Growing Winter Savory Indoors: A Step-by-Step Guide
Winter savory is a hardy perennial herb that adds a delicious peppery flavor to your cooking. It’s easy to grow indoors, even for beginners, and it will provide you with a steady supply of fresh leaves all year round.
Why Grow Winter Savory Indoors?
Growing winter savory indoors has several advantages:
- You can enjoy fresh savory leaves all year round, regardless of the season.
- Indoor winter savory plants are attractive and aromatic, adding beauty and fragrance to your home.
- Savory is a versatile herb that can be used in a variety of dishes, from soups and stews to salads and dressings.
How to Grow Winter Savory Indoors
There are three main ways to grow winter savory indoors: from seed, from cuttings, or by division.
Growing Winter Savory from Seed
- Start seeds indoors in a well-draining potting mix.
- Keep the soil moist but not soggy, and provide plenty of bright light.
- Once the seedlings have several pairs of true leaves, transplant them into individual pots.
Growing Winter Savory from Cuttings
- Take cuttings from a healthy winter savory plant in the spring.
- Cuttings should be about 6 inches long and have several nodes.
- Remove the leaves from the lower third of the cutting and place the cut end in a glass of water.
- Change the water frequently until the cutting develops roots.
- Once the cutting has roots, plant it in a pot filled with well-draining potting mix.
Growing Winter Savory by Division
- Divide an existing winter savory plant in the spring or fall.
- Carefully separate the roots of the plant and replant each division in its own pot.
- Water the divisions well and keep them in a warm, sunny location.
Caring for Indoor Winter Savory
Winter savory is a low-maintenance herb that is easy to care for. Here are a few tips:
- Light: Winter savory needs at least six hours of bright light per day. If your home doesn’t have enough natural light, you can supplement with a grow light.
- Water: Keep the soil moist but not soggy. Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot.
- Fertilizer: Fertilize your winter savory plant monthly with a balanced liquid fertilizer.
- Harvesting: You can start harvesting winter savory leaves when the plant is about 6 inches tall. Cut stems with clean pruning shears and pull off the leaves. Don’t harvest too many stems at once, as this can harm the plant.
Culinary Uses of Winter Savory
Winter savory has a slightly peppery taste with hints of thyme. It is a versatile herb that can be used in a variety of dishes, including:
- Soups and stews
- Salads and dressings
- Roasted vegetables
- Meat dishes
- Fish dishes
- Herbal teas
Winter savory is also a good source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin A, and iron.
Troubleshooting Common Problems
Here are a few common problems that you may encounter when growing winter savory indoors:
- Yellowing leaves: This can be caused by overwatering or nutrient deficiency.
- Brown leaves: This can be caused by underwatering or sunburn.
- Leggy growth: This can be caused by insufficient light.
- Pests: Winter savory is susceptible to aphids and spider mites. Treat infestations with an insecticidal soap or neem oil.
With proper care, your indoor winter savory plant will thrive and provide you with a steady supply of fresh, flavorful leaves for years to come.
