When to plant summer savory in Knoxville, Tennessee

April 11 – April 25

Transplant outdoors · typical Knoxville year

Climate basis: NOAA station Knoxville Exp Stn, TN (USC00404946), 5 mi (8 km) from downtown Knoxville (ZCTA 37902 centroid), elevation 830 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 11). One year in ten still freezes after April 29.

Last spring freezeApril 111-in-10 after Apr 29

First fall freezeOctober 281-in-10 before Oct 13

Frost-free season≈ 198 daysmedian at 32°F

Hard freeze, 28°Mar 31 – Nov 6kills even hardy greens

USDA zone7b5 to 10°F winter low — not frost timing

The Knoxville year

Start seeds indoorsFeb 28 – Mar 14

Transplant outdoorsApr 11 – Apr 25

Direct-sow outdoorsApr 11 – Apr 25

indoors under lights
in the garden
frost-free season
1-in-10 years still freeze to Apr 29

Summer Savory in Knoxville · freeze context from Knoxville Exp Stn, TN, 1991–2020 normals.

Every method, with its sources

Start seeds indoors

Feb 28 – Mar 14

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

Transplant outdoors

Apr 11 – Apr 25

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 11). Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service

Direct-sow outdoors

Apr 11 – Apr 25

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 11). 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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