Contents
Description
Satureja Hortensis, commonly known as summer savory, is a perennial herb belonging to the mint family, Lamiaceae. It is native to the Mediterranean region but is now grown worldwide in temperate regions. It is widely used as a culinary herb due to its aromatic and peppery taste. The plant has small, oblong leaves that are dark green in color and grow up to 2.5 cm long. It produces small, white to pale pink flowers that bloom from July to September. The plant grows up to 30 cm tall and spreads up to 45 cm wide.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Magnoliophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Lamiales |
| Family | Lamiaceae |
| Genus | Satureja |
| Species | Satureja Hortensis |
Appearance
Summer savory plants have small, oblong leaves that are dark green in color and grow up to 2.5 cm long. The leaves are arranged oppositely on the stem and are smooth on both sides. The plant produces small, white to pale pink flowers that bloom from July to September. The flowers are arranged in spikes that grow up to 6 cm long. The plant grows up to 30 cm tall and spreads up to 45 cm wide. The stems of the plant are thin and woody at the base.
Care Guide
To grow summer savory, the plant needs well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. It prefers full sun exposure but can tolerate partial shade. The plant requires regular watering, especially during hot, dry weather. It is important not to let the soil dry out completely. Fertilize the plant every four to six weeks during the growing season. The plant is hardy in zones 6 to 9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Summer savory is relatively disease and pest-resistant. However, it may be susceptible to root rot if the soil is too wet. Spider mites and aphids may also infest the plant. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control these pests.
Habitat
Summer savory is native to the Mediterranean region but is now grown worldwide in temperate regions. It prefers well-drained soil and full sun exposure but can tolerate partial shade.
Question and Answer
Q: Can summer savory be grown in containers?
A: Yes, summer savory can be grown in containers as long as they are well-drained and have good quality soil.
Q: How often should I water my summer savory plant?
A: Water your summer savory plant regularly, especially during hot, dry weather. It is important not to let the soil dry out completely.
Q: What is the best way to harvest summer savory?
A: Harvest summer savory by cutting the stems just above the leaves. The best time to harvest is in the morning after the dew has dried but before the heat of the day.
Q: Can I use summer savory in cooking?
A: Yes, summer savory is widely used as a culinary herb due to its aromatic and peppery taste.
Related Plants
- Satureja montana
- Satureja thymbra
- Satureja cuneifolia
- Satureja viminea
References
- “Summer Savory Plant Care: Tips For Growing Summer Savory Herbs.” Gardening Know How, 2021, https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/herbs/summer-savory/growing-summer-savory-herbs.htm.
- “Satureja Hortensis.” Missouri Botanical Garden, 2021, https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=b875.
- “Satureja Hortensis.” Plants for a Future, 2021, https://pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Satureja+hortensis.
