Summer Savory - Satureja hortensis
800 Seeds
Sow March - May
Half-hardy annual.
Height 30cm (12in), spread 15-20cm (6-8in).
Prefers a poor, well-drained soil in a sunny position.
When the soil has warmed, sow in shallow drills or broadcast where the plants are to remain. Cover lightly with soil and water well. Germination normally takes 2 to three weeks under an ideal temperature of 18-20C.
Transplant when large enough to handle. Thin the seedlings to 30cm apart and leave to grow. Then leave the plant where it is a it doesn't take to being moved.
The branching roots produce a bushy, fine-haired, square stem, which often has a purple tint. The small, narrow, pointed, dark green leaves are very aromatic. Small white/mauve flowers appear in summer. Attractive to bees.
Savory - Summer
Also known as Bean Herb.
From the family Lamiaceae.
Savory is a native of Southern Europe and North Africa. The genus Satureja was named by the Roman scholar Pliny and is derived from the word satyr, the half-man, half-goat creature in mythology who owned the savouries. The Romans added it to sauces and to vinegars, which they used liberally as flavouring. They also introduced it to Northern Europe, where it became a valued disinfectant and strewing herb. The Ancient Egyptians used it in love potions. It was also used to relieve tired eyes, for ringing in the ears, indigestion, wasp and bee stings and for other shocks to the system.