Profile

SaturejaSatureja

Satureja is a popular culinary herb with a spicy, slightly peppery flavor. It is known for its digestive properties and is traditionally served with hearty dishes and legumes. The plant is easy to care for and grows well in both beds and pots.

Satureja (Satureja): plant portrait for plant portrait - Herbs, Lamiaceae, Harvest Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct
Satureja: plant portrait. harvest: Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct.

Quick profile

Key data

Harvest

Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct

Water

medium

Good neighbors

BeanCabbageRadishcommon sage

Growing data

Satureja Growing data

Seed depth

0.5 - 1 cm

Plant spacing

20 - 30 cm

Row spacing

25 - 40 cm

Germination temp

15 - 25 °C

Sowing and germination

Seed depth0.5 - 1 cm
Germination temp15 - 25 °C
Germination time7 - 21 days
Seed viability2 - 3 years
Light germinatorNo
Dark germinatorNo
Cold germinatorNo
Stratification neededNo
Pre-soaking recommendedNo
Direct sowing possibleYes
Pre-culture recommendedNo

Planting and spacing

Plant spacing20 - 30 cm
Row spacing25 - 40 cm
Plants per m²10 - 15 per m²
Spacing3 plants per square

Temperature and site

Soil temperature10 - 20 °C
Growing temperaturefrom 10 °C
Optimal temperature18 - 25 °C
Frost sensitiveYes
Late frost sensitiveYes
Heat tolerancemedium
Cold tolerancelow

Water, nutrients and care

Watermedium
Critical water phasesGermination, Growth phase
Watering methodSoaking the soil
Droughtmedium
Waterlogging sensitiveYes
Mulching recommendedYes
Nutrient needlight_feeder
Compost recommendedYes
Fertilizer sensitivitylow

Container, support and growth

Container suitableYes
Pot sizeVolume: from 5 l; Recommended: from 10 l; Diameter: from 20 cm; Depth: from 15 cm
SupportNo
Height20 - 50 cm
Width20 - 40 cm
Yield50 - 150 g

Year plan

Satureja Calendar

All plants
Indoor sowingDirect sowingPlantingHarvest

Indoor sowing

No data

Satureja is usually sown directly into the open ground.

Direct sowing

AprMayJun

Direct sowing into the open ground as soon as the risk of frost has passed and the soil has warmed up.

Planting

No data

As Satureja is usually sown directly, transplanting seedlings is generally not necessary.

Harvest

JunJulAugSepOct

Harvest leaves and stems as needed, preferably before flowering for the most intense aroma. Multiple cuts are possible.

Year plan
  1. Sow outdoors
  2. Sow outdoors
  3. First harvest
  4. Regular harvesting
  5. Continuous harvesting
  6. Harvest for preservation
  7. Final harvest

Growing

Satureja Site, soil and care

Spacing

20 - 30 cm

Storage

Dried: Cool, dry, dark, Frozen: Freezer bag, Seeds: Cool, dry, dark

Satureja is robust and easy to care for. Ensure good drainage to prevent root rot. Regular harvesting promotes bushy growth and prevents premature flowering. Harvest before flowering for the most intense aroma.

Pruning

Satureja Pruning

renewal_pruning_light

Goal

renewal_pruning_light

Pruning timing

spring

MarApr

Removal of dead plant parts and thinning As soon as new shoots become visible, old, dead stems can be cut close to the ground.

summer

JunJulAugSep

Harvesting and promoting bushy growth Regular harvesting of shoot tips encourages branching and prevents premature flowering, which improves aroma.

autumn

Oct

Final harvest before winter Before the first hard frost, shoots can be harvested again for preservation.

Remove

  • Dead plant parts in spring
  • Excessively woody or old shoots that yield little
  • Diseased or damaged shoots at any time

Preserve

  • Young, green shoots for harvest
  • Base of the plant for regrowth next year

Avoid

  • Radical cutting back into old wood, as this can hinder regeneration
  • Pruning during severe frost periods

Tools and hygiene

Use sharp and clean tools to ensure clean cuts and prevent disease transmission.

