When to plant summer savory in Nashville, Tennessee
April 1 – April 15
Transplant outdoors · typical Nashville yearClimate basis: NOAA station Shelby Bottoms Nature, TN (USC00408238), 4 mi (6 km) from downtown Nashville (ZCTA 37203 centroid), elevation 405 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 1). One year in ten still freezes after April 16.
The Nashville year
- indoors under lights
- in the garden
- frost-free season
- 1-in-10 years still freeze to Apr 16
Every method, with its sources
Start seeds indoors
Feb 18 – Mar 4Illinois 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 1). University of Illinois Extension · Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service
Transplant outdoors
Apr 1 – Apr 15Illinois 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 1). Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service
Direct-sow outdoors
Apr 1 – Apr 15Texas 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 1). 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.
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."