Spring is the perfect time to start growing herbs in your garden. As the weather warms up and the soil thaws, it’s easy to get carried away with planting all sorts of vegetables and flowers. But don’t forget about herbs! Herbs are very easy to grow, don’t take up much space, and provide so many benefits. Fresh herbs can transform your cooking and provide natural remedies right from your own garden.
Here are the top 10 herbs to get growing this spring
1. Basil
Basil is one of the most popular and familiar herbs to grow. This fast-growing annual comes in many different varieties but sweet basil is the most common. Basil thrives in warm weather and does best when planted in a sunny spot with rich well-drained soil. Start basil indoors from seed 6-8 weeks before the last frost, then transplant seedlings outside after all danger of frost has passed. Pinch off flower buds to encourage more leaf growth. Harvest leaves as needed throughout summer.
2. Chives
Chives are a perennial herb that grows in clumps of grass-like leaves. They develop pretty pom-pom flowers in late spring that are also edible. Chives are very cold hardy and easy to grow. Plant them in a spot that gets some sun but also afternoon shade. They will tolerate dry soil once established. Snip leaves as needed and chives will continue producing all season long.
3. Cilantro
Cilantro, also called coriander, is an annual herb that bolts quickly in warm weather. Sow seeds directly in the garden 2-3 weeks before the last spring frost. Cilantro likes moist soil and partial sun. Harvest leaves often by cutting near the base of stems. The plant will continue producing new leaves. Eventually cilantro will flower and produce coriandor seeds that can also be harvested.
4. Dill
Dill is another fast-growing annual herb. Direct sow dill seeds into the garden in spring once the soil has warmed up. Dill likes full sun and moist soil. Harvest leaves when plants are 6-8 inches tall. Leave some plants untouched so they will produce dill seed heads in summer. Use seeds and leaves to flavor pickles, salad dressings, meats, and more.
5. Lavender
Lavender is a perennial herb known for its beautiful purple flowers and aromatic fragrance. It thrives in hot, dry conditions. Plant lavender in full sun and well-draining soil. Start with nursery transplants or take cuttings from established plants. Harvest lavender flowers in summer when they first open. Use fresh or dried flowers in sachets and potpourri.
6. Lemon Balm
Lemon balm is a perennial herb in the mint family. It spreads vigorously, so plant it in a contained area. Lemon balm grows well in part shade and moist soil. Start plants from seed indoors or purchase nursery transplants. Harvest leaves as needed once plants are established. Use lemon balm to flavor drinks, desserts, fish and chicken dishes.
7. Marjoram
Marjoram is a perennial herb related to oregano. It has a sweet, woodsy flavor perfect for many dishes. Grow marjoram in full sun and well-drained soil. Start seeds indoors or set out nursery plants after the last frost. Pinch off flower buds to encourage leaf growth. Harvest leaves as needed, being careful not to damage stems.
8. Oregano
Oregano is another mint family perennial. It grows well in poor soil and full sun. Oregano can be started from seed but grows slowly. Buying nursery plants is recommended. Harvest oregano anytime once plants are 4-6 inches tall. Use leaves fresh or dried in pasta, pizza, vegetables, meat dishes, and more.
9. Parsley
Parsley is a fast-growing biennial herb, although it is treated as an annual. Its fresh flavor is a staple in many cuisines. Plant parsley in part sun and moist, rich soil. Soak seeds overnight before planting. Harvest outer leaves first, then inner leaves as plant matures. Use curly and Italian flat-leaf parsley varieties for cooking.
10. Thyme
Thyme is a small perennial herb that grows well in hot, dry conditions. Plant thyme in full sun and gravelly, alkaline soil. Start with transplants or take cuttings from established plants. Thyme spreads slowly, so give it time to establish. Harvest sprigs as needed for fresh or dried use. Thyme adds depth of flavor to meats, stews, and roasted vegetables.
Spring is the optimal time to get these tasty, versatile herbs established in your garden. With proper care, they will continue producing all season long and for years to come. What herbs will you be planting this spring?
Suggested Herbs for Spring Planting
The following herbs are perfect for spring planting throughout most of the state. Some of them may even be planted during the winter months in South Florida.
Seeds and planting stock of common spring herbs are generally available at local stores or seed retailers. Some spring herbs may be harder to find but can generally be obtained from herb specialty businesses.
Anise
Anise (Pimpinella anisum) is a small annual grown for its seeds. The plant looks nice in a flower garden or along a fence because it has lots of white flowers. Leaves may be used fresh. In South Florida, anise will also grow in the winter.
Harvest the seeds when they turn brown, separating the seeds from the fruiting structures (umbels). You may need to dry the umbels before the seeds can be separated, cleaned, and stored.
Basil
Sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum) is a pleasant-smelling annual with a spicy taste. Plant size ranges from small to large, and the leaf colors range from green to purple to variegated. Basil grows well in Florida and is attractive as a potted plant. Its leaves may be used fresh at any time or dried.
