PlantingWindowThe American Planting Almanac

When to plant summer savory in Rochester, New York

April 24 – May 8

Transplant outdoors · typical Rochester year

Climate basis: NOAA station Rochester Gtr INTL AP, NY (USW00014768), 5 mi (7 km) from downtown Rochester (ZCTA 14604 centroid), elevation 533 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 24). One year in ten still freezes after May 8.

Last spring freezeApril 241-in-10 after May 8
First fall freezeOctober 251-in-10 before Oct 8
Frost-free season≈ 181 daysmedian at 32°F
Hard freeze, 28°Apr 14 – Nov 6kills even hardy greens
USDA zone6b-5 to 0°F winter low — not frost timing

The Rochester year

Start seeds indoorsMar 13 – Mar 27
Transplant outdoorsApr 24 – May 8
Direct-sow outdoorsApr 24 – May 8
  • indoors under lights
  • in the garden
  • frost-free season
  • 1-in-10 years still freeze to May 8
Summer Savory in Rochester · freeze context from Rochester Gtr INTL AP, NY, 1991–2020 normals.

Every method, with its sources

Start seeds indoors

Mar 13 – Mar 27

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

Transplant outdoors

Apr 24 – May 8

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 24). Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service

Direct-sow outdoors

Apr 24 – May 8

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 24). 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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