PlantingWindowThe American Planting Almanac

When to plant summer savory in Boston, Massachusetts

April 4 – April 18

Transplant outdoors · typical Boston year

Climate basis: NOAA station Boston Logan INTL AP, MA (USW00014739), 3 mi (5 km) from downtown Boston (ZCTA 02108 centroid), elevation 12 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 (April 4). One year in ten still freezes after April 17.

Last spring freezeApril 41-in-10 after Apr 17
First fall freezeNovember 91-in-10 before Oct 29
Frost-free season≈ 218 daysmedian at 32°F
Hard freeze, 28°Mar 28 – Nov 21kills even hardy greens
USDA zone7a0 to 5°F winter low — not frost timing

The Boston year

Start seeds indoorsFeb 21 – Mar 7
Transplant outdoorsApr 4 – Apr 18
Direct-sow outdoorsApr 4 – Apr 18
  • indoors under lights
  • in the garden
  • frost-free season
  • 1-in-10 years still freeze to Apr 17
Summer Savory in Boston · freeze context from Boston Logan INTL AP, MA, 1991–2020 normals.

Every method, with its sources

Start seeds indoors

Feb 21 – Mar 7

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 (Apr 4). University of Illinois Extension · Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service

Transplant outdoors

Apr 4 – Apr 18

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 (Apr 4). Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service

Direct-sow outdoors

Apr 4 – Apr 18

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 (Apr 4). 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)

Keep exploring

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Local overview