PlantingWindowThe American Planting Almanac

When to plant summer savory in Birmingham, Alabama

March 21 – April 4

Transplant outdoors · typical Birmingham year

Climate basis: NOAA station Birmingham AP, AL (USW00013876), 5 mi (8 km) from downtown Birmingham (ZCTA 35203 centroid), elevation 615 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 (March 21). One year in ten still freezes after April 8.

Last spring freezeMarch 211-in-10 after Apr 8
First fall freezeNovember 111-in-10 before Oct 30
Frost-free season≈ 236 daysmedian at 32°F
Hard freeze, 28°Mar 7 – Nov 24kills even hardy greens
USDA zone8a10 to 15°F winter low — not frost timing

The Birmingham year

Start seeds indoorsFeb 7 – Feb 21
Transplant outdoorsMar 21 – Apr 4
Direct-sow outdoorsMar 21 – Apr 4
  • indoors under lights
  • in the garden
  • frost-free season
  • 1-in-10 years still freeze to Apr 8
Summer Savory in Birmingham · freeze context from Birmingham AP, AL, 1991–2020 normals.

Every method, with its sources

Start seeds indoors

Feb 7 – Feb 21

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 (Mar 21). University of Illinois Extension · Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service

Transplant outdoors

Mar 21 – Apr 4

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 (Mar 21). Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service

Direct-sow outdoors

Mar 21 – Apr 4

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 (Mar 21). 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)

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