When to plant summer savory in Raleigh, North Carolina

March 28 – April 11

Transplant outdoors · typical Raleigh year

Climate basis: NOAA station Raleigh State Univ, NC (USC00317079), 4 mi (6 km) from downtown Raleigh (ZCTA 27601 centroid), elevation 400 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 28). One year in ten still freezes after April 12.

Last spring freezeMarch 281-in-10 after Apr 12

First fall freezeNovember 81-in-10 before Oct 28

Frost-free season≈ 229 daysmedian at 32°F

Hard freeze, 28°Mar 14 – Nov 23kills even hardy greens

USDA zone8a10 to 15°F winter low — not frost timing

The Raleigh year

Start seeds indoorsFeb 14 – Feb 28

Transplant outdoorsMar 28 – Apr 11

Direct-sow outdoorsMar 28 – Apr 11

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

Summer Savory in Raleigh · freeze context from Raleigh State Univ, NC, 1991–2020 normals.

Every method, with its sources

Start seeds indoors

Feb 14 – Feb 28

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

Transplant outdoors

Mar 28 – Apr 11

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 28). Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service

Direct-sow outdoors

Mar 28 – Apr 11

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 28). 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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