Herb Growing Guides
44 herbs with complete growing information
Aromatic and medicinal herbs for cooking, teas, and natural remedies. Many thrive in containers.
Basil
Essential culinary herb with fragrant leaves. A warmth-loving plant that does best between 20°C and 30°C, basil adapts well to tropical and subtropical conditions but cannot tolerate frost. It needs full sun (6-8 hours of direct light daily) and regular watering to keep soil consistently moist — leaves are ready for picking in about 50-75 days. Valued in cuisines worldwide, it is easy to grow and rewards regular harvesting with bushier, more productive plants.
Mint
Vigorous herb that spreads aggressively. Remarkably adaptable, mint tolerates temperatures from -5°C to 30°C and thrives in both cool-temperate and tropical gardens. It needs partial shade, though it appreciates some direct light and regular watering to keep soil consistently moist — leaves are ready for picking in about 60-90 days. Fresh leaves from your own garden taste noticeably better than store-bought — and the plant practically grows itself.
Rosemary
Mediterranean woody herb. Hardy enough to withstand light frosts down to -5°C, rosemary performs best when daytime temperatures stay between 15°C and 25°C. It needs full sun (6-8 hours of direct light daily) and minimal watering — it prefers dry conditions between drinks — leaves are ready for picking in about 80-120 days. A kitchen essential that grows equally well on a sunny windowsill, a balcony pot, or a dedicated herb bed.
Cilantro
Cool-season herb essential in Mexican, Indian, and Thai cooking. Hardy enough to withstand light frosts down to 2°C, cilantro performs best when daytime temperatures stay between 10°C and 20°C. It needs full sun to partial shade and regular watering to keep soil consistently moist — leaves are ready for picking in about 45-70 days. Valued in cuisines worldwide, it is easy to grow and rewards regular harvesting with bushier, more productive plants.
Lavender
Drought-tolerant Mediterranean herb. Hardy enough to withstand light frosts down to -10°C, lavender performs best when daytime temperatures stay between 15°C and 28°C. It needs full sun (6-8 hours of direct light daily) and minimal watering — it prefers dry conditions between drinks — leaves are ready for picking in about 90-200 days. Fresh leaves from your own garden taste noticeably better than store-bought — and the plant practically grows itself.
Thyme
Hardy Mediterranean herb. Hardy enough to withstand light frosts down to -10°C, thyme performs best when daytime temperatures stay between 12°C and 25°C. It needs full sun (6-8 hours of direct light daily) and minimal watering — it prefers dry conditions between drinks — leaves are ready for picking in about 70-90 days. An aromatic addition to any garden, it dries and freezes well for year-round use in the kitchen.
Parsley
Biennial herb -- grows leaves year one, flowers year two. Hardy enough to withstand light frosts down to -5°C, parsley performs best when daytime temperatures stay between 10°C and 22°C. It needs full sun to partial shade and regular watering to keep soil consistently moist — leaves are ready for picking in about 70-90 days. Fresh leaves from your own garden taste noticeably better than store-bought — and the plant practically grows itself.
Dill
Feathery herb essential for pickles, fish, and Scandinavian cooking. Hardy enough to withstand light frosts down to 2°C, dill performs best when daytime temperatures stay between 12°C and 22°C. It needs full sun (6-8 hours of direct light daily) and moderate, even watering throughout the growing season — leaves are ready for picking in about 40-60 days. An aromatic addition to any garden, it dries and freezes well for year-round use in the kitchen.
Fennel
Anise-flavored bulb and fronds. Best suited for moderate climates, fennel grows optimally between 15°C and 24°C and can handle temperatures from 4°C to 28°C. It needs full sun (6-8 hours of direct light daily) and regular watering to keep soil consistently moist — leaves are ready for picking in about 60-90 days. Fresh leaves from your own garden taste noticeably better than store-bought — and the plant practically grows itself.
Ginger
Tropical rhizome with spicy, aromatic flavor. A warmth-loving plant that does best between 22°C and 30°C, ginger adapts well to tropical and subtropical conditions but cannot tolerate frost. It needs partial shade, though it appreciates some direct light and frequent watering — it is a thirsty plant that dislikes dry soil — leaves are ready for picking in about 240-300 days. A kitchen essential that grows equally well on a sunny windowsill, a balcony pot, or a dedicated herb bed.
Lemongrass
Tropical grass with intense citrus flavor. A warmth-loving plant that does best between 22°C and 32°C, lemongrass adapts well to tropical and subtropical conditions but cannot tolerate frost. It needs full sun (6-8 hours of direct light daily) and regular watering to keep soil consistently moist — leaves are ready for picking in about 75-100 days. A kitchen essential that grows equally well on a sunny windowsill, a balcony pot, or a dedicated herb bed.
