PlantingWindowThe American Planting Almanac

When to plant summer savory in Washington, District of Columbia

March 24 – April 7

Transplant outdoors · typical Washington year

Climate basis: NOAA station Washington Reagan AP, VA (USW00013743), 3 mi (5 km) from downtown Washington (ZCTA 20004 centroid), elevation 10 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 24). One year in ten still freezes after April 6.

Last spring freezeMarch 241-in-10 after Apr 6
First fall freezeNovember 181-in-10 before Nov 5
Frost-free season≈ 241 daysmedian at 32°F
Hard freeze, 28°Mar 12 – Dec 3kills even hardy greens

The Washington year

Start seeds indoorsFeb 10 – Feb 24
Transplant outdoorsMar 24 – Apr 7
Direct-sow outdoorsMar 24 – Apr 7
  • indoors under lights
  • in the garden
  • frost-free season
  • 1-in-10 years still freeze to Apr 6
Summer Savory in Washington · freeze context from Washington Reagan AP, VA, 1991–2020 normals.

Every method, with its sources

Start seeds indoors

Feb 10 – Feb 24

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

Transplant outdoors

Mar 24 – Apr 7

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 24). Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service

Direct-sow outdoors

Mar 24 – Apr 7

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 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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Local overview