How to Grow Savory in Colorado

Savory, a culinary herb belonging to the mint family, is cherished for its peppery flavor and aroma. It comes in two main varieties: summer savory (Satureja hortensis) and winter savory (Satureja montana). Both are excellent additions to various dishes, but growing savory in Colorado requires specific knowledge due to the state’s unique climate and elevation. This guide will walk you through the essential steps to successfully cultivate savory in the Centennial State.

Understanding Colorado’s Climate

Colorado is known for its diverse climate zones, ranging from high desert to alpine tundra. The state experiences significant temperature fluctuations, especially between day and night. Here are key climate considerations:

• Elevation: Many regions in Colorado are at a high elevation, which can affect growing conditions. Higher altitudes may have cooler temperatures and shorter growing seasons.
• Frost Dates: The average last frost date in spring can vary widely depending on your specific location. Be mindful of these dates when planning your planting schedule.
• Sun Exposure: Most herbs thrive in full sunlight. Ensure your chosen location receives at least 6-8 hours of sunlight daily.

Understanding these factors will help you choose the right time and place for your savory plants.

Choosing the Right Variety

As mentioned earlier, there are two primary types of savory:

1. Summer Savory: This annual herb is typically grown for culinary purposes. It has a milder flavor compared to winter savory and is excellent for seasoning beans, meats, and stews.

2. Winter Savory: This perennial herb has a stronger, more robust flavor. It can survive colder temperatures and is often used in heartier dishes.

For Colorado gardens, both varieties can be grown successfully; however, summer savory is generally preferred due to its tender nature and culinary versatility.

Soil Preparation

Savory thrives in well-drained soil with a pH level between 6.0 and 7.0. Here are steps to prepare your soil effectively:

Testing Your Soil

Before planting, it’s essential to conduct a soil test. This will provide valuable information regarding pH levels and nutrient content. You can either purchase a soil testing kit or send samples to a local agricultural extension office for analysis.

Amending Your Soil

Based on the results of your soil test, you may need to amend your soil:

• Organic Matter: Incorporate well-rotted compost or aged manure into the soil to improve drainage and nutrient retention.
• pH Adjustment: If your soil is too acidic (below 6.0), add lime; if it’s too alkaline (above 7.0), consider incorporating sulfur or peat moss.

Tilling

Once amendments are added, till the soil to a depth of about 12 inches to ensure even distribution of nutrients and create a loose growing environment for roots.

Planting Savory

The best time to plant savory in Colorado depends on whether you choose seeds or transplants.

Starting Seeds Indoors

If you want an earlier start, consider sowing seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before your last expected frost date:

1. Seed Trays: Fill seed trays with seed-starting mix.
2. Sowing: Sow seeds about 1/4 inch deep.
3. Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy.
4. Light: Provide bright light using grow lights or place them near a sunny window.
5. Transplanting: When seedlings have two sets of true leaves and outdoor conditions are favorable (after frost), transplant them outside.

Direct Sowing Outdoors

For those who prefer direct sowing:

1. Timing: Wait until after the last frost date.
2. Spacing: Space seeds about 12 inches apart in rows that are 18 inches apart.
3. Watering: After sowing, water gently until seedlings emerge.

Watering Needs

Savory prefers moderate watering—too much moisture can lead to root rot while too little can stress the plant.

Irrigation Tips

• Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry.
• Consider using drip irrigation or soaker hoses to keep moisture consistent without wetting foliage excessively, which can lead to fungal diseases.

Pruning and Maintenance

Regular maintenance will enhance growth and yield:

Pruning

Prune plants regularly by pinching back tips when they reach about 6 inches tall—this encourages bushier growth. Additionally, remove any dead or yellowing leaves throughout the growing season.

Fertilization

Savory doesn’t require heavy fertilization since it thrives in moderately fertile soils:

• Use a balanced organic fertilizer once in early spring as new growth emerges.
• Avoid excessive nitrogen, which can encourage foliage at the expense of flavor.

Pest and Disease Management

While savory is relatively pest-resistant, monitoring for potential threats is crucial:

Common Pests

• Aphids: These small pests can infest plants but are easily managed with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
• Whiteflies: Another common pest; use sticky traps or insecticidal soap for control.

Diseases

Savory is susceptible to root rot if overwatered or planted in poorly drained soils:

• Ensure good drainage and avoid excess moisture.
• Practice crop rotation if necessary to prevent disease buildup in the soil.

Harvesting Savory

Harvesting savory at the right time enhances its flavor profile:

Timing Your Harvest

• Begin harvesting once the plant reaches about 6 inches tall, usually within 60 days of planting.
• For optimal flavor, harvest before flowering occurs; this is when essential oils are most concentrated.

How to Harvest

Use sharp scissors or garden shears to snip off stems just above leaf nodes—this encourages further growth:

1. For culinary use, harvest as needed throughout the growing season.
2. If you wish to dry savory for later use, cut stems early in the morning after dew has dried but before the sun becomes too hot—this preserves flavor better than late-day harvesting.

Storing Savory

Freshly harvested savory can be stored in several ways:

Fresh Storage

Wrap fresh stems in a damp paper towel and place them inside a plastic bag in the refrigerator where they’ll stay fresh for up to one week.

Drying Savory

To dry savory for long-term storage:

1. Gather stems into small bundles and hang them upside down in a dark, dry place with good air circulation.
2. Once dried (about one week), crumble leaves into airtight containers for storage up to one year.

Conclusion

Growing savory in Colorado offers both culinary delights and gardening satisfaction. By understanding local climate conditions, preparing your soil appropriately, maintaining proper care throughout its growth cycle, and knowing how best to harvest and store this versatile herb, you can enjoy flavorful dishes while enhancing your gardening skills. Whether you’re an experienced gardener or just starting out, savoring fresh herbs from your garden adds an extraordinary touch to any meal!