Oregano
Mediterranean perennial herb. Hardy enough to withstand light frosts down to -10°C, oregano performs best when daytime temperatures stay between 15°C and 25°C. It needs full sun (6-8 hours of direct light daily) and minimal watering — it prefers dry conditions between drinks — leaves are ready for picking in about 60-90 days. Fresh leaves from your own garden taste noticeably better than store-bought — and the plant practically grows itself.
Sage
Woody perennial herb. Hardy enough to withstand light frosts down to -10°C, sage performs best when daytime temperatures stay between 12°C and 22°C. It needs full sun (6-8 hours of direct light daily) and minimal watering — it prefers dry conditions between drinks — leaves are ready for picking in about 75-90 days. Perfect for container gardens and small spaces — just place it where it gets adequate light and harvest as needed.
Turmeric
Golden spice rhizome related to ginger. A warmth-loving plant that does best between 22°C and 30°C, turmeric adapts well to tropical and subtropical conditions but cannot tolerate frost. It needs partial shade, though it appreciates some direct light and regular watering to keep soil consistently moist — leaves are ready for picking in about 240-300 days. A kitchen essential that grows equally well on a sunny windowsill, a balcony pot, or a dedicated herb bed.
Cardamom
Expensive tropical spice. A warmth-loving plant that does best between 22°C and 30°C, cardamom adapts well to tropical and subtropical conditions but cannot tolerate frost. It needs partial shade, though it appreciates some direct light and frequent watering — it is a thirsty plant that dislikes dry soil — leaves are ready for picking in about 730-1095 days. Valued in cuisines worldwide, it is easy to grow and rewards regular harvesting with bushier, more productive plants.
Cinnamon
Tropical tree -- the bark is harvested as the spice. A warmth-loving plant that does best between 24°C and 32°C, cinnamon adapts well to tropical and subtropical conditions but cannot tolerate frost. It needs full sun (6-8 hours of direct light daily) and regular watering to keep soil consistently moist — leaves are ready for picking in about 730-1095 days. Perfect for container gardens and small spaces — just place it where it gets adequate light and harvest as needed.
Vanilla
Tropical orchid vine. A warmth-loving plant that does best between 24°C and 30°C, vanilla adapts well to tropical and subtropical conditions but cannot tolerate frost. It needs partial shade, though it appreciates some direct light and regular watering to keep soil consistently moist — leaves are ready for picking in about 1095-1825 days. An aromatic addition to any garden, it dries and freezes well for year-round use in the kitchen.
Aloe Vera
Medicinal succulent. A warmth-loving plant that does best between 18°C and 30°C, aloe vera adapts well to tropical and subtropical conditions but cannot tolerate frost. It needs full sun (6-8 hours of direct light daily) and minimal watering — it prefers dry conditions between drinks — leaves are ready for picking in about 365-730 days. Fresh leaves from your own garden taste noticeably better than store-bought — and the plant practically grows itself.
Bamboo
Fastest-growing plant on earth. Remarkably adaptable, bamboo tolerates temperatures from -15°C to 38°C and thrives in both cool-temperate and tropical gardens. It needs full sun to partial shade and regular watering to keep soil consistently moist — leaves are ready for picking in about 365-1095 days. A kitchen essential that grows equally well on a sunny windowsill, a balcony pot, or a dedicated herb bed.
Lemon Balm
Lemony mint-family herb for teas and cooking. Hardy enough to withstand light frosts down to -10°C, lemon balm performs best when daytime temperatures stay between 12°C and 22°C. It needs full sun to partial shade and regular watering to keep soil consistently moist — leaves are ready for picking in about 60-70 days. Valued in cuisines worldwide, it is easy to grow and rewards regular harvesting with bushier, more productive plants.
Stevia
Natural sweetener plant -- leaves are 30x sweeter than sugar. A warmth-loving plant that does best between 18°C and 28°C, stevia adapts well to tropical and subtropical conditions but cannot tolerate frost. It needs full sun (6-8 hours of direct light daily) and regular watering to keep soil consistently moist — leaves are ready for picking in about 60-90 days. Perfect for container gardens and small spaces — just place it where it gets adequate light and harvest as needed.
Tarragon
French tarragon has anise flavor essential to French cuisine. Hardy enough to withstand light frosts down to -10°C, tarragon performs best when daytime temperatures stay between 12°C and 22°C. It needs full sun (6-8 hours of direct light daily) and moderate, even watering throughout the growing season — leaves are ready for picking in about 60-90 days. An aromatic addition to any garden, it dries and freezes well for year-round use in the kitchen.
