Summer savory
Satureja hortensis
Also known asBean herb · Bohnenkraut · Sarriette · Ajedrea
Environment
The bounded range this crop tolerates.
Climate and zones
- USDA zones
- 3–11 (winter low around -40°C)
- Frost
- frost sensitive (dies at first frost)
- Season
- warm (summer, frost-sensitive)
Growing systems
Root mass: light.
Growing media
| Medium | pH effect | Retention | Bacterial surface |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rockwool (Mineral wool) | alkaline until pre-soaked | very high | low |
| Coco coir (Coconut coir) | slightly acidic | high | moderate |
| Perlite (Expanded volcanic glass) | neutral / inert | very low | low |
| Soil-based mix (Potting soil) | varies | high | high |
Nutrient demand by stage
NPK ratios are relative weights. EC targets shift through the plant's life.
| Stage | N | P | K | EC (mS/cm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| seedling | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0.8 |
| vegetative | 2 | 1 | 2 | 1.2 |
Aquaponics suitability
Compatible
Fish waste provides enough nitrogen for healthy growth. Supplemental potassium, calcium, and iron may still be needed depending on fish stocking density.
Care notes
An easy annual herb for hydroponic systems. EC 1.0-1.8 mS/cm. pH 6.0-7.5. Temperature: 15–28°C. Moderate to high light (DLI 14-22 mol/m2/day). Any hydroponic system works. From seed to first harvest: 6-8 weeks. Harvest by cutting stem tips; the plant branches freely. The flavor is best just before flowering. For drying: harvest whole stems, hang in bundles or dehydrate at 35–40°C. Dried summer savory retains good flavor for 12+ months. The herb's affinity for beans is genuine: a few sprigs of savory added to a pot of cooking beans improves the flavor noticeably and is reputed (with limited evidence) to reduce the gas-producing effects. In the Bulgarian tradition, dried savory is blended with paprika and salt to create sharena sol ('colorful salt'), a table condiment sprinkled on everything from eggs to bread to grilled meat. Compatible with other Mediterranean herbs (thyme, oregano, marjoram) in mixed plantings. The annual lifecycle means replanting each season, but the fast growth ensures quick harvests. For the best dried product, harvest just as the first flower buds appear and dry quickly in a warm, dark, well-ventilated space.