Blog

When to plant Savory in Mercer County, IL

Plant Savory in Mercer County during the brief April 24–May 8 window. With 181 frost-free days, fall plantings can't mature before October 15.

When to Plant Savory in Mercer County, IL

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.

Mercer County, Illinois is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 17 and the first fall frost is October 15, giving you a growing season of approximately 181 days.

At an elevation of 777 feet, Mercer County receives approximately 37.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 83°F, so choose short-season varieties of Savory to ensure they mature before fall.

Mercer County, IL (Zone 5b) Moderate season
181 days
Last Spring Frost April 17
181 growing days
First Fall Frost October 15

Mercer County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Savory Planting Timeline — Mercer County, IL

Savory Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors April 24 Apr 24 – May 8
Harvest June 19 Jun 19 – Aug 14

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

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

Growing Conditions

☀️ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

💧 Water

Low — drought tolerant

📅 Days to Maturity

50–70 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6.5–7.5 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 5b

📆 Growing Season

181 days in Mercer County

Growing Tips for Mercer 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

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Savory in Mercer County, IL?

Mercer County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of April 17. Plan your Savory planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Mercer County, IL?

Mercer County, Illinois is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 17 and first fall frost is October 15.

When should I plant Savory in Mercer County, IL?

In Mercer County, IL, plant Savory after the last frost (around April 17) and before the first frost (around October 15). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Mercer County, IL for Savory?

Mercer County sits in USDA Zone 5b. Savory grows reliably in zones 4a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Savory grow in Mercer County's climate?

Yes — Savory grows well in Mercer County's temperate climate. Mercer County averages a 181-day frost-free season, with last frost around April 17 and first frost around October 15.

🌱

Your Mercer County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Mercer County (Zone 5b). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.

Instant PDF download. No spam, unsubscribe any time.

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

Sources & credits

Every number on this page traces back to a primary horticulture or government data source. Click through to verify.