What hardiness zones is Satureja hortensis suitable for?

Satureja hortensis is an annual herb reaching 12-18 inches (30-45 cm) tall with a spread of 8-12 inches (20-30 cm) and an upright, bushy, branching habit. Native to the Mediterranean region and western Asia, it produces narrow, linear, dark green leaves 0.5-1 inch (1-2.5 cm) long on slender, often bronze-tinged stems with a warm, peppery, thyme-like flavor with hints of oregano and marjoram. The dominant volatile compounds are carvacrol and thymol. Known in German cuisine as Bohnenkraut ('bean herb')—the traditional seasoning for bean dishes. Days to first harvest 50-70 from seed. Growth rate is moderate. Soft, tender stems and leaves—more delicate than winter savory (S. montana). Frost kills the plant.

Native Range

Satureja hortensis is native to the Mediterranean region and western Asia.

Suggested Uses

Grown in herb gardens or containers for culinary use—bean dishes (traditional Bohnenkraut), sausages, stuffings, egg dishes, herb butter, vinegar. Warm peppery thyme-like. Milder and sweeter than winter savory. Traditional German bean herb. 50-70 days from seed. Annual—frost kills. Dries well. Not suitable for perennial herb garden (annual only) or where strong flavor is preferred (use winter savory).

How to Identify

Distinguished from winter savory (S. montana) by the annual (versus perennial) habit, the softer more tender (versus stiff leathery) leaves, the milder sweeter (versus sharper more bitter) flavor, and the taller more upright (versus compact woody) habit. Summer savory is generally preferred for fresh use; winter savory for dried. Summer savory—annual, soft tender, milder sweeter than winter, Bohnenkraut (bean herb), warm peppery thyme-like, bronze stems.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height1' - 1'6"

Width/Spread8" - 1'

Colors

Flower Colors

Foliage Colors

Fall Foliage Colors

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~8 weeks

Summer Fall

Small white to pale pink or lavender flowers in whorls along upper stems from midsummer through fall. Flowers attract pollinators. Flavor is strongest just before flowering.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

White to pale pink or lavender; small whorls; midsummer-fall

Foliage Description

Dark green; narrow linear 0.5-1 inch; on bronze-tinged slender stems

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

Full Sun

Requires 6-10 hours of direct sunlight daily

• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight

• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight

• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range6.5 - 7.5(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

loam sand

Drainagewell drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Low

Frost Tolerance

semi-hardy

Time to Maturity

50-70 days from seed to first harvest

Drought Tolerance

Drought tolerant when established

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Direct sow after last frost, or start indoors 4-6 weeks before. Light-dependent germination—surface sow, do not cover seed. Well-drained, lean to moderate soil (pH 6.5-7.5). Full sun. Drought-tolerant once established. Days to first harvest 50-70 from seed. Harvest before flowering for peak flavor. Pinch regularly for bushy growth. Frost kills—annual only.

Pruning

Pinch growing tips regularly to encourage bushy branching. Harvest by cutting stems—promotes regrowth. Cut no more than one-third at a time.

Pruning Schedule

summer

Maintenance Level

very low

Container Growing

✓ Suitable for container growing

Minimum container size: 2 gallons

⚠️ Toxicity Warning

Non-toxic

Planting Guide

Planting Methods & Timing

Planting Method

both

Indoor Start

5 weeks before last frost

Direct Sow Timing

After last frost; surface sow (light-dependent germination)

Days to Maturity

50–70 days

Plant Spacing

8 inches

Companion Planting

Good Companions

beans

onions

garlic