PlantingWindowThe American Planting Almanac

When to plant summer savory in Des Moines, Iowa

April 18 – May 2

Transplant outdoors · typical Des Moines year

Climate basis: NOAA station Des Moines INTL AP, IA (USW00014933), 4 mi (6 km) from downtown Des Moines (ZCTA 50309 centroid), elevation 957 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 18). One year in ten still freezes after May 2.

Last spring freezeApril 181-in-10 after May 2
First fall freezeOctober 201-in-10 before Oct 4
Frost-free season≈ 184 daysmedian at 32°F
Hard freeze, 28°Apr 8 – Oct 30kills even hardy greens
USDA zone5b-15 to -10°F winter low — not frost timing

The Des Moines year

Start seeds indoorsMar 7 – Mar 21
Transplant outdoorsApr 18 – May 2
Direct-sow outdoorsApr 18 – May 2
  • indoors under lights
  • in the garden
  • frost-free season
  • 1-in-10 years still freeze to May 2
Summer Savory in Des Moines · freeze context from Des Moines INTL AP, IA, 1991–2020 normals.

Every method, with its sources

Start seeds indoors

Mar 7 – Mar 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 (Apr 18). University of Illinois Extension · Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service

Transplant outdoors

Apr 18 – May 2

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 18). Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service

Direct-sow outdoors

Apr 18 – May 2

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 18). 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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