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When to Plant Savory in California

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.

California spans USDA hardiness zones 10a, 10b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b (with planting data available), so planting dates vary by your location within the state. Click your zone below for the most accurate dates.

Find Your County

Click your county for exact Savory planting dates based on your local frost dates.

Savory Planting Calendar for California

Zone 10a ~364 day growing season · Full guide →

Last frost: January 1 · First frost: December 31 · 364 day season

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors January 8 Jan 8 – Jan 22
Harvest March 5 Mar 5 – Apr 30
Zone 10b ~364 day growing season · Full guide →

Last frost: January 1 · First frost: December 31 · 364 day season

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors January 8 Jan 8 – Jan 22
Harvest March 5 Mar 5 – Apr 30
Zone 5a ~166 day growing season · Full guide →

Last frost: April 25 · First frost: October 8 · 166 day season

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors May 2 May 2 – May 16
Harvest June 27 Jun 27 – Aug 22
Zone 5b ~178 day growing season · Full guide →

Last frost: April 18 · First frost: October 13 · 178 day season

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors April 25 Apr 25 – May 9
Harvest June 20 Jun 20 – Aug 15
Zone 6a ~193 day growing season · Full guide →

Last frost: April 10 · First frost: October 20 · 193 day season

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors April 17 Apr 17 – May 1
Harvest June 12 Jun 12 – Aug 7
Zone 6b ~205 day growing season · Full guide →

Last frost: April 3 · First frost: October 25 · 205 day season

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors April 10 Apr 10 – Apr 24
Harvest June 5 Jun 5 – Jul 31
Zone 7a ~221 day growing season · Full guide →

Last frost: March 25 · First frost: November 1 · 221 day season

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors April 1 Apr 1 – Apr 15
Harvest May 27 May 27 – Jul 22
Zone 7b ~235 day growing season · Full guide →

Last frost: March 18 · First frost: November 8 · 235 day season

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors March 25 Mar 25 – Apr 8
Harvest May 20 May 20 – Jul 15
Zone 8a ~255 day growing season · Full guide →

Last frost: March 8 · First frost: November 18 · 255 day season

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors March 15 Mar 15 – Mar 29
Harvest May 10 May 10 – Jul 5
Zone 8b ~276 day growing season · Full guide →

Last frost: February 25 · First frost: November 28 · 276 day season

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors March 4 Mar 4 – Mar 18
Harvest April 29 Apr 29 – Jun 24
Zone 9a ~303 day growing season · Full guide →

Last frost: February 10 · First frost: December 10 · 303 day season

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors February 17 Feb 17 – Mar 3
Harvest April 14 Apr 14 – Jun 9
Zone 9b ~329 day growing season · Full guide →

Last frost: January 25 · First frost: December 20 · 329 day season

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors February 1 Feb 1 – Feb 15
Harvest March 29 Mar 29 – May 24

Growing Tips for California

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Savory in California?

Planting dates for Savory in California depend on your USDA zone. California spans zones 10a, 10b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b. Check the planting calendar above for your specific zone's frost dates and planting windows.

What zone is California for planting?

California contains USDA hardiness zones 10a, 10b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b. Your specific zone depends on your location within the state — northern and higher-elevation areas are in colder zones, while southern and coastal areas are warmer.

Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals, University Cooperative Extension planting guides. Last updated: April 2026.