Companion guide

Satureja Companion guide

Companion guide

Good neighbors

BeanCabbageRadishcommon sageThymus

Health

Pests, Diseases

Pests

Small, sucking insects that colonize young shoots and leaves, feeding on plant sap. They can cause growth disturbances and sticky honeydew excretions.

Tiny arachnids that appear in dry, warm weather. They suck plant sap, leading to fine webbing, yellowish speckles, and eventually leaf desiccation.

Small, flying insects that colonize the underside of leaves and suck plant sap. They leave behind honeydew, which can lead to sooty mold.

Diseases

Caused by fungi (e.g., Pythium, Phytophthora) in waterlogged and poorly drained conditions. Leads to wilting, stunted growth, and eventual plant death.

Fungal disease appearing as a white, powdery coating on leaves and stems. Reduces photosynthesis and can lead to plant part death in severe cases.

Plant health

FAQ

When is the best time to sow Satureja?

Satureja is best sown directly into the open ground as soon as the risk of frost has passed and the soil has warmed up, typically from April to June.

How much sun does Satureja need?

Satureja prefers a sunny location but also thrives in partial shade. Full sun promotes its aroma.

Can Satureja be grown in pots?

Yes, Satureja is very well-suited for growing in pots on balconies or terraces. Ensure adequate drainage and regular, but not excessive, watering.

When and how to harvest Satureja?

Harvest leaves and stems as needed, preferably before flowering for the most intense aroma. Cut the shoot tips to encourage bushy growth. Multiple harvests are possible.

What are the medicinal properties of Satureja?

Satureja is traditionally used to alleviate digestive complaints such as bloating and fullness. It has mild antibacterial and antispasmodic properties.

Related plants

Thymus

Same familySimilar nutrient needsSimilar water needs

Herbs

Same crop group

Sources

Public sources

  1. Wikidata entity

    Wikidata · 2026-05-12

  2. GBIF species match

    GBIF · 2026-05-12

  3. Deutschsprachige Wikipedia: Bohnenkräuter

    Wikipedia · 2026-05-12

  4. English Wikipedia: Satureja

    Wikipedia · 2026-05-12

Details

More public plant data

Names
Common

Satureja

Plural

Satureja

BotanicalSatureja
Synonyms
  1. Savoury
  2. savory
Common synonyms
  1. Savoury
  2. savory
Regional names
Historical names
Market names
Misspellings
Search terms
  1. Satureja
Taxonomy
KingdomPlantae
Clades
  1. Tracheophytes
  2. Angiosperms
  3. Eudicots
  4. Asterids
OrderLamiales
Family botanicalLamiaceae
Family

Lamiaceae

Family idlamiaceae
TribeMenthinae
GenusSatureja
Hybrid statusnot_hybrid
Classification
Main groupHerb
Sub groupCulinary Herb
Crop groupHerb
Life cyclePerennial
Perennialyes
Woodyno
Treeno
Shrubno
Edible parts
  1. Leaves
  2. Stems
Nutrient groupAromatic
Calendar
Sowing indoor
Notes

Satureja is usually sown directly into the open ground.

Sowing outdoor
Months
  1. 4
  2. 5
  3. 6
Earliest month4
Latest month6
Notes

Direct sowing into the open ground as soon as the risk of frost has passed and the soil has warmed up.

Planting out
Notes

As Satureja is usually sown directly, transplanting seedlings is generally not necessary.

Harvest
Months
  1. 6
  2. 7
  3. 8
  4. 9
  5. 10
Earliest month6
Latest month10
Notes

Harvest leaves and stems as needed, preferably before flowering for the most intense aroma. Multiple cuts are possible.

Month tasks
4
  1. Sow outdoors

5
  1. Sow outdoors

6
  1. First harvest

7
  1. Regular harvesting

8
  1. Continuous harvesting

9
  1. Harvest for preservation

10
  1. Final harvest

Month tasks structured
4
  1. TaskSow outdoors
    Label

    Sow outdoors

    Priorityhigh
    Months
    1. 4
    ConditionSoil temperature at least 10°C, no frost risk.
    Estimated effortlow
    Notes

    Sow seeds in well-draining soil. Keep the soil moist.

