When to plant summer savory in Louisville, Kentucky

March 31 – April 14

Transplant outdoors · typical Louisville year

Climate basis: NOAA station Louisville Mcalpine, KY (USC00154955), 3 mi (4 km) from downtown Louisville (ZCTA 40202 centroid), elevation 440 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 (March 31). One year in ten still freezes after April 14.

Last spring freezeMarch 311-in-10 after Apr 14

First fall freezeNovember 91-in-10 before Oct 31

Frost-free season≈ 225 daysmedian at 32°F

Hard freeze, 28°Mar 18 – Nov 20kills even hardy greens

USDA zone7a0 to 5°F winter low — not frost timing

The Louisville year

Start seeds indoorsFeb 17 – Mar 3

Transplant outdoorsMar 31 – Apr 14

Direct-sow outdoorsMar 31 – Apr 14

indoors under lights
in the garden
frost-free season
1-in-10 years still freeze to Apr 14

Summer Savory in Louisville · freeze context from Louisville Mcalpine, KY, 1991–2020 normals.

Every method, with its sources

Start seeds indoors

Feb 17 – Mar 3

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 (Mar 31). University of Illinois Extension · Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service

Transplant outdoors

Mar 31 – Apr 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 (Mar 31). Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service

Direct-sow outdoors

Mar 31 – Apr 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 (Mar 31). 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."

Keep exploring

This crop, other cities

Related crops in Louisville

Local overview