Winter savory
Satureja montana
Also known asMountain savory · Sarriette des montagnes · Sariette · Saturei
Environment
The bounded range this crop tolerates.
Climate and zones
- USDA zones
- 5–9 (winter low around -29°C)
- Frost
- very hardy (survives deep cold)
- Season
- warm (summer, frost-sensitive)
Growing systems
Root mass: moderate.
Growing media
| Medium | pH effect | Retention | Bacterial surface |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expanded clay pebbles (LECA) | neutral / inert | low | high |
| 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 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0.6 |
| vegetative | 2 | 1 | 2 | 1.3 |
Aquaponics suitability
Not recommended
Fish waste alone doesn't supply enough of what this crop demands. Grows in hybrid systems with supplemental dosing, but expect active management.
Care notes
An easy, long-lived perennial herb for container growing. Use a container (10 L) with well-drained media. EC 1.0-1.6 mS/cm (a very light feeder). pH 6.5-7.5 (tolerates alkaline conditions). Temperature: 10–28°C (Mediterranean; cold-hardy to about zone 5). Full sun (DLI 14-22 mol/m2/day). Growth is slow and compact. Harvest by cutting stem tips; flavour is strongest in fresh leaves during the growing season, but the semi-evergreen habit provides harvestable leaves year-round in mild climates. To dry, harvest before flowering and dry at 35–40°C. It pairs well in a Mediterranean herb grouping with rosemary, thyme, sage and oregano, and propagates by stem cuttings, division or seed. The woody, low-growing habit suits an edible border or ground cover, and the plant produces indefinitely with minimal care.