5
  1. TaskSow outdoors
    Label

    Sow outdoors

    Prioritymedium
    Months
    1. 5
    ConditionSoil temperature at least 10°C, no frost risk.
    Estimated effortlow
    Notes

    Resow if needed for a longer harvest period.

6
  1. TaskHarvest
    Label

    First harvest

    Priorityhigh
    Months
    1. 6
    ConditionPlants are established and have sufficient foliage.
    Estimated effortlow
    Notes

    Harvest the top shoot tips to encourage branching.

7
  1. TaskHarvest
    Label

    Regular harvesting

    Priorityhigh
    Months
    1. 7
    ConditionPlants are actively growing.
    Estimated effortlow
    Notes

    Regular harvesting promotes bushy growth and prevents premature flowering.

8
  1. TaskHarvest
    Label

    Continuous harvesting

    Priorityhigh
    Months
    1. 8
    ConditionPlants are actively growing.
    Estimated effortlow
    Notes

    Harvest as needed for fresh use.

9
  1. TaskHarvest for preservation
    Label

    Harvest for preservation

    Prioritymedium
    Months
    1. 9
    ConditionBefore flowering or before heavy frost.
    Estimated effortmedium
    Notes

    Harvest generously for drying or freezing before the plant becomes woody.

10
  1. TaskFinal harvest
    Label

    Final harvest

    Priorityhigh
    Months
    1. 10
    ConditionBefore the first hard frost.
    Estimated effortlow
    Notes

    Harvest all remaining shoots before the first hard frost.

Book content
Overview

Satureja is a popular culinary herb with a spicy, slightly peppery flavor. It is known for its digestive properties and is traditionally served with hearty dishes and legumes. The plant is easy to care for and grows well in both beds and pots.

Structured month tasks
4
  1. TaskSow outdoors
    Label

    Sow outdoors

    Priorityhigh
    Months
    1. 4
    ConditionSoil temperature at least 10°C, no frost risk.
    Estimated effortlow
    Notes

    Sow seeds in well-draining soil. Keep the soil moist.

5
  1. TaskSow outdoors
    Label

    Sow outdoors

    Prioritymedium
    Months
    1. 5
    ConditionSoil temperature at least 10°C, no frost risk.
    Estimated effortlow
    Notes

    Resow if needed for a longer harvest period.

6
  1. TaskHarvest
    Label

    First harvest

    Priorityhigh
    Months
    1. 6
    ConditionPlants are established and have sufficient foliage.
    Estimated effortlow
    Notes

    Harvest the top shoot tips to encourage branching.

7
  1. TaskHarvest
    Label

    Regular harvesting

    Priorityhigh
    Months
    1. 7
    ConditionPlants are actively growing.
    Estimated effortlow
    Notes

    Regular harvesting promotes bushy growth and prevents premature flowering.

8
  1. TaskHarvest
    Label

    Continuous harvesting

    Priorityhigh
    Months
    1. 8
    ConditionPlants are actively growing.
    Estimated effortlow
    Notes

    Harvest as needed for fresh use.

9
  1. TaskHarvest for preservation
    Label

    Harvest for preservation

    Prioritymedium
    Months
    1. 9
    ConditionBefore flowering or before heavy frost.
    Estimated effortmedium
    Notes

    Harvest generously for drying or freezing before the plant becomes woody.

10
  1. TaskFinal harvest
    Label

    Final harvest

    Priorityhigh
    Months
    1. 10
    ConditionBefore the first hard frost.
    Estimated effortlow
    Notes

    Harvest all remaining shoots before the first hard frost.

