive amounts. If a person ingests an abnormally large quantity of summer savory, they could potentially experience stomach upset or gastrointestinal discomfort. It is always advisable to use culinary herbs in moderation to avoid any potential adverse effects.
To pets
Summer savory (Satureja hortensis) is not listed as a toxic plant to pets such as cats and dogs. It is generally considered safe when used in small amounts, such as a culinary herb. However, as with any non-traditional food, introducing summer savory to a pet's diet should be done cautiously. Ingesting large amounts might cause mild digestive upset in some pets. It's always best to consult with a veterinarian before offering plants or herbs to pets, to ensure their safety and well-being.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Annuals
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Spread
1 foot (30 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Mediterranean
Benefits
General Benefits- Culinary Uses: Satureja hortensis, commonly known as summer savory, is widely used as a spice, offering a peppery, thyme-like flavor to a variety of dishes, including meats, beans, and sauces.
- Garden Aesthetic: The herb can contribute to the visual appeal of a garden, with its small, delicate leaves and pale purple flowers that bloom in late summer.
- Aromatic Properties: Summer savory is appreciated for its aromatic foliage, which can be pleasantly fragrant in a garden or when used fresh in cooking.
- Pollinator Attraction: The flowers of summer savory attract bees and other pollinators, which is beneficial for the overall health of a garden and for fruit and vegetable production.
- Culinary Versatility: It can be used both fresh and dried, allowing for a wide range of use in the kitchen throughout different seasons.
- Companion Planting: When planted in a vegetable garden, summer savory is thought to enhance the growth and flavor of many plants, such as beans and onions, and it is said to repel pests.
- Herbal Tea: The leaves of summer savory can be used to make a flavorful herbal tea that is consumed for its savory taste apart from its excluded health benefits.
- Long Harvest Season: Summer savory has a long harvesting time, providing leaves that can be used for an extended period through the growing season.
- Easy to Grow: It’s relatively easy to cultivate and does not require a lot of special care or maintenance, making it a good choice for novice gardeners.
- Seasoning Blends: Summer savory is a key ingredient in the traditional Herbes de Provence and can be included in various other seasoning blends, enhancing their flavor profile.
Medical Properties- Antioxidant: This plant contains compounds that are believed to have antioxidant properties which help in protecting cells from damage by free radicals.
- Antiseptic: Satureja hortensis has antiseptic properties which can be useful in preventing the growth of microorganisms.
- Digestive aid: It may be used to help alleviate some digestive issues, such as indigestion and flatulence.
- Antispasmodic: The plant has been used to relieve spasms, particularly in the digestive system.
- Carminative: Due to its potential effects on easing gastrointestinal discomfort, it might be used to reduce flatulence.
- Expectorant: It could be involved in helping to expel phlegm from the respiratory tract.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Cooking herb: Summer savory can be used as a culinary herb to flavor beans, meats, and soups, providing a peppery, thyme-like taste.
- Garden companion plant: It is sometimes planted in gardens to attract bees, which are essential for pollinating various plants and crops.
- Ornamental use: With its small, lilac-pink flowers, summer savory can add aesthetic value to herb gardens and borders.
- Natural preservative: When added to dishes, it can help in preserving food due to its antimicrobial properties.
- Culinary dye: Summer savory can be used as a natural green dye in pastas and bread for a subtle color infusion.
- Scented oils and perfumes: The aromatic oils extracted from summer savory can be used in the creation of scented products.
- Flavoring for vinegar: It can be steeped in vinegar to create a flavored condiment for salads and recipes that call for a herbaceous tang.
- Potpourri ingredient: Dried summer savory can be included in potpourri mixes for its aroma and antiseptic qualities.
- Aroma therapy: The essential oils can be used in diffusers to release its calming and soothing scent into the air.
- Culinary salt substitute: Dried and ground summer savory can serve as a salt substitute for those on low-sodium diets, providing flavor without the sodium.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiSummer savory is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilitySummer savory is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Vigor: Summer savory, as Satureja hortensis is commonly known, is often associated with vigor due to its robust flavor and the perceived strengthening qualities it was believed to impart when used in ancient herbal medicine.
- Interest and Curiosity: The bold and peppery taste of summer savory makes it a symbol of piquing interest and inspiring culinary curiosity.
- Love: In folklore, summer savory was believed to be an aphrodisiac, thereby making it a symbol of love and sensual pleasure.
- Companionship: This plant is traditionally used in cooking to complement beans and other dishes, symbolizing harmony and companionship due to its ability to blend well with various culinary partners.
WaterSummer savory, as Satureja hortensis is commonly known, prefers consistent moisture without being waterlogged. It should be watered deeply when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Typically, this would be about once a week, depending on climate conditions. Provide roughly one inch of water (about 0.6 gallons per square foot) each time you water, ensuring it reaches the roots without flooding the plant. Over-watering can lead to root rot, so it's important to ensure good drainage and not to let the plant sit in water.
LightSummer savory thrives best in full sunlight, meaning it should receive at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight each day. The best spot for this plant is in an area that is exposed to ample sunshine throughout the day without too much shade. If grown indoors, a south-facing window would be ideal to ensure it gets enough light.
TemperatureSummer savory requires a warm climate and does well in temperatures between 60°F and 70°F. It is sensitive to frost, so it's important to plant it after the danger of frost has passed. Summer savory can survive in temperatures as low as 20°F for short periods, but prolonged exposure to cold can be detrimental. Similarly, it can tolerate high temperatures up to about 90°F but may need additional watering during such periods to prevent stress.
PruningPrune summer savory to encourage bushy growth and prevent legginess. Pinching back the growing tips of young plants can stimulate branching. Once the plant is established, harvesting the top leaves for culinary use will naturally keep it pruned. The best time to prune savory is in late spring or early summer before the plant flowers, thereby also promoting a longer harvest period.
CleaningNot needed
SoilSummer savory thrives in well-drained, sandy loam with a pH between 6.7 and 7.3. A mix containing compost, garden soil, and sand is ideal, providing proper nutrition and drainage.
RepottingSummer savory typically doesn't require frequent repotting; it's often grown as an annual. If grown as a perennial, repot every 2-3 years to replenish soil nutrients.
Humidity & MistingSummer savory prefers moderate humidity levels, typical of outdoor conditions; it does not require high humidity and can tolerate dry air.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Grow summer savory in sunny spots, in pots with drainage holes.
Outdoor
Plant summer savory in full sun, well-draining soil, after frost risk.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycleSummer savory (Satureja hortensis) begins its life cycle when the seeds germinate in warm, moist soil after the last frost of spring. Seedlings emerge and grow into bushy annual plants with slender, branching stems. Leaves develop into a vibrant green, and the plant enters the vegetative growth stage as it matures. In mid-summer, it reaches the flowering stage, producing small white to lilac flowers attractive to bees and butterflies. Following pollination, the flowers develop into tiny seed capsules that contain the next generation of seeds. The plant completes its life cycle when it sets seeds and dies with the first hard frost of fall or winter.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Summer
Summer savory, the common name for Satureja hortensis, is best propagated from seed. The ideal time to start seeds is in early spring, after the risk of frost has passed. To propagate summer savory, seeds should be sown directly into well-draining soil at a shallow depth of about 1/4 inch (6 mm). They require adequate sunlight and should be kept consistently moist until germination, which typically occurs within 1-2 weeks. Thinning the seedlings to around 6-10 inches (15-25 cm) apart allows for ample growth space. This method is popular due to its simplicity and effectiveness in producing robust plants that reach maturity for harvest in the summer months.
