Savory
(See individual varieties for specific product information, but in general the growing information will be the same for all savory.)
Average Days To Maturity: 65-75 days
Distance Between Rows: 2-3 feet
Spacing Between Plants: 12-15 inches apart
When To Plant: Charley recommends planting Savory in mid to late April after the threat of frost, but experienced gardeners can plant earlier and protect the young plants with buckets and milk jugs or start them out in a cold frame or small greenhouse.
Planting Tip: When growing Savory in a pot or container, make sure there is good drainage. This can be achieved by putting a layer of gravel or small rocks in before the dirt.
There are two basic types of Savory, Winter and Summer. Winter Savory is perennial while Summer Savory is an annual.
Savory will thrive in a sunny location in well-drained soil. Summer Savory prefers rich, organic soil where Winter Savory likes sandy soil.
Preparation and Care: Savory grows well in soil that doesn’t have a lot fertility but drains well. Break up the soil before planting to keep it loose. Control weeds around the plants by hand or use a garden hoe.
Cut Winter Savory back after it blooms and you may get another harvest. Cut it back also in the spring in order to promote new tender growth and a more well rounded plant.
Winter Savory can also be trimmed into a low hedge.
Make sure there is plenty of air flow around the plants to prevent rot and disease.
Watering: As with any plant, Savory will need to be watered regularly until it is established. After that, water once or twice a week and when conditions are dry.
Fertilize: As with many herbs, Savory will be less aromatic if too much fertilizer is applied. It may only require an application 1 to 2 times per year.
Harvesting: It seems that farming is definitely an early morning chore. It is best to harvest most herbs as soon as the dew has dried. If you wait until evening the sun tends to evaporate the oils that produce the flavor and aroma.
Savory can be harvested as needed by pinching or cutting off the tender tips. This will help the plant to send up more new growth and make the plant bushier.
Dry Savory on screens or by hanging them in bunches in an airy place. Remove the leaves from the stems and store them in an airtight container. You can also freeze the leaves in ice cube trays for the best preserved flavor.
Common Insect Problems
Savory is not usually bothered by insects.
Common Disease Problems
Savory is not bothered by many diseases.