Borage
Borage (Borago officinalis) is also known as “burrage” and “common bugloss. ” It has a large, spreading habitat, whitish hairy bristles, and blue star-like flowers. The plant has an odor and flavor similar to cucumber. The flowers may be used fresh as a garnish for beverages and salads.
Cardamom
Cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum) contains a top that regrows each year from an underground rhizome. It reaches five to ten feet tall with two-foot-long pointed leaves. Small yellowish flowers form oblong ribbed capsules that contain seeds.
The seeds are used to give flavor and aroma to coffee, candies, cookies and other pastries. Dry the capsules in the sun for three days then thresh (separate) and store the seeds.
Chervil
Chervil (Anthriscus cerefolium) is an annual grown for its aromatic, decorative leaves. It tastes and smells like tarragon. Some forms of chervil have thick roots that can be eaten like carrots. Leaves should be picked as needed to garnish salads, soups and other foods.
Coriander
Coriander (Coriandrum sativum) is a small-leaved flowering annual grown mainly for its aromatic seeds. Its flowers make it attractive in the flower garden or landscape. The fresh foliage, also known as “cilantro,” is also used in cooking.
After three months, when the tiny fruits turn brown, take them off the plant and dry them on a screen. Once dried, thresh (separate) the seeds and store them in a dry, airtight container.
Cumin
Cumin (Cuminum cyminum) is a small annual in the parsley family grown for its aromatic seeds. Although it is seldom grown in Florida, it may be adapted because it requires a long warm season. In most of Florida, cumin can be planted in the spring. In South Florida, you can start planting it in the fall.
Seeding structures should be harvested upon turning brown. After drying, thresh (separate) and store the seeds.
Horehound
Horehound (Marrubium vulgare) grows from one to three feet tall and has hairy leaves. It is a weed in many parts of the United States and grows quite well in Florida gardens. Leaves and stems are harvested as needed.
This herb is used in making horehound candy, which is thought to help relieve throat tickling and coughing.
Lemon Balm
Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) is part of the mint family and grows easily in Florida. The plants have lemon-scented leaves and grow in clumps. You can use the fresh or dried leaves and stems to make drinks, salads, and other foods taste and smell better.
Lovage
Lovage (Levisticum officinale) smells, tastes and looks like celery leaves. The leaves and stems are used fresh as needed. Other useful parts are the seeds and oil extracted from the roots.
Marjoram
There are three kinds of marjoram commonly used as herbs: sweet marjoram (Origanum marjorana), pot marjoram (O. onites), and wild marjoram (O. vulgare). Only sweet and pot marjoram are usually grown in herb gardens. Both of these plants look a lot alike, but pot marjoram grows along the ground and sweet marjoram grows straight up. Marjoram makes an excellent border planting for a flower garden.
The leaves are used fresh or dried.
Mint
The mints (Mentha) grow easily in the Florida garden. Spearmint (Mentha spicata) and peppermint (M. piperita)—along with apple and orange mints—are the most popular. The leaves and flowering tops are used fresh and dried. In Florida, many of the mints grow profusely in shade or full sun.
Oregano
There are two main types of oregano: Mexican (Lippia graveolens) and European (Origanum vulgare, also ‘wild marjoram’). The taste of the European type is much milder, but their use is the same.
Rosemary
Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) is a hardy perennial evergreen shrub with a very spicy aroma. Small pink flowers form in the second or third year. The fresh or dried, mildly bitter-tasting leaves are used in cooking.
Sage
Sage (Salvia officinalis) is an attractive border plant with grayish-green, oblong leaves. Purple flowers bloom in the second year. The leaves can be used fresh or dried.
Summer Savory
This annual has upright, branching stems and gray-green, pointed leaves. It grows well in Florida but is slow to germinate. Savory’s small, pinkish white flowers make it suitable for a flower garden. The zesty, peppery tasting leaves may be picked and used as needed, either fresh or dried.
Thyme
Thyme (Thymus vulgaris), a shrubby plant, is found in a fairly wide variety of shapes and sizes. Usually, it is a small-growing plant with purplish flowers at the ends of the stems. You might need to be patient to grow thyme in Florida, where seeds take a long time to sprout and seedlings grow slowly at first.
Take off the top third of the thyme plant when it’s fully bloomed and spread it out on newspaper in a room with good air flow. Take the stem’s leaves and flowering tops off when the plant is dry and put them in containers with tight lids.
For an herb garden, you only need a small area because you only need a few of each type of herb. No matter what size, an organized garden can make the plants easier to care for.
Herbs that come back every year should be grouped together so they don’t get in the way of getting the rest of the garden ready. Annual herbs should also be grouped together so that you can easily replant each year. Plant herbs far enough apart in a vegetable garden so that you can take care of the vegetables without touching the herbs.
Most herbs will grow under the same sunlight and soil conditions—and with similar care—as vegetables. Check our vegetable gardening guide for more specific information about soil preparation, liming, fertilizing and watering.
