Tarragon
LIGHT
Full Sun
HEIGHT
12-36 inches
SOIL
Well-Drained
TYPE
Perennial
French tarragon is the best variety for cooking since its taste isn’t as overwhelming as Russian tarragon. It has a bittersweet, licorice-like flavor that makes it a delicious choice for many poultry-based dishes and sauces. Harvest fresh and light-colored tarragon in the late summer after it reaches at least eight inches in height for full flavor. You can freeze or dry leaves, but keep in mind that it will lose flavor over time if left unused.
Thyme
LIGHT
Full Sun
HEIGHT
3-15 inches
SOIL
Well-Drained
TYPE
Perennial
Thyme tastes great both fresh and dry in soups and marinades. It has a gentle flavor with hints of mint and lemon depending on the type of thyme you grow. Thyme grows quickly, so it will supply you with lots of tasty leaves for a few years. Pinch the leaves from the top and toss them in soups and marinades for a splash of fresh flavor.
Sage
LIGHT
Full Sun
HEIGHT
12-24 inches
SOIL
Well-Drained
TYPE
Perennial
This versatile herb is used in dishes, teas and even in purifying rituals! Sage’s fresh smell and earthy taste make it a top choice for big holiday dinners. Lightly harvest sage during its first year to give it time to fully grow and provide you with lots of herbs once its roots are established. Cut from the top of the plant to encourage new growth.
Rosemary
LIGHT
Full Sun
HEIGHT
36-48 inches
SOIL
Well-Drained
TYPE
Perennial
Rosemary is a woody herb perfect for adding a robust and slightly bitter flavor to savory dishes. Plant your rosemary in a pot as tall as your plant so it has room to grow tall and spread its roots. New growth sprouts from this plant wherever you cut, so cut from the top to encourage its growth. Cutting from the base is a better choice if you want to contain your plant’s size.
Parsley
LIGHT
Full Sun
HEIGHT
18-24 inches
SOIL
Well-Drained
TYPE
Biennial
Parsley is a rich source of many vitamins and minerals like iron and vitamin C. Most use parsley as a simple garnish, however, this small sprig of green is full of bright flavor — great for seasoning salads and sandwiches. Harvest parsley when the stems are at least four inches tall. It’s best to cut the outermost stems at the base of the plant to encourage growth in the center.
Oregano
LIGHT
Full Sun
HEIGHT
12-24 inches
SOIL
Well-Drained
TYPE
Perennial
Oregano is a staple in many Italian and Mexican dishes thanks to its bold and pungent flavor. Pair oregano with basil for a delectable sauce or stew. You can also sprinkle some dried oregano for more robust flavor in a pizza. Start harvesting these zesty herbs when the plant grows at least four inches tall. Freeze or dry the leaves to use them in later dishes.
Mint
LIGHT
Partial Shade
HEIGHT
12-36 inches
SOIL
Damp Soil
TYPE
Perennial
Mint’s cool flavor tastes great in soothing teas and sweet desserts. Unlike most herbs, mint prefers damp soil instead of dry soil. Keep your mint moist, but not drowning in water. Younger leaves hold more flavor than mature ones, so frequently pinch off leaves to get the most flavor.
Dill
LIGHT
Full Sun
HEIGHT
24-36 inches
SOIL
Well Drained
TYPE
Annual
Dill is an annual, self-seeding plant with feathery green leaves. It is used most commonly in soups and stews and for pickling. Dill weed is easy to grow and attracts beneficial insects such as wasps and other predatory insects to your garden.
Cilantro
LIGHT
Indirect Sun
HEIGHT
21-24 inches
SOIL
Well Drained
TYPE
Annual
Cilantro is an aromatic and flavorful herb used in many global cuisines. The more fragrant cilantro is, the more flavorful it will taste. Its seeds are called coriander and are also packed with strong flavor when roasted. You can start harvesting cilantro when its stems are at least six inches tall. Cut the entire stem when harvesting and use immediately for max flavor.
Chives
LIGHT
Full Sun
HEIGHT
12-24 inches
SOIL
Well Drained
TYPE
Perennial
These herbs have a zesty onion flavor that adds extra pizzazz to any dish without the bold flavor of an actual onion. Its mild flavor also makes it the perfect garnish for soups and stir fries. Harvest the leaves when the plant is at least six inches tall and leave at least two inches of the stem above the soil.
Bay
LIGHT
Full Sun
HEIGHT
48-72 inches
SOIL
Well Drained
TYPE
Annual
This herb can grow as tall as 60 feet in the wild! The key to promoting its height is to keep it a little cramped in a small pot. Regularly harvesting its leaves once it is established also helps keeps bay contained. Because of its height, this herb is better off in its own pot than mixed with other herbs. Bay leaves are great for stews and sauces, since the heat brings out their slightly peppery taste.
Basil
LIGHT
Full Sun
HEIGHT
12-24 inches
SOIL
Well Drained
TYPE
Annual
Basil loves warm temperatures and pairs well with tomato-based recipes. Its sweet, peppery flavor lends itself to creamy pesto sauces and refreshing cocktails, too. Basil grows quickly and may need periodic repotting to support its rapidly growing roots. Due to this, basil also needs to have about ten inches of space around its soil to let its roots flourish.