Cultivation specs
Seed
Seed depth cm min.0.5
Seed depth cm max.1
Light germinatorno
Dark germinatorno
Cold germinatorno
Stratification neededno
Pre soaking recommendedno
Germination temperature c min.15
Germination temperature c max.25
Germination days min.7
Germination days max.21
Seed lifespan years min.2
Seed lifespan years max.3
Direct sowing possibleyes
Pre culture recommendedno
Spacing
Plant spacing cm min.20
Plant spacing cm max.30
Row spacing cm min.25
Row spacing cm max.40
Recommended density per sqm min.10
Recommended density per sqm max.15
Square foot gardening spacing3 plants per square
Spacing notes

Denser sowing results in smaller plants but can yield more per area.

Growth dimensions
Height cm min.20
Height cm max.50
Width cm min.20
Width cm max.40
Growth speedmedium
Final size notes

Bushy growth, can vary depending on the variety.

Temperature
Min. growing temperature10 °C
Optimal temperature c min.18
Optimal temperature c max.25
Max. heat tolerance30 °C
Soil temperature for sowing c min.10
Soil temperature for sowing c optimal20
Frost sensitiveyes
Late frost sensitiveyes
Heat tolerancemedium
Cold tolerancelow
Temperature notes

Prefers warm locations but cannot tolerate severe frost.

Water
Water needmedium
Critical water phases
  1. Germination
  2. Growth phase
Drought tolerantno
Drought sensitivitymedium
Waterlogging sensitiveyes
Mulching recommendedyes
Water notes

Consistent soil moisture is important; avoid waterlogging.

Nutrition
Nutrient grouplight_feeder
Heavy feederno
Medium feederno
Light feederyes
Nitrogen needlow
Phosphorus needlow
Potassium needlow
Calcium needlow
Magnesium needlow
Compost recommendedyes
Mulching recommendedyes
Fertilizer sensitivitylow
Nutrition notes

Requires only moderate nutrients. Over-fertilization can impair the aroma.

Container
Container suitableyes
Min. pot volume5 l
Recommended pot volume10 l
Min. pot depth15 cm
Min. pot diameter20 cm
Plants per container min.1
Plants per container max.3
Drainage requiredyes
Repotting neededno
Container notes

Choose a sufficiently deep pot with good drainage.

Support
Needs supportno
Support recommendedno
Climbingno
Viningno
Trellis recommendedno
Training requiredno
Support notes

Usually self-supporting, but can be lightly supported if growth is very lush.

Cultivation modes
Outdoor bed suitableyes
Raised bed suitableyes
Container suitableyes
Balcony suitableyes
Greenhouse suitableyes
Polytunnel suitableyes
Indoor suitableno
Windowsill suitableno
Hydroponic possibleno
Permaculture suitableyes
No dig suitableyes
Yield density
Yield per plant min.50
Yield per plant max.150
Yield unitg
Yield per sqm min.500
Yield per sqm max.1500
Yield reliabilitymedium
Yield notes

Yields can vary depending on variety, location, and care.

Site
Location

Sunny to partial shade

Exposure

Sheltered from wind

Soil type

Well-draining, humus-rich, sandy-loam

PH range
Min.6
Max.7.5
UnitpH
Soil notes

Prefers slightly alkaline to neutral soils. Absolutely avoid waterlogging.

Soil
Soil texture

Sandy loam to loam

Soil fertility

Medium to high

Soil drainage

Good

Soil pH
Min.6
Max.7.5
UnitpH
Soil amendments
  1. Compost
  2. Sand (for heavy soils)
Soil notes

Good drainage is crucial. Improve light soils with compost.

Watering
Frequency

Regularly, keep soil lightly moist

Method

Directly at the root zone, avoid waterlogging

Water needmedium
Notes

Water sufficiently, especially during dry periods and the germination and growth phases.

Nutrition
Fertilizer type

Organic, e.g., compost, horn shavings

Frequency

Moderate, especially at the beginning of the vegetation period

Notes

Avoid over-fertilization, as this can impair the aroma. A light application of compost in spring is usually sufficient.

Cultivation planning
Succession sowing
Possibleyes
Interval days min.21
Interval days max.30
Bed planning notes

Well-suited for herb beds, rock gardens, or as border planting.

