Growing summer savory and winter savory
The two savories -- summer savory (*Satureja hortensis*) and winter savory (*S. montana*) -- are closely related Mediterranean herbs with a similar peppery, thyme-like flavor, but they differ enough in growth habit and culinary intensity that they are worth growing separately. Summer savory is an.
The two savories — summer savory (Satureja hortensis) and winter savory (S. montana) — are closely related Mediterranean herbs with a similar peppery, thyme-like flavor, but they differ enough in growth habit and culinary intensity that they are worth growing separately. Summer savory is an annual with a softer, more delicate flavor suited to fresh use and light cooking. Winter savory is a semi-evergreen perennial with a more robust, resinous flavor that holds up in long-cooked dishes.
I don't grow either savory at my Long Island plot. This guide is sourced from Extension publications.
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Identification and differences
Per Penn State Extension:
| Characteristic | Summer savory (S. hortensis) | Winter savory (S. montana) |
|---|---|---|
| Life cycle | Annual | Semi-evergreen perennial (zones 6-9) |
| Height | 12-18 inches | 6-15 inches |
| Leaves | Narrow, soft, 1/2-1 inch | Narrow, stiff, leathery |
| Flowers | White to pale pink | White to pink-purple |
| Flavor | Mild, peppery, fresh | Strong, resinous, more bitter |
| Best use | Fresh; light cooking | Cooked dishes; drying |
Per NC State Extension, winter savory is also sometimes called "mountain savory" — montana refers to its origin in rocky, dry Mediterranean mountain habitats.