Organic 'Summer Savory' Savory
Organic 'Summer Savory' summer savory (Satureja hortensis) from the seed company Gaia, a lively, peppery, sunny herb that is indispensable in the kitchen and in the vegetable garden.
Summer savory is a delightfully aromatic annual herb with fine leaves , a light, airy habit , and square stems typical of the mint family (Lamiaceae). Its warm, peppery, and slightly resinous fragrance is reminiscent of thyme, but with a fresher, spicier vibrancy. Widely used in Mediterranean cuisine, it enhances vegetables, legumes, grilled meats, salads, and marinades. Its discreet yet abundant flowering attracts a host of pollinators, making it a valuable ally both in the kitchen and the environment.
Did you know that
In ancient times, savory was considered a plant of joy and courage . The Romans called it herba satureia , the herb of the satyrs, and attributed stimulating and aphrodisiac properties to it. Used for over 2,000 years, it was a cook's secret for digesting legumes , hence its traditional presence alongside beans and chickpeas. In folk medicine, it was also used as a tonic herb to invigorate the body and dispel melancholy.
Companion plants : Beans, melon, onions, garlic, tomato
Enemy plants : Cucumber
Spread/Habit : Upright, light, bushy
Plant height : 30 to 45 cm
Quantity per pack : —
Certification : Certified organic by Ecocert Canada
Special features : Unique peppery aroma, attracts pollinators, excellent culinary herb, natural digester of legumes
Flower color : Pinkish-white to lilac
Texture/foliage : Thin, smooth, very aromatic leaves
Aroma/flavor : Peppery, thyme-like, warm and stimulating
Farming method
Sow indoors 6 to 8 weeks before the last frost . The seeds need light to germinate : do not cover or only lightly sprinkle with potting soil. Maintain a temperature of 18–21°C for germination in 7 to 14 days .
Transplant outdoors when the seedlings have four pairs of leaves . Provide full sun , well-drained soil, and moderate watering ( level 2 ). Space plants 30 to 45 cm apart and rows 60 to 75 cm apart.
Harvesting and preservation
Harvest the leaves and tops just at the beginning of flowering , when the concentration of aromatic oils is at its highest. Use them fresh or dry the stems in a warm, well-ventilated, and dark place.
Fresh foliage can be kept for 3 days in the refrigerator in a plastic bag.
Usage ideas
• Perfect seasoning for beans, lentils, chickpeas
• Delicious in stuffings, grilled meats, roasted vegetables, marinades
• Superb in Mediterranean soups
• An excellent substitute for thyme in summer dishes
• Ideal for savory herbs, infused oils, and aromatic vinegars
Summer savory is a sunny, joyful and precious herb: an aromatic pillar of old gardens, an ally of pollinators and an ideal companion in the kitchen thanks to its inimitable peppery flavor.
