When to plant summer savory in Denver, Colorado

April 30 – May 14

Transplant outdoors · typical Denver year

Climate basis: NOAA station Denver Water Dept, CO (USC00052223), 2 mi (3 km) from downtown Denver (ZCTA 80202 centroid), elevation 5228 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 30). One year in ten still freezes after May 13.

Last spring freezeApril 301-in-10 after May 13

First fall freezeOctober 121-in-10 before Sep 28

Frost-free season≈ 165 daysmedian at 32°F

Hard freeze, 28°Apr 18 – Oct 21kills even hardy greens

USDA zone6a-10 to -5°F winter low — not frost timing

The Denver year

Start seeds indoorsMar 19 – Apr 2

Transplant outdoorsApr 30 – May 14

Direct-sow outdoorsApr 30 – May 14

indoors under lights
in the garden
frost-free season
1-in-10 years still freeze to May 13

Summer Savory in Denver · freeze context from Denver Water Dept, CO, 1991–2020 normals.

Every method, with its sources

Start seeds indoors

Mar 19 – Apr 2

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

Transplant outdoors

Apr 30 – May 14

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 30). Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service

Direct-sow outdoors

Apr 30 – May 14

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 30). 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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