Summer Savory Herb Seeds For Planting (Satureja hortensis)

Summer Savory is a delicious and useful annual herb, related to rosemary and thyme. It grows between 12 and 18 inches tall, and can spread about 10 14 inches wide. It is not only useful as a culinary herb, but it makes an attractive bushy plant as well. The slender leaves grow out from the stem, and are about half an inch to an inch long. It sprouts vibrant light purple flowers out from the stem in late summer.

Growing

Summer savory is a little more work to grow than the related winter savory, but its wonderful flavor makes it well worth the extra care. It does very well as a container plant. If you are into companion planting, it is a helpful co-grower to beans, tomatoes and onions, as it deters bean beetles. 

After you have established plants, summer savory self-seeds. You can also gather and save the seeds between years, but only for one year; after that, it is unlikely to grow well.

In addition to being delicious and having traditional medicinal uses, summer savory is a very beautiful plant and is often grown just for its loveliness and aroma.

Uses

Summer savory is delicious to use when cooking, and goes well with almost any dish. It goes well with meats, fish, chicken, and mushrooms. It is tasty as a dip or accompaniment for artisanal bread. Added to a quiche, it delicately enhances the flavors of the other ingredients. In medieval times, it was added to pastries and cakes for some spiciness. It has a reputation for going particularly well with beans. It makes a great seasoning for cheeses and sauces, and is even used in some blends of teas. It is an essential part of the well-known blend, Herbs de Provence.

It has been used medicinally through the years for ailments such as sore throats, congestion, intestinal difficulties, and insect stings. Ancient Egyptians would mix it into love potions.

Honey bees are attracted to the lilac flowers that bloom in late summer. Several types of butterfly caterpillars eat the leaves. It is more likely to deter pests than attract them.

Once it blossoms, the leaves start to curl and go brown. If you want to store some for winter use, you can gather and dry the leaves and seeds at this point, or you can freeze the leaves. Both ways, keep your harvest sealed up in a cool, dark place for use throughout the winter.