Rotation prioritylow
Interplanting potentialhigh
Mechanization relevancelow
Notes

Satureja is a good companion for many vegetables, especially beans, cabbage, and radishes. It is said to repel pests.

Crop rotation
  1. Satureja is a good predecessor for many vegetable types, especially legumes like beans and peas, as it can enrich the soil with nitrogen.
  2. Avoid planting Satureja after other Lamiaceae family members or after itself in crop rotation to prevent diseases and pests.
Problems
Poor growth

Poor growth

Lack of aroma

Lack of aroma

Problem management
Common pest groups
  1. Sucking insects
  2. Mites
Common disease groups
  1. Fungal diseases (soil-borne)
  2. Fungal diseases (foliar)]
Prevention principles
  1. Site selection: Sunny, well-draining soil.
  2. Soil care: Avoid waterlogging, improve drainage.
  3. Plant health: Adequate nutrition (but avoid over-fertilization), appropriate watering.
  4. Crop rotation: Observe a 3-4 year break.
  5. Companion planting: Promote good neighbors, avoid bad ones.
  6. Hygiene: Remove infested plant parts.
Diagnosis notes

Observe specific symptoms such as discoloration, wilting, coatings, or webbing to identify the cause. The combination of site conditions, care, and the appearance of pests/diseases aids in diagnosis.

Disease graph
ScopeGeneral
Profiles
  1. Slugroot_rot
    Severitymedium
    Conditions
    1. Waterlogging
    2. Poor drainage
    3. High humidity
    Affected parts
    1. Roots
    2. Base of stem
    Prevention
    1. Ensure good drainage
    2. Avoid waterlogging
    3. Observe crop rotation
    Organic control
    1. Remove infected plants
    2. Soil improvement
    3. Biological fungicides
  2. Slugpowdery_mildew
    Severitylow
    Conditions
    1. Warm, dry days
    2. High humidity at night
    3. Poor air circulation
    Affected parts
    1. Leaves
    2. Stems
    Prevention
    1. Adequate spacing
    2. Good air circulation
    3. Avoid drought stress
    Organic control
    1. Remove infected leaves
    2. Milk-water mixture
    3. Sulfur preparations
Diagnostic rules
  1. Symptom

    Wilting, yellowish leaves, stunted growth, often starting at the base of the plant.

    Possible causes
    1. root_rot
    First checks
    1. Check soil moisture (is it wet?)
    2. Examine roots for rot
  2. Symptom

    White, powdery coating on leaves and stems that spreads.

    Possible causes
    1. powdery_mildew
    First checks
    1. Check humidity and ventilation
    2. Isolate affected plant parts
  3. Symptom

    Small, green or black insects on young shoots, sticky residue (honeydew).

    Possible causes
    1. aphids
    First checks
    1. Inspect plants for pests (especially undersides of leaves and shoot tips)
    2. Look for honeydew
Prevention strategy
Cultural
  1. Choose a sunny location with well-drained soil.
  2. Avoid waterlogging through proper watering and soil improvement.
  3. Ensure sufficient plant spacing to promote air circulation.
  4. Maintain good crop rotation.
  5. Nutzen Sie vorteilhafte Nachbarn (Mischkultur).
Monitoring
  1. Regularly check for signs of pests and diseases, especially in wet weather or drought stress.
  2. Watch for changes in leaf color, growth disorders, or unusual coatings.
Organic first response
  1. For pest infestation: rinse with water, use beneficial insects, or apply biological sprays (e.g. potassium soap).
  2. For fungal infection: remove infected parts and treat with a milk-water mixture or sulfur products.
  3. For poor growth: check site, soil moisture, and nutrient supply.
Notes

Healthy, robust growth is the best prevention against many problems. Pay attention to the specific needs of Satureja.

Diagnosis

Diagnosing problems with Satureja relies on observing symptoms such as wilting, discoloration, leaf loss, abnormal growth, or the presence of pests. Checking site conditions (sun, soil, water) and care practices (fertilization, watering) is crucial. Differentiating between nutrient deficiency, diseases, pests, or environmental stress requires careful examination.

