When to plant summer savory in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

March 30 – April 13

Transplant outdoors · typical Philadelphia year

Climate basis: NOAA station Phila Franklin Inst, PA (USC00366886), 1 mi (1 km) from downtown Philadelphia (ZCTA 19107 centroid), elevation 60 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 30). One year in ten still freezes after April 12.

Last spring freezeMarch 301-in-10 after Apr 12

First fall freezeNovember 171-in-10 before Nov 4

Frost-free season≈ 232 daysmedian at 32°F

Hard freeze, 28°Mar 17 – Nov 29kills even hardy greens

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

The Philadelphia year

Start seeds indoorsFeb 16 – Mar 2

Transplant outdoorsMar 30 – Apr 13

Direct-sow outdoorsMar 30 – Apr 13

indoors under lights
in the garden
frost-free season
1-in-10 years still freeze to Apr 12

Summer Savory in Philadelphia · freeze context from Phila Franklin Inst, PA, 1991–2020 normals.

Every method, with its sources

Start seeds indoors

Feb 16 – Mar 2

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

Transplant outdoors

Mar 30 – Apr 13

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 30). Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service

Direct-sow outdoors

Mar 30 – Apr 13

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 30). 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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