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When to plant Savory in Clovis, CA

Plant Savory in Clovis during the brief March 9–March 23 window. With 266 frost-free days, fall plantings can't mature before November 23.

When to Plant Savory in Clovis, CA

Fresno County, California Zone 9b July

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Avg. last frost March 2
Avg. first frost November 23
Soil temp (4") 91°F
Watering Critical
Pest pressure High
Daylight 14.3 hrs

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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.

Clovis, California is in USDA Zone 9b. The average last spring frost is March 2 and the first fall frost is November 23, giving you a growing season of approximately 266 days.

At an elevation of 2,276 feet, Fresno County receives approximately 14.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 100°F, so Savory may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Savory successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.

Clovis, CA (Zone 9b) Long season
266 days
Last Spring Frost March 2
266 growing days
First Fall Frost November 23

Clovis Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.5-7.5

Drainage

Well Drained

Savory Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (148 days to spare)
Transplant: Feb 23 🍅 Harvest: Apr 20 – Jun 15
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (147 days to spare)
Transplant: Mar 9 🍅 Harvest: May 4 – Jun 29
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (99 days to spare)
Transplant: May 18 🍅 Harvest: Jul 13 – Sep 7

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.

Soil Compatibility in Clovis

How your county's soil matches Savory's growing requirements.

Soil pH

Your soil pH (6.5–7.5) is within Savory's preferred range (6.5–7.5).

Soil Texture

The loam soil in Fresno County is excellent for Savory — good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.

Organic Matter

Organic matter is moderate (3.2%). Annual compost additions will help Savory.

How to Plant Savory

0.5"
Planting Depth
8"
Between Plants
12"
Between Rows

Succession Planting Savory

6
successive plantings in your 266-day season

Sow every 5.7 weeks. Last sowing by Sep 14 to harvest before frost.

Savory Water Budget

Plant needs
0.5″/week
Rainfall provides
0.2″/week
You supply
0.3″/week
Watering frequency 1-2 times/week
Season total 752 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

Water stress score is 8/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching

Monthly Watering Guide for Savory

Savory needs approximately 0.5 inches of water per week (2.2" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.

Month Savory Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan 2.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 3.3" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Mar 2.2" 2.3" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Apr 2.2" 1" 1.2" 🚿 Regular watering
May 2.2" 0.4" 1.8" 🚿 Regular watering
Jun 2.2" 0.1" 2.1" 🚿 Regular watering
Jul 2.2" 0" 2.2" 🚿 Regular watering
Aug 2.2" 0" 2.2" 🚿 Regular watering
Sep 2.2" 0.2" 2" 🚿 Regular watering
Oct 2.2" 0.6" 1.6" 🚿 Regular watering
Nov 2.2" 1.3" 0.9" 💧 Light watering
Dec 2.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Fresno County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Savory Heat Requirements (GDD)

What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?

Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" — every day above 50°F deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.

Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.

Savory needs ~1,500 GDD — county provides 6,650 GDD Excellent fit

Savory Planting Timeline — Clovis, CA

Savory Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors March 9 Mar 9 – Mar 23
Harvest May 4 May 4 – Jun 29

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

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

Growing Conditions

☀️ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

💧 Water

0.5"/week · 1-2 times/week

📅 Days to Maturity

50–70 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6.5–7.5 · Your soil: ideal

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 9b

📆 Growing Season

266 days in Fresno County

Growing Tips for Savory in Clovis

Direct sow Savory outdoors after March 02 in Fresno County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.

With summer highs reaching 100°F in Fresno County, provide afternoon shade for Savory and water deeply in the morning.

Fresno County receives only 15" of rain annually. Savory needs consistent moisture — install drip irrigation or water deeply 2-3 times per week.

General growing tips

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

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

When should I plant Savory in Clovis, CA?

In Clovis, CA, plant Savory after the last frost (around March 2) and before the first frost (around November 23). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Clovis, CA for Savory?

Clovis sits in USDA Zone 9b. Savory grows reliably in zones 4a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Savory grow in Clovis's climate?

Yes — Savory grows well in Clovis's temperate climate. Clovis averages a 266-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 2 and first frost around November 23.

🌱

Your Fresno County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Fresno County (Zone 9b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.

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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 Fresno County, CA. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: July 2026.