Phenology
Stages
  1. Germination: 7-21 days
  2. Growth: Spring to Autumn
  3. Flowering: Summer (June-August)
  4. Woody growth: Autumn
Notes

Satureja is a fast-growing plant. Flowering time can vary depending on the variety and location. Woody growth in autumn indicates preparation for overwintering.

Harvest
  1. Leaves and stems: June to October
  2. Seeds: Late summer to Autumn
Harvest details
Harvest frequency

Continuously during the growing season, main harvest before flowering and in autumn.

Harvest indicators
  1. Sufficient leaf mass for harvest.
  2. Intense aroma before flowering.
  3. Mature seed heads in autumn.
Post harvest handling

Use fresh leaves and stems immediately or dry/freeze. Allow seeds to dry completely.

Storage
  1. Dried: Cool, dry, dark
  2. Frozen: Freezer bag
  3. Seeds: Cool, dry, dark
Storage details
General storage category

Herbs, Seeds

Storage life

Dried herbs: 1-2 years. Seeds: 2-3 years.

Processing options
  1. Trocknen
  2. Einfrieren
  3. Preserving in oil or vinegar
  4. Samen gewinnen
Processing use
  1. Drying: Dry whole sprigs or leaves in a airy, shaded place. Store in an airtight container.
  2. Freezing: Freeze chopped leaves in ice cube trays with water or oil.
  3. Oil/Vinegar infusion: Steep sprigs in oil or vinegar to create flavored liquids.
  4. Seeds: After drying, separate from stems and use as a spice.
Kitchen usage

Satureja is a classic culinary herb, pairing particularly well with legumes (beans, peas), but also used in stews, soups, meat dishes, and salads. It has a sharp, peppery flavor. Both fresh and dried leaves are usable, with dried Satureja having a more intense taste.

Safety and edibility
Edible parts
  1. Leaves
  2. Young shoots
Inedible or caution parts
  1. Roots
  2. Woody stems (raw)
Toxicity notes

Satureja is considered non-toxic and safe for consumption in normal culinary amounts. In very high consumption, essential oils could theoretically have an irritant effect.

Raw consumption

Young leaves and shoots can be consumed raw in small quantities, e.g., in salads. The flavor is very intense when raw.

Seed saving

Seeds can be harvested from mature plants in autumn. The plants are mostly self-pollinating, which facilitates seed purity.

Seed saving advanced
Isolation distance5 m
Seed cleaning

After drying, rub the seed heads between hands and separate seeds from chaff and plant debris by sieving.

Seed storage conditions

Store in airtight containers in a cool, dry, and dark place.

Notes

To ensure varietal purity, especially with different Satureja species or varieties in the garden, an isolation distance of at least 5 meters from other flowering Satureja plants is advisable. This is less critical for pure species.

Woody crop details
Rootstock relevancenot_applicable
Renewal pruning relevancenot_applicable
Notes

Satureja is not a typical woody fruit or ornamental shrub, but rather a perennial herb that dies back to the ground in winter and regrows in spring. Woody growth is limited to the base of older stems.

Ecology
Pollinator valuelow
Wildlife valuelow
Biodiversity notes

While Satureja is not primarily a food source for wildlife, its flowers can attract insects, contributing to local biodiversity. However, it is not a primary target for pollinators or wildlife.

Practical notes

Satureja is robust and easy to care for. Ensure good drainage to prevent root rot. Regular harvesting promotes bushy growth and prevents premature flowering. Harvest before flowering for the most intense aroma.

Seasonal content
Spring

In spring, Satureja is sown outdoors. Ensure a sunny location and well-draining soil. Lightly pruning old shoots encourages new growth.

Summer

During summer, Satureja can be harvested continuously. The leaves and shoot tips have their most intense aroma then. Regular harvesting promotes bushy growth.

Autumn

In autumn, the main harvest takes place for preservation (drying, freezing). The plant prepares for overwintering.

Winter

Satureja is winter-hardy. Protect the base from severe frost if necessary. It regrows in spring.