Chive
Hardy perennial allium. Hardy enough to withstand light frosts down to -15°C, chive performs best when daytime temperatures stay between 10°C and 22°C. It needs full sun to partial shade and regular watering to keep soil consistently moist — leaves are ready for picking in about 60-90 days. Fresh leaves from your own garden taste noticeably better than store-bought — and the plant practically grows itself.
Anise
Licorice-flavored herb used in baking, teas, and liqueurs. Best suited for moderate climates, anise grows optimally between 15°C and 25°C and can handle temperatures from 5°C to 30°C. It needs full sun (6-8 hours of direct light daily) and moderate, even watering throughout the growing season — leaves are ready for picking in about 90-120 days. Valued in cuisines worldwide, it is easy to grow and rewards regular harvesting with bushier, more productive plants.
Bay Laurel
Evergreen tree producing aromatic bay leaves essential in soups and stews. Remarkably adaptable, bay laurel tolerates temperatures from -5°C to 35°C and thrives in both cool-temperate and tropical gardens. It needs full sun to partial shade and moderate, even watering throughout the growing season — leaves are ready for picking in about 365-730 days. Perfect for container gardens and small spaces — just place it where it gets adequate light and harvest as needed.
Catnip
Mint-family herb that drives cats wild. Hardy enough to withstand light frosts down to -15°C, catnip performs best when daytime temperatures stay between 12°C and 24°C. It needs full sun to partial shade and moderate, even watering throughout the growing season — leaves are ready for picking in about 60-80 days. An aromatic addition to any garden, it dries and freezes well for year-round use in the kitchen.
Clover
Nitrogen-fixing cover crop and lawn alternative. Hardy enough to withstand light frosts down to -15°C, clover performs best when daytime temperatures stay between 10°C and 22°C. It needs full sun (6-8 hours of direct light daily) and moderate, even watering throughout the growing season — leaves are ready for picking in about 60-90 days. An aromatic addition to any garden, it dries and freezes well for year-round use in the kitchen.
Comfrey
Deep-rooted herb used as compost activator and mulch. Hardy enough to withstand light frosts down to -15°C, comfrey performs best when daytime temperatures stay between 12°C and 24°C. It needs full sun to partial shade and regular watering to keep soil consistently moist — leaves are ready for picking in about 60-90 days. A kitchen essential that grows equally well on a sunny windowsill, a balcony pot, or a dedicated herb bed.
Curry Leaf
Essential herb in South Indian cuisine. A warmth-loving plant that does best between 20°C and 32°C, curry leaf adapts well to tropical and subtropical conditions but cannot tolerate frost. It needs full sun (6-8 hours of direct light daily) and regular watering to keep soil consistently moist — leaves are ready for picking in about 365-730 days. Perfect for container gardens and small spaces — just place it where it gets adequate light and harvest as needed.
Fenugreek
Herb with maple-scented leaves and seeds. A warmth-loving plant that does best between 15°C and 28°C, fenugreek adapts well to tropical and subtropical conditions but cannot tolerate frost. It needs full sun (6-8 hours of direct light daily) and moderate, even watering throughout the growing season — leaves are ready for picking in about 60-90 days. An aromatic addition to any garden, it dries and freezes well for year-round use in the kitchen.
Hops
Vigorous climbing vine essential for brewing beer. Hardy enough to withstand light frosts down to -20°C, hops performs best when daytime temperatures stay between 15°C and 25°C. It needs full sun (6-8 hours of direct light daily) and regular watering to keep soil consistently moist — leaves are ready for picking in about 120-150 days. Fresh leaves from your own garden taste noticeably better than store-bought — and the plant practically grows itself.
Hyssop
Ancient medicinal herb with blue flower spikes. Hardy enough to withstand light frosts down to -15°C, hyssop performs best when daytime temperatures stay between 12°C and 24°C. It needs full sun (6-8 hours of direct light daily) and minimal watering — it prefers dry conditions between drinks — leaves are ready for picking in about 60-90 days. Valued in cuisines worldwide, it is easy to grow and rewards regular harvesting with bushier, more productive plants.
Marjoram
Sweeter, milder cousin of oregano. Best suited for moderate climates, marjoram grows optimally between 15°C and 25°C and can handle temperatures from 5°C to 30°C. It needs full sun (6-8 hours of direct light daily) and minimal watering — it prefers dry conditions between drinks — leaves are ready for picking in about 60-80 days. A kitchen essential that grows equally well on a sunny windowsill, a balcony pot, or a dedicated herb bed.
