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When to Plant Savory in USDA Zone 5a

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.

In Zone 5a, the average last spring frost is around April 25 and the first fall frost is around October 8, giving you a growing season of approximately 166 days.

Zone 5a Moderate season
166 days
Last Spring Frost April 25
166 growing days
First Fall Frost October 8

Savory Planting Timeline — Zone 5a

Where Is USDA Zone 5a?

The map below highlights the states that contain Zone 5a. Click any state to see the Savory planting schedule for that location.

Prints a clean, ink-friendly version without maps or navigation.

Savory Planting Calendar — Zone 5a

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors May 2 May 2 – May 16
Harvest June 27 Jun 27 – Aug 22

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

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

Free Zone 5a Planting Calendar PDF

Know exactly when to plant every crop in your zone. Get a printable month-by-month calendar customized for Zone 5a with start dates, transplant windows, and harvest times.

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Growing Conditions

Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

💧 Water

Low — drought tolerant

Days to Maturity

50–70 days

Soil pH

6.5 – 7.5

Zone Temperature Range

-20°F to -15°F average annual minimum

Growing Season

166 days (Zone 5a average)

Planting Specifications

Planting Depth0.5 inches
Plant Spacing8 inches apart
Row Spacing12 inches between rows

Succession Planting Savory in Zone 5a

3
successive plantings in Zone 5a's ~166-day season

Sow every 5.7 weeks for continuous harvest throughout the season.

Growing Tips for Savory in Zone 5a

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

Saving Savory Seeds

Recommended for Your Garden

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Breathable fabric pots that promote healthy root growth and prevent overwatering.

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Self-Watering Planters $15-40

Built-in reservoir keeps herbs and greens consistently watered with less effort.

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Seed Starting Trays $8-20

Start seeds indoors with reusable cell trays and humidity domes.

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Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Savory in Zone 5a?

In Zone 5a, plan your Savory planting around the average last frost date of April 25. Transplant seedlings around May 2.

Can Savory grow in Zone 5a?

Yes, Savory can grow well in Zone 5a, hardy in USDA zones 4a through 10b. Zone 5a has a growing season of approximately 166 days, which is sufficient for Savory (50-70 days to maturity).

When can I harvest Savory in Zone 5a?

In Zone 5a, expect to harvest Savory from June 27 – August 22. Savory takes 50-70 days from planting to harvest.

What is the last frost date for Zone 5a?

The average last spring frost in Zone 5a is around April 25, and the first fall frost is around October 8. This gives a growing season of approximately 166 days. These are 50% probability dates — actual frost dates vary year to year.

What should I plant next to Savory?

Good companion plants for Savory include Green Beans, Onion, Tomatoes. These companions can help with pest control, pollination, and nutrient sharing.

🌱

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner — organize your planting dates for Zone 5a, track your crops, and plan your garden season from seed to harvest.

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Free download. Plan your entire garden season in minutes.

Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals, University Cooperative Extension planting guides. Planting dates are estimates based on average frost dates — local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.