When to plant summer savory in Billings, Montana

May 10 – May 24

Transplant outdoors · typical Billings year

Climate basis: NOAA station Billings Wtp, MT (USC00240802), 13 mi (21 km) from downtown Billings (ZCTA 59101 centroid), elevation 3097 ft, on the 1991–2020 climate normals. Transplant summer savory outdoors from approximately the dates above, anchored to the median last spring 32°F freeze (May 10). One year in ten still freezes after May 24.

Last spring freezeMay 101-in-10 after May 24

First fall freezeOctober 11-in-10 before Sep 19

Frost-free season≈ 142 daysmedian at 32°F

Hard freeze, 28°Apr 27 – Oct 12kills even hardy greens

USDA zone5a-20 to -15°F winter low — not frost timing

The Billings year

Start seeds indoorsMar 29 – Apr 12

Transplant outdoorsMay 10 – May 24

Direct-sow outdoorsMay 10 – May 24

indoors under lights
in the garden
frost-free season
1-in-10 years still freeze to May 24

Summer Savory in Billings · freeze context from Billings Wtp, MT, 1991–2020 normals.

Every method, with its sources

Start seeds indoors

Mar 29 – Apr 12

Illinois Extension allows about 4 to 6 weeks to produce summer savory transplants, and those go out after danger of frost is past, so sowing runs 6 to 4 weeks before the last spring freeze. Anchored to the median last spring freeze (May 10). University of Illinois Extension · Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service

Transplant outdoors

May 10 – May 24

Illinois Extension transplants summer savory after danger of frost is past, matching the Texas A&M sowing cutoff, so the window opens at the last spring freeze. Anchored to the median last spring freeze (May 10). Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service

Direct-sow outdoors

May 10 – May 24

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension's herb publication directs seeding summer savory after danger of frost, a point rule that opens a two-week sowing span at the last spring freeze. Anchored to the median last spring freeze (May 10). Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service

Variety assumption: Illinois Extension notes summer savory can be harvested within two months of sowing, so one spring sowing carries the season.

These windows describe typical years (1991–2020 climate normals), not this year's forecast. Freezes happen outside them — especially in frost pockets, valleys, and urban edges. Watch the forecast before committing tender plants.

This week, not a typical year:

Crop rule sources (2)

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service: Herbs (Easy Gardening series, EHT-079) (accessed 2026-07-25)
"Seed after danger of frost in full sun; space 6–9 in. apart"
University of Illinois Extension: Savory: Summer | Herbs (accessed 2026-07-25)
"Summer savory is grown from seeds sown directly in the garden or indoors and then transplanted after danger of frost is past."

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