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 1.0-1.6 mS/cm. pH 6.0-7.5. Temperature: 15–28°C. Moderate to high light (DLI 15-22 mol/m2/day). Any hydroponic system works. From seed to first harvest: 6-8 weeks. Harvest by cutting stem tips and the plant branches freely; flavour is best just before flowering. To dry, harvest whole stems and hang them in bundles or dehydrate at 35–40°C; dried summer savory keeps good flavour for over a year. The herb's affinity for beans is real: a few sprigs added to a pot of cooking beans noticeably improves the flavour and is reputed, with limited evidence, to reduce their gas-producing effect. In Bulgarian cooking dried savory is blended with paprika and salt as sharena sol ('colourful salt'), a table condiment used on eggs, bread and grilled meat. It pairs well with other Mediterranean herbs (thyme, oregano, marjoram), and although its annual lifecycle means replanting each season, fast growth gives quick harvests.