Characteristics:
Narrow,
dark green, spice-scented leaves on low, bushy plants up to 18 inches high.
They are topped with tiny, pale pink flowers in summer. Growing
Information:
Plant
summer savory in well-drained, moderately fertile soil and full sun. Space
plants 12 inches apart. To ensure fresh summer savory all season, start a second
crop in early summer for late harvests. Propagation:
You
can start summer savory from seed, sowing it outdoors in spring. Or start seeds
4 to 6 weeks early indoors. Possible
Problems:
Prevent
root rot by providing good drainage. Harvesting
and Using:
Harvest
summer savory as you need it. The rich aroma will be most intense just before
the plant flowers. Use it fresh or dried for a pleasant sweet, spicy flavor
to beans, vegetables, meats, pastas, and rice. You can also use the leaves
in tea. Related
Herbs:
Winter
savory (S.
montana)
is grown as a perennial in zones 5 to 9. It has foliage similar to summer savory
but is spicier and evergreen in mild climates. The plant forms a mat 12 inches
high. White flowers appear in late summer. You can propagate winter savory
by layering or cuttings. A low-growing form, creeping winter savory (S.
montana
'Procumbens'),
is also available. |