A hardy annual with lilac tubular flowers which bloom from July to September, it grows to 30-45cm (12-18in) in height. With slender bronze green leaves. Lends an aromatic peppery tang to soups and seafoods. Used to aid digestion, reduce fevers and also for bee stings.

Companion Plant: Grown near or next to Broad Beans it is reputed to help repel black fly. Gather some Savory when harvesting the pods and cook together - it does wonders for the flavour. The secret is to have your Summer Savory 15cm (6in) tall by early May to plant out amongst the beans.

Sow from late winter to spring 1.5mm (1/16in) deep in good seed compost. Germination usually takes 14-21 days 18-20C (65-70F).

Transplant when large enough to handle into 7.5cm (3in) pots. Later harden off and plant out 38cm (15in) apart into ordinary well drained soil in full sun.

Pick the leaves as required and for dried herbs August is the best month.

Finely chopped and mixed with melted butter, it is magnificent poured over freshly gathered and lightly cooked broad beans, or used with breadcrumbs to coat fish, added to soups and stews it's magnificent.