Some Tips for Sensible Herb Planting

Annuals

Ocimum basilicum – Sweet Basil

Sweet basil is an aromatic annual that sometimes works as a short-lived perennial.

• Aromatic annual or short-lived perennial
• Heat zones 11-1
• USDA zones 9-11

Perennials

Lavandula angustifolia ‘Munstead’ – Munstead Lavender

• Flowers profusely in the spring
• After pruning, this variety is an attractive gray bush with highly aromatic leaves
• Heat zones 8-5
• USDA zones 5-8

Lavandula angustifolia ‘Hidcote Blue’ – Lavender ‘Hidcote’

• Common English lavender
• Dark-purple flowers and gray-green, needle-like leaves
• Originated in Hidcote Manor, England; recognized for its great presence in arts-and-crafts gardens. The plant is often used as a hedge in England.
• Has aromatically therapeutic properties; it was used in a variety of ways as a pain reliever on the battlefields of World Wars I and II, and also for scenting linen closets during the 19th century.
• Attracts butterflies
• Grows 12 to 24 inches
• Full sun; well-drained soil
• USDA zones 5-9

Petroselinum crispun – Curly Parsley

• Grows best in rich, moist soil
• Sow seeds outdoors in early spring to midsummer
• Heat zones 9-1
• USDA zones 5-9

Salvia officinalis – Tricolor Sage

• Aromatic
• Subshrubby
• Evergreen perennial
• Heat zones 8-5
• USDA zones 5-8

Origanum vulgare – Hot & Spicy Oregano

• Bushy, woody-based perennial
• Aromatic
• Dark-green leaves
• Heat zones 10-2
• USDA zones 4-9

Rosmarinus officinalis – Arp Rosemary

• Hardy
• Needs light, well-drained soil
• Seeds should be sown indoors in very early spring
• Evergreen shrub
• Heat zones 12-8
• USDA zones 8-11

Laurus nobilis – Bay Laurel

• Frost-hardy
• Likes rich, well-drained soil
• Should be planted in a protected area
• Heat zones 10-8
• USDA zones 8-11

Note: For the Hudgenses’ landscape, which is in Zone 6, the bay laurel is planted in a container so it can be moved indoors for protection during the winter months.

Mentha x piperita – Peppermint Mint

• Vigorous perennial
• Reddish-purple stems
• Heat zones 7-1
• USDA zones 3-7

Mentha x Lgentilis – Emerald & Gold Mint

• Hardy
• Can be very invasive
• Flowers should be picked from the plant immediately after blooming for best flavor
• Heat zones 9-6