When to plant summer savory in Sacramento, California
January 12 – January 26
Transplant outdoors · typical Sacramento yearClimate basis: NOAA station Sacramento 5 Ese, CA (USW00023271), 5 mi (7 km) from downtown Sacramento (ZCTA 95814 centroid), elevation 38 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 (January 12). One year in ten still freezes after February 8.
The Sacramento year
- indoors under lights
- in the garden
- frost-free season
- 1-in-10 years still freeze to Feb 8
Every method, with its sources
Start seeds indoors
Dec 1 – Dec 15Illinois 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 (Jan 12). University of Illinois Extension · Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service
Transplant outdoors
Jan 12 – Jan 26Illinois 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 (Jan 12). Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service
Direct-sow outdoors
Jan 12 – Jan 26Texas 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 (Jan 12). 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."