PlantingWindowThe American Planting Almanac

When to plant summer savory in Milwaukee, Wisconsin

April 26 – May 10

Transplant outdoors · typical Milwaukee year

Climate basis: NOAA station West Allis, WI (USC00479046), 6 mi (10 km) from downtown Milwaukee (ZCTA 53202 centroid), elevation 723 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 26). One year in ten still freezes after May 12.

Last spring freezeApril 261-in-10 after May 12
First fall freezeOctober 221-in-10 before Oct 7
Frost-free season≈ 177 daysmedian at 32°F
Hard freeze, 28°Apr 14 – Nov 1kills even hardy greens
USDA zone6a-10 to -5°F winter low — not frost timing

The Milwaukee year

Start seeds indoorsMar 15 – Mar 29
Transplant outdoorsApr 26 – May 10
Direct-sow outdoorsApr 26 – May 10
  • indoors under lights
  • in the garden
  • frost-free season
  • 1-in-10 years still freeze to May 12
Summer Savory in Milwaukee · freeze context from West Allis, WI, 1991–2020 normals.

Every method, with its sources

Start seeds indoors

Mar 15 – Mar 29

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

Transplant outdoors

Apr 26 – May 10

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 26). Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service

Direct-sow outdoors

Apr 26 – May 10

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 26). 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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