Summer Savory Seeds Vilmorin - Peppery Aromatic Herb, Easy to Grow

Summer Savory Seed Packet Vilmorin (Reference: 5879346) invites you to discover one of the oldest and best-loved aromatic herbs of our gardens. This Mediterranean plant with its distinctive peppery scent, subtly recalling that of thyme, is a must for anyone who loves cooking and gardening. Vilmorin, a recognised seed expert since 1743, guarantees top-quality seed for a successful herb crop.

Uses and benefits in the kitchen

Summer savory proves to be an exceptional seasoning for elevating your cooking. Its intense, peppery aroma makes it the ideal companion to traditional stuffings, game dishes and slow-cooked stews. Professional and amateur cooks particularly value it for lifting sauces, perfuming summer salads and accompanying vegetables, thanks to its pronounced herbaceous notes.

This aromatic herb has the remarkable advantage of keeping perfectly when dried in airtight jars, letting you enjoy its authentic flavours all year long. It also makes an excellent substitute for herbes de Provence in many Mediterranean recipes.

Botanical features and hardiness

Summer savory (Satureja hortensis) belongs to the Lamiaceae family and stands out for its exceptional hardiness. This annual plant generally reaches a height of 20 to 40 centimetres, developing a compact bushy habit ideal for growing in the vegetable plot or in a window box.

Its dark green linear leaves release their characteristic scent at the slightest touch, while its small white or pink-tinged flowers appear in summer, attracting pollinating insects that benefit the whole garden. The plant tolerates poor and chalky soils remarkably well, as well as drought, which makes it a sensible choice for ecological, water-wise gardens.

Sowing and growing techniques

Sowing savory is best done in spring, between March and May, once the risk of frost has passed. Choose a sunny spot with a well-drained soil, even a poor or stony one. Sow directly in place, drawing drills 1 centimetre deep, 25 to 30 centimetres apart.

Germination usually takes 10 to 15 days at an optimal temperature of 18-20°C. Thin out the seedlings to keep one plant roughly every 15 centimetres. Watering should stay moderate, as savory prefers slightly dry conditions once established. Leaf picking can begin 6 to 8 weeks after sowing and carry on until the first frosts.

Expert advice and beneficial pairings

To get the most from your savory, go for favourable plant pairings such as basil, oregano or tomatoes, which benefit mutually from their natural repellent properties against certain pests. Avoid planting it near legumes, which could hold back its development.

A professional trick is to make successive sowings every 3-4 weeks to guarantee a continuous supply of young, tender leaves. For drying, pick the flowering stems early in the morning and hang them in bunches somewhere dry and airy. Round out your herb garden with other Vilmorin seeds such as thyme, rosemary or marjoram, to create a genuinely varied culinary ecosystem.

Technical specifications