When to plant summer savory in Seattle, Washington

March 13 – March 27

Transplant outdoors · typical Seattle year

Climate basis: NOAA station Seattle Boeing Fld, WA (USW00024234), 5 mi (8 km) from downtown Seattle (ZCTA 98104 centroid), elevation 20 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 13). One year in ten still freezes after April 1.

Last spring freezeMarch 131-in-10 after Apr 1

First fall freezeNovember 171-in-10 before Nov 1

Frost-free season≈ 247 daysmedian at 32°F

Hard freeze, 28°Feb 18 – Dec 2kills even hardy greens

USDA zone9a20 to 25°F winter low — not frost timing

The Seattle year

Start seeds indoorsJan 30 – Feb 13

Transplant outdoorsMar 13 – Mar 27

Direct-sow outdoorsMar 13 – Mar 27

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

Summer Savory in Seattle · freeze context from Seattle Boeing Fld, WA, 1991–2020 normals.

Every method, with its sources

Start seeds indoors

Jan 30 – Feb 13

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

Transplant outdoors

Mar 13 – Mar 27

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 13). Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service

Direct-sow outdoors

Mar 13 – Mar 27

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 13). 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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