When to Plant Savory in Canberra — Cold / Highland Guide
Two related herbs: Summer savory (S. hortensis) is an annual with a delicate peppery-thyme flavour, traditional with beans. Winter savory (S. montana) is a perennial evergreen subshrub with a stronger, more pungent flavour. Both are underrated in Australian gardens. Summer savory is the more versatile culinarily; winter savory is the more practical grower.
Current Growing Conditions
Soil temperature: 18.9°C (optimal range: 18–30°C) ✓ Ready to plant
How to Grow Savory in Cold / Highland Australia
When to Plant
Summer savory: sow Nov-Dec. Winter savory: plant Oct-Nov.
- Soil
- Well-drained, light soil. Lean to moderate fertility. Both types dislike wet feet.
- pH Range
- 6.5-7.5
- Sunlight
- Full sun for both types.
- Spacing
- 25cm apart, 35cm between rows
- Watering
- Moderate. Allow to dry between waterings. Less water-demanding than parsley but more than rosemary.
Companion plants: Beans (traditional companion), Onion
Cold / Highland Growing Tips for Savory
Recommended Varieties
- Winter savory (very cold hardy)
- Summer savory in short season
Key Challenges
- Very short season for summer savory
Pro Tips
- Winter savory is the better choice for cold zones
- Survives hard frosts
Harvesting Savory
When ready: Summer savory: harvest once 15cm+ tall, before flowering. Winter savory: harvest year-round from established plant.
How to harvest: Snip stem tips. Summer savory: cut entire plant at base when flowering begins for maximum harvest. Winter savory: light regular snipping.
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