When to Plant Savory in Gilchrist County, FL
This month in Gilchrist County, Florida
Welcome to May in Zone 9a. These are the moves that will have the biggest impact on your growing season.
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Pick savory
Don't tug. Use scissors or pruners for clean cuts — torn stems invite disease.
Get ahead of June
- First harvests: savory
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.
Gilchrist County, Florida is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is March 3 and the first fall frost is November 27, giving you a growing season of approximately 269 days.
At an elevation of 236 feet, Gilchrist County receives approximately 53.5 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sand soil. Summer highs average 102°F, so Savory may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Savory will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Savory root diseases.
Gilchrist County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Sand
Soil pH
5.2-5.8
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant Planting Risk Windows
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 Gilchrist County
How your county's soil matches Savory's growing requirements.
Soil pH
Your soil pH (5.2–5.8) is more acidic than Savory prefers (6.5–7.5). Add garden lime to raise pH.
Soil Texture
Sandy soil in Gilchrist County warms quickly in spring but drains fast. Savory will need more frequent watering and regular compost additions to retain nutrients.
Drainage
Drainage is adequate for Savory.
Organic Matter
Organic matter is low (1.4%). Add 2-3 inches of compost before planting Savory.
How to Plant Savory
Succession Planting Savory
Sow every 5.7 weeks. Last sowing by Sep 18 to harvest before frost.
Plant Water Budget
Water stress score is 6/10 — 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 | — | 2.6" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
| Mar | 2.2" | 3.6" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Apr | 2.2" | 2.3" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| May | 2.2" | 3.4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jun | 2.2" | 8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Jul | 2.2" | 8.8" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Aug | 2.2" | 7.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Sep | 2.2" | 6.5" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Oct | 2.2" | 4" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Nov | 2.2" | 2.2" | 0" | ✅ Rainfall sufficient |
| Dec | — | 2.1" | 0" | ❄️ Dormant |
Water needs are for active growing months only (Mar–Nov in Gilchrist 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 Planting Timeline — Gilchrist County, FL
Savory Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Transplant Outdoors | March 10 | Mar 10 – Mar 24 |
| Harvest | May 5 | May 5 – Jun 30 |
Plant 0.5" deep · 8" apart · Rows 12" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| 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 · Natural rainfall sufficient
📅 Days to Maturity
50–70 days
🧪 Soil pH
Needs 6.5–7.5 · Your soil: too_acidic
🗺️ USDA Zone
Zone 9a
📆 Growing Season
269 days in Gilchrist County
Growing Tips for Savory in Gilchrist County
Direct sow Savory outdoors after March 03 in Gilchrist County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.
Sandy soil in Gilchrist County dries quickly — mulch Savory with 2-3 inches of straw and water deeply 2-3 times per week rather than lightly every day.
With summer highs reaching 102°F in Gilchrist County, provide afternoon shade for Savory and water deeply in the morning.
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 →
Savory in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Savory in Gilchrist County, FL?
Gilchrist County is in Zone 9a with an average last frost of March 3. Plan your Savory planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Gilchrist County, FL?
Gilchrist County, Florida is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is March 3 and first fall frost is November 27.
Your Gilchrist County Garden Planner — Free
A 24-page printable planner built for Gilchrist County (Zone 9a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.