Growing Hydroponic Summer Savory: The Bean Herb in Net Cups
The short answer
Hydroponic summer savory is Satureja hortensis, a fast growing annual herb with a peppery, marjoram like taste. NC State Extension notes it can be harvested within 2 months of sowing and cut back as buds appear for a fresh flush of leaves. In net cups it grows fast under bright light with roots partly in air.
What is summer savory?
Summer savory is an annual in the mint family. NC State Extension describes a bushy plant about 1.5 feet tall with a peppery, marjoram like flavor. It is often confused with winter savory, a perennial with a more bitter taste. NC State lists summer savory as a good companion plant for onions and beans.
It needs full sun and dislikes damp soil. In hydroponics, that means bright light and roots that aren’t fully submerged.
How do you grow it in net cups?
Start seed in plugs under lights. The University of Minnesota Extension suggests starting herb seed under lights 6 to 8 weeks before transplanting. Move seedlings into net cups when roots push through the plug.
Minnesota advises net pots that sit only partly in the solution, with an air stone to move oxygen. Its herb guide also notes that rich conditions reduce the oils that carry flavor and suggests liquid fertilizer at half the usual rate for container herbs. Virginia Cooperative Extension gives pH 5.5 to 6.2 for most hydroponic crops. Read caring for your hydroponic system for routine upkeep.
When should you harvest summer savory?
Start snipping about 2 months after sowing. NC State notes the plant can be cut back as the flower buds appear to produce a fresh flush of leaves. Take stems a few inches long, leaving some leaves below each cut. To dry it, Minnesota suggests hanging bunches for 7 to 14 days or using a dehydrator at 95 to 115°F.
Summer savory growing basics
| Stage | What to do | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Start | Sow in plugs under lights | 6 to 8 weeks before moving |
| Move | Net cups, roots partly in air | Does poorly when damp |
| Feed | Half rate | Rich conditions reduce oils |
| Light | Bright grow light | Needs full sun outdoors |
| Cut | Cut back as buds appear | Within 2 months of sowing |
Sources: NC State Extension, University of Minnesota Extension, Virginia Cooperative Extension.
How to: step by step
- Sow summer savory seed in plugs under lights.
- Move seedlings into net cups when roots show.
- Set the cups so only part of the roots sit in the solution.
- Feed at about half rate and check pH.
- Run a bright grow light on a timer.
- Cut stems back as flower buds appear.
Troubleshooting
Mild flavor: the feed is too rich, so lower it.
Leggy, floppy stems: light is too low. Minnesota links leggy stems to too little light, so move the light closer or add more.
Roots look dark and soft: roots stay too wet. Lower the solution and aerate.
A quick herb for the kitchen
Summer savory moves from seed to harvest fast. Plan sowings with growing schedule for your hydroponics and compare root media in hydroponic in different mediums. Kind Seed Co shares more hydroponic herb notes on the blog.
Sources
- Satureja hortensis (summer savory), NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox
- Growing herbs in home gardens, University of Minnesota Extension
- Small scale hydroponics, University of Minnesota Extension
- Hydroponic production of edible crops: deep water culture (DWC) systems (SPES 464), Virginia Cooperative Extension
- Lighting for indoor plants and starting seeds, University of Minnesota Extension
FAQ
Is summer savory the same as winter savory?
No. Summer savory is an annual with a peppery, marjoram like taste. Winter savory is a perennial with a more bitter flavor, according to NC State Extension.
What pairs well with summer savory?
NC State Extension lists it as a good companion plant for onions and beans.
How long does a summer savory plant last?
It is an annual. It can be harvested within about 2 months of sowing and cut back as buds appear for more leaves, so sow a new round every so often.
Can you dry summer savory?
Yes. Hang bunches for 7 to 14 days or use a dehydrator at 95 to 115°F, per University of Minnesota Extension guidelines for herbs.
Can you grow summer savory from cuttings?
Yes. NC State Extension lists stem cuttings as its propagation method. Root them in plugs, then move them into net cups.
