PlantingWindowThe American Planting Almanac

When to plant summer savory in Richmond, Virginia

April 3 – April 17

Transplant outdoors · typical Richmond year

Climate basis: NOAA station Richmond INTL AP, VA (USW00013740), 7 mi (11 km) from downtown Richmond (ZCTA 23219 centroid), elevation 164 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 3). One year in ten still freezes after April 18.

Last spring freezeApril 31-in-10 after Apr 18
First fall freezeNovember 41-in-10 before Oct 23
Frost-free season≈ 215 daysmedian at 32°F
Hard freeze, 28°Mar 22 – Nov 15kills even hardy greens
USDA zone7b5 to 10°F winter low — not frost timing

The Richmond year

Start seeds indoorsFeb 20 – Mar 6
Transplant outdoorsApr 3 – Apr 17
Direct-sow outdoorsApr 3 – Apr 17
  • indoors under lights
  • in the garden
  • frost-free season
  • 1-in-10 years still freeze to Apr 18
Summer Savory in Richmond · freeze context from Richmond INTL AP, VA, 1991–2020 normals.

Every method, with its sources

Start seeds indoors

Feb 20 – Mar 6

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

Transplant outdoors

Apr 3 – Apr 17

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 3). Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service

Direct-sow outdoors

Apr 3 – Apr 17

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 3). 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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Local overview