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How to Germinate Summer Savory Seeds

Germinating summer savory (Satureja hortensis) seeds is a straightforward process that can be done indoors or directly in your garden, depending on your climate and preference. Below are the steps to successfully germinate summer savory seeds:

Materials Needed:

Steps for Germination:

Indoor Germination:

  1. Timing: Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last expected frost date in your area.

  2. Prepare Containers: Fill seed trays or small pots with a seed starting mix. Moisten the soil thoroughly but ensure it’s not waterlogged.

  3. Sowing Seeds: Scatter the summer savory seeds thinly on the surface of the soil. These seeds are very small, so they do not need to be buried. Gently press them into the soil using a flat tool or your fingers.

  4. Covering: Summer savory seeds need light to germinate, so don’t cover them with more soil. You can place a thin layer of vermiculite if needed, but it’s not necessary.

  5. Humidity and Warmth: Cover the seed trays or pots with plastic wrap or a humidity dome to retain moisture and maintain humidity. Place the containers in a warm area where the temperature is consistently between 70-75°F (21-24°C).

  6. Light: Once the seeds germinate, usually within 10-15 days, remove the plastic wrap or humidity dome. Place the seedlings under grow lights or in a sunny window where they receive plenty of light. They need at least 6-8 hours of light per day.

  7. Watering: Keep the soil evenly moist but not soggy. Use a spray bottle to water the seedlings gently.

  8. Thinning: Once the seedlings have a few sets of true leaves, thin them out to reduce competition for nutrients. Keep the strongest seedlings, spacing them about 2-3 inches apart.

  9. Hardening Off: About a week before transplanting outdoors, start hardening off the seedlings. Gradually expose them to outdoor conditions for increasing periods each day.

  10. Transplanting: Transplant the seedlings into the garden after the danger of frost has passed. Space them about 8-12 inches apart in well-drained soil in full sun.

Direct Sowing (Outdoors):

  1. Timing: Sow seeds directly in the garden after the last frost date when the soil temperature reaches at least 60°F (15°C).

  2. Soil Preparation: Prepare the garden bed by loosening the soil and mixing in some compost to improve fertility and drainage.

  3. Sowing Seeds: Scatter the seeds thinly over the soil surface. Lightly press the seeds into the soil with your hand or a flat tool. Avoid covering them as they need light to germinate.

  4. Watering: Water the area gently using a fine spray to keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged.

  5. Thinning: Once the seedlings have grown a few sets of true leaves, thin them to 8-12 inches apart to ensure healthy growth.

  6. Maintenance: Keep the soil moist, especially during dry periods, and weed the area regularly to reduce competition.

By following these steps, you should be able to successfully germinate and grow summer savory in your garden or indoors, ready to be used as a delightful herb in your culinary dishes.