Pennyroyal
Creeping mint-family herb used as natural insect repellent. Hardy enough to withstand light frosts down to -10°C, pennyroyal performs best when daytime temperatures stay between 12°C and 22°C. It needs full sun to partial shade and regular watering to keep soil consistently moist — leaves are ready for picking in about 60-90 days. A kitchen essential that grows equally well on a sunny windowsill, a balcony pot, or a dedicated herb bed.
Savory
Peppery herb in two forms: summer savory (annual) and winter savory (perennial). Hardy enough to withstand light frosts down to -10°C, savory performs best when daytime temperatures stay between 12°C and 24°C. It needs full sun (6-8 hours of direct light daily) and minimal watering — it prefers dry conditions between drinks — leaves are ready for picking in about 60-80 days. A kitchen essential that grows equally well on a sunny windowsill, a balcony pot, or a dedicated herb bed.
Sorrel
Tangy, lemony perennial green. Hardy enough to withstand light frosts down to -15°C, sorrel performs best when daytime temperatures stay between 10°C and 22°C. It needs full sun to partial shade and regular watering to keep soil consistently moist — leaves are ready for picking in about 40-60 days. An aromatic addition to any garden, it dries and freezes well for year-round use in the kitchen.
Tea Plant
Camellia sinensis -- source of all true tea (green, black, oolong, white). Remarkably adaptable, tea plant tolerates temperatures from -5°C to 32°C and thrives in both cool-temperate and tropical gardens. It needs partial shade, though it appreciates some direct light and regular watering to keep soil consistently moist — leaves are ready for picking in about 1095-1825 days. Fresh leaves from your own garden taste noticeably better than store-bought — and the plant practically grows itself.
Borage
Blue star flowers taste like cucumber. Hardy enough to withstand light frosts down to -5°C, borage performs best when daytime temperatures stay between 10°C and 22°C. It needs full sun (6-8 hours of direct light daily) and moderate, even watering throughout the growing season — leaves are ready for picking in about 50-60 days. Valued in cuisines worldwide, it is easy to grow and rewards regular harvesting with bushier, more productive plants.
Lovage
Tall perennial herb with intense celery flavor. Hardy enough to withstand light frosts down to -15°C, lovage performs best when daytime temperatures stay between 12°C and 22°C. It needs full sun to partial shade and regular watering to keep soil consistently moist — leaves are ready for picking in about 60-90 days. Perfect for container gardens and small spaces — just place it where it gets adequate light and harvest as needed.
Sweet Woodruff
Shade-loving groundcover with vanilla-scented leaves. Hardy enough to withstand light frosts down to -20°C, sweet woodruff performs best when daytime temperatures stay between 10°C and 20°C. It needs partial shade, though it appreciates some direct light and regular watering to keep soil consistently moist — leaves are ready for picking in about 365-545 days. Valued in cuisines worldwide, it is easy to grow and rewards regular harvesting with bushier, more productive plants.
Wintergreen
Low-growing evergreen with minty leaves and red berries. Hardy enough to withstand light frosts down to -30°C, wintergreen performs best when daytime temperatures stay between 10°C and 20°C. It needs partial shade, though it appreciates some direct light and regular watering to keep soil consistently moist — leaves are ready for picking in about 365-730 days. Valued in cuisines worldwide, it is easy to grow and rewards regular harvesting with bushier, more productive plants.
Chervil
Delicate French herb with mild anise flavor. Hardy enough to withstand light frosts down to -5°C, chervil performs best when daytime temperatures stay between 10°C and 18°C. It needs partial shade, though it appreciates some direct light and regular watering to keep soil consistently moist — leaves are ready for picking in about 40-60 days. A kitchen essential that grows equally well on a sunny windowsill, a balcony pot, or a dedicated herb bed.
Epazote
Mexican herb essential for cooking black beans. A warmth-loving plant that does best between 18°C and 28°C, epazote adapts well to tropical and subtropical conditions but cannot tolerate frost. It needs full sun (6-8 hours of direct light daily) and minimal watering — it prefers dry conditions between drinks — leaves are ready for picking in about 45-60 days. Valued in cuisines worldwide, it is easy to grow and rewards regular harvesting with bushier, more productive plants.
Perilla
Shiso -- Japanese herb with unique flavor. A warmth-loving plant that does best between 18°C and 28°C, perilla adapts well to tropical and subtropical conditions but cannot tolerate frost. It needs full sun to partial shade and regular watering to keep soil consistently moist — leaves are ready for picking in about 50-70 days. Perfect for container gardens and small spaces — just place it where it gets adequate light and harvest as needed.