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When to Plant Savory in Sumter County, AL

Summer savory is an annual herb with a peppery, thyme-like flavor that pairs especially well with beans. Winter savory is a perennial with a stronger flavor.

Sumter County, Alabama is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is March 21 and the first fall frost is November 8, giving you a growing season of approximately 232 days.

At an elevation of 335 feet, Sumter County receives approximately 56.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 94ยฐF, providing good warmth for Savory during the growing season. Clay soil retains moisture well for Savory, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Savory root diseases.

Sumter County, AL (Zone 7b) Long season
232 days
Last Spring Frost March 21
232 growing days
First Fall Frost November 8

Sumter County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Clay Loam

Soil pH

5.6-6.2

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (117 days to spare)
Transplant: Mar 17 🍅 Harvest: May 12 – Jul 7
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (113 days to spare)
Transplant: Mar 28 🍅 Harvest: May 23 – Jul 18
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (112 days to spare)
Transplant: Apr 16 🍅 Harvest: Jun 11 – Aug 6

Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.

Plant Water Budget

Plant needs
0.5″/week
Rainfall provides
1.0″/week
Watering frequency Natural rainfall sufficient
Season total 0 gal / 100 sq ft
Savory needs ~1,230 GDD — county provides 4,756 GDD Excellent fit

Savory Planting Timeline โ€” Sumter County, AL

Savory Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors March 28 Mar 28 โ€“ Apr 11
Harvest May 23 May 23 โ€“ Jul 18

Plant 0.5" deep ยท 8" apart ยท Rows 12" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February โ€”
March Transplant Outdoors
April Transplant Outdoors
May Harvest
June Harvest
July Harvest
August โ€”
September โ€”
October โ€”
November โ€”
December โ€”

Growing Conditions

Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

Water

Low โ€” drought tolerant

Days to Maturity

50โ€“70 days

Soil pH

6.5 โ€“ 7.5

USDA Zone

Zone 7b

Growing Season

232 days

Growing Tips for Sumter County

Direct sow summer savory after last frost. Plant winter savory from divisions or cuttings. Harvest stems before flowering for best flavor. Use fresh or dried.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Level Up Your Garden

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Savory in Sumter County, AL?

Sumter County is in Zone 7b with an average last frost of March 21. Plan your Savory planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Sumter County, AL?

Sumter County, Alabama is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is March 21 and first fall frost is November 8.

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Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Sumter County gardeners in Zone 7b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.

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Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Sumter County, AL. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.