Savory
Satureja montana
Botanical family: Lamiaceae
Two main species: summer savory (Satureja hortensis, annual, milder) and winter savory (S. montana, perennial, more pungent). Its French name, sarriette, comes through Old French sarree from Latin satureia; in the 1st century, the Roman agronomist Columella already lists it among the plants to sow in the kitchen garden. A pungent taste between thyme and pepper. A traditional companion to green beans in cooking. Both species are on list A of traditionally used medicinal plants of the French Pharmacopoeia, for the leaf and the flowering top. Sources: Trésor de la langue française (CNRTL), “sarriette”; Columella, De re rustica, book X; French Pharmacopoeia, list A (ANSM, January 2026).
Full sun
Well-drained, light
Low once established, tolerates drought and stony soils
Semi-hardy
Protect over winter in your zone
Role in permaculture
Good companions
Fix nitrogen from the air (legumes)
Aromatic: scent said to confuse pests
Traditional companion planting (benefit not demonstrated)
Insects attracted or useful
Seasons & availability
Summer savory is sown in April and May, while the perennial winter savory is planted in spring; the shoots are picked from June to October, before and during the summer flowering, and they keep very well dried for the rest of the year.
Available: January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December.
Guidance for the oceanic / temperate climate; it may vary with your region, altitude, exposure and growing method.
Sources
- RHS, « How to Grow Savory » (rhs.org.uk/herbs/savory/grow-your-own)
- La Ferme de Sainte Marthe, « Réussir la culture de la sarriette » (fermedesaintemarthe.com/en/blogs/comment-reussir-la-culture-de/reussir-la-culture-de-la-sarriette)
Nutritional & medicinal properties
For educational purposes. Not a substitute for medical advice. Effects depend on the form, the dose and personal context.
Precautions & contraindications
Few solid medical claims can be put forward beyond the traditional use.
Family behaviour: Lamiaceae
In general, Lamiaceae are aromatics (basil, mint, thyme, rosemary, sage, lavender, lemon balm, savory). Their essential oils are reputed to bother some insects, but in a trial cited by Parker et al. (2013), sage, thyme and mint planted near cabbages did not reduce their pests. Their flowers are much visited by pollinators.
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Species & varieties
The best-known species and varieties in France.
Species
Key takeaways
- • Prefers full sun exposure.
- • Ideal soil: well-drained, light.
- • Classic companion: Bean.