When to plant summer savory in Chicago, Illinois

April 10 – April 24

Transplant outdoors · typical Chicago year

Climate basis: NOAA station Chicago Northerly Is, IL (USC00111550), 2 mi (3 km) from downtown Chicago (ZCTA 60602 centroid), elevation 583 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 10). One year in ten still freezes after April 25.

Last spring freezeApril 101-in-10 after Apr 25

First fall freezeNovember 51-in-10 before Oct 24

Frost-free season≈ 208 daysmedian at 32°F

Hard freeze, 28°Apr 1 – Nov 15kills even hardy greens

USDA zone6b-5 to 0°F winter low — not frost timing

The Chicago year

Start seeds indoorsFeb 27 – Mar 13

Transplant outdoorsApr 10 – Apr 24

Direct-sow outdoorsApr 10 – Apr 24

indoors under lights
in the garden
frost-free season
1-in-10 years still freeze to Apr 25

Summer Savory in Chicago · freeze context from Chicago Northerly Is, IL, 1991–2020 normals.

Every method, with its sources

Start seeds indoors

Feb 27 – Mar 13

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 10). University of Illinois Extension · Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service

Transplant outdoors

Apr 10 – Apr 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 (Apr 10). Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service

Direct-sow outdoors

Apr 10 – Apr 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 (Apr 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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