Some herbs are sensitive to soil moisture conditions and need special care. Sage, rosemary, and thyme grow best in slightly damp, well-drained soil. Parsley, chervil, and mint, on the other hand, do best in slightly wet soil. Because herbs are shallow-rooting, adding organic matter to sandy soils is particularly beneficial.
Most annual and biennial herbs are grown from seed sown in the spot where the plants will grow. Plants that come back every year do best when they are started from seeds or cuttings in plant beds or boxes and then moved to the garden or growing containers.
A few herbs can also be propagated by cutting, simple layering or subdivision. Mint spreads by means of long roots called “runners,” which can be transplanted.
Keep in mind that some herbs tend to proliferate and become weeds if allowed to grow.
The seeds, leaves, flowering tops and roots of herbs are used for flavoring purposes. Their flavor is generally due to oil in these parts. If the herbs are picked at the right time and stored and cured properly, the flavor will last longer.
Leaves
Young, tender leaves can be gathered and used fresh at any time during the season. If you want to use the leaves later, pick them when the plants start to flower and dry them quickly in a dark room with good air flow. If the leaves are dusty or gritty, wash them in cold water and drain them thoroughly before drying.
Herbs with soft leaves, like basil and mint, need to be dried quickly and away from light to keep their green color and keep them from going bad. Sage, rosemary, thyme, and summer savory are some of the leaf herbs that don’t have as much water, so they can be partially dried in the sun without losing their color.
Seeds
Harvest seeds when they are mature or when their color changes from green to brown or gray. Before putting the seeds away, make sure they are completely dry so they don’t mold, lose quality, or stop growing. Cure the seeds in a room with lots of air flow for a few days, and then put them out in the sun for one or two days.
Storage
When the leaves or seeds are dry, remove stems and other foreign matter. The oils that give herbs their flavor should be kept in the leaves and seeds by putting them in the right containers. Glass, metal or cardboard containers that can be closed tightly will preserve the flavor and aroma. If you don’t want the green leaves to turn brown, paint the glass jars or put them somewhere dark.
For more information about herbs or gardening in general, contact your county Extension office.
Growing Herbs at Home
Most of the common herbs can be grown seasonally in Florida for home use. In South Florida, many herbs may be grown in the home garden throughout the year. These plants fall under one of three categories: annuals, biennials and perennials. Annuals complete their life cycle in one season. Biennials take two seasons to complete their life cycle. Perennials flower and produce seeds throughout their life cycle and live for longer than one season. For container gardening, herbs are perfect because the plants are small and you only need a little at a time. Setting up containers along the edges of driveways, sidewalks, patios, porches, and balconies can make landscapes look better. Hanging baskets are especially suitable. With special care and plenty of sunlight, a few herbs can be grown indoors. The culture of herbs in containers—including soil preparation and fertilizing—is similar to that for vegetables.
On the other hand, herbs are pretty enough to be used as ornamental plants, so they are easy to add to your home’s landscaping as either a border plant or a flower garden.
HERBS FOR LIFE: 10 Perennial Herbs to Plant ONCE that GROW FOREVER
FAQ
What herbs are in season in spring?
Which herb is called the queen of herbs?
What herb comes back every year?
When should I start my herb garden?
What herbs can you plant in spring?
Last on our list of herbs to plant in spring is sweet marjoram. A relative of oregano, this tender perennial is grown as an annual outside its native range of Zones 9 through 11. Sweet marjoram (Origanum majorana) grows about one foot tall and six inches wide.
Do spring herbs grow well?
Spring herbs are more likely to thrive now that the weather is more consistent than during the early Spring. You’ll be happy to know also these herbs for spring are strong against pests and diseases, in addition to being drought-resistant. You can either grow spring herbs from seeds or starter plants from nurseries.
What plants grow well in spring?
Thrives in cooler spring weather. A key player for zesty dishes. Sow directly into the garden soil early on. Parsley is a resilient herb that doesn’t mind a touch of frost, making it another excellent choice for your spring garden. This versatile green brightens up plates as a garnish and adds a fresh, clean taste to soups, stews, and sauces.
Are spring herbs good for You?
Spring herbs are more likely to thrive now that the weather is more consistent than during the early Spring. You’ll be happy to know also these herbs for Spring are strong against pests and diseases, in addition to being drought-resistant. You can either grow Spring herbs from seeds or starter plants from nurseries.
Are spring herbs good for garden season?
Follow Garden Season on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest. Spring herbs are more likely to thrive now that the weather is more consistent than during the early Spring. You’ll be happy to know also these herbs for spring are strong against pests and diseases, in addition to being drought-resistant.
Is parsley a good herb for a Spring Garden?
Parsley is a resilient herb that doesn’t mind a touch of frost, making it another excellent choice for your spring garden. This versatile green brightens up plates as a garnish and adds a fresh, clean taste to soups, stews, and sauces. It’s pretty adaptable and can thrive even in those garden spots that get just partial sunshine.