Common Herbs To Grow For Beginners

If you are new to growing herbs or don’t feel confident growing plants, these are common herbs to grow for beginners and those looking to try out some easy-care herbs to grow.

Basil
Rosemary
Chives
Oregano
Thyme
Parsley
Cilantro
Lavender
Sage
French Tarragon
Dill
Fennel

Herbs are some of the easiest plants to grow. Most types of herbs grow as easily in containers as they do in the ground.  Try planting these herbs to fill spaces in the perennial garden. Herbs have unique leaf shapes and textures that add interest to garden spaces.   

Grow herbs in containers for fragrant cozy seating areas on patios or decks.  For limited space, herbs are ideal plants for growing in vertical gardens.  

Use these tips to grow fresh ready-to-pick herbs right from your own garden.

Basil

Plant Type	tender annual
Plant Part Used	leaves
Height	18″ – 24″
Propagation Method	seed
Germination Time	7 – 10 days
Plant Spacing	12″
Exposure	sun
Soil Moisture	dry

Tips For Growing Basil

How do I grow basil from seed? 

Basil is generally treated as an annual and propagated from seeds. For an early start, plant seeds indoors in spring 6 to 8 weeks before the last frost and the seeds will germinate in 7 to 10 days. Transplant seedlings outdoors after all danger of frost has passed.   Seeds can also be sown outdoors after the danger of frost is past, but do not plant seeds directly in the garden until the soil warms.  Plant seeds 1/4″ to 1/2″ deep and space plants 10 to 12 in apart in the garden.

What is the best way to grow basil?

Grow basil in full sun in a light-textured well-drained soil with a moderate amount of organic matter. Water it when the soil starts to dry out and keep it evenly moist but not overly wet. Being a tropical plant, basil grows rapidly at temperatures in excess of 60 degrees Fahrenheit. To avoid leaf spotting apply water to the ground and do not wet the leaves.  When plants are 4 to 6 in tall, pinch out flower heads to promote bushy plant growth and to prolong the plant’s productive life.   

Is basil frost tolerant?

Basil is sensitive to cool temperatures and not a frost tolerant plant.  Leaves will blacken, wilt and will not recover. If an unexpected early frost is predicted, protect plants with cover. Likewise, protect plants with cover if a late frost threatens to damage the plants in spring. 

When should I pick basil leaves for the best flavor? 

Harvest basil leaves when the plant is hydrated, such as the early morning before the heat of the sun starts to affect the quality. Harvest mature leaves and flower spikes for fresh use anytime. Pinching off flowers will encourage leaf production and extend your period of harvest throughout the summer. Using a knife to cut basil can bruise and darken the leaves.  Use fingers and shred leaves to avoid damage.  

Can basil be grown indoors?

Basil can be grow indoors. It is best to start new plants from seeds under grow lights or in a sunny window where they get at least six hours of light a day. Be sure containers drain well as basil does not like to have soggy feet.

Rosemary

Plant Type	perennial grown as an annual
Plant Part Used	leaves
Height	1′ – 5′
Propagation Method	seed, division, cuttings, layering
Germination Time	18 – 21 days
Plant Spacing	12″ – 18″
Exposure	sun, part shade
Soil Moisture	average

Tips For Growing Rosemary

Is rosemary a perennial?

Rosemary is a member of the mint family and is a perennial shrub only in zones 8 through 10.  In colder areas, rosemary is grown as an annual. Rosemary needs a long growing season to bloom, so if the growing season is not long enough in colder areas, it may not bloom. In zones 8 through 10 it blooms with short spikes of pale blue flowers in late winter or early spring, and grows as tall as 5 ft .

How do I grow rosemary?

Rosemary grows in full sunshine and slightly moist soil with excellent drainage.  Rosemary is tolerant of a range of soil pH, however more alkaline soil results in more compact growth and intense fragrance.  Space plants 12 to 18 inches apart. When rosemary is grown as an annual fertilize it at planting time. When grown is a perennial, fertilize when growth starts in spring. Do not to over-water rosemary.

Can I start rosemary seeds outdoors?

Rosemary develops slowly from seed so in colder growing zones, rosemary seeds are often started indoors in the winter or propagated from cuttings.  Growing rosemary from seed outdoors is better suited for warmer areas. Plants can be set outside 2 to 4 weeks before the last spring frost. Outdoors, sow seeds 1/4″ – 1/2″ deep as early in spring as the soil can be worked.

When should I propagate rosemary plants?

Divide established plants in spring of their second or third year. Propagate rosemary by tip cuttings taken in early autumn or spring.  In summer, propagate by pegging an outside branch to the ground using a piece of u-shaped wire or rock.  Heap soil over the center to encourage root formation.

When can I harvest rosemary?

For fresh or dry use, cut stems back anytime before the plant flowers. Soft new growth has the best flavor. Help to maintain plant shape with regular pruning.  Don’t cut back more than 20% of the plant at a time. Dry leaves on a screen in a cool dry well-ventilated area or hang stems upside down to dry.  When completely dry, strip leaves from stems and store them in airtight containers.

Chives

Plant Type	perennial
Plant Part Used	leaves, dried flower
Height	8″ – 24″
Propagation Method	seed, division
Germination Time	10 – 14 days
Plant Spacing	6″ – 8″
Exposure	sun, light shade
Soil Moisture	moist

Tips For Growing Chives

Can chives be grown from seeds?

 Chives can be grown from seeds. Outdoors sow seeds 1/4″ deep early in the spring through midsummer. Indoors sow seeds from late winter until early summer. Plants can be moved outdoors anytime after soil can be worked in spring.  Chives can also be divided in early spring or early fall. 

Can I grow chives in my perennial garden?

 Chives are ideal for use in the perennial garden. Hardy to Zone 3, chives grow only 8″ -12″ tall and make excellent border plants.  With globe-shaped clusters of pink, purple or white flowers, they are surrounded by grassy foliage in late spring.  They are a wonderful choice to use in the perennial border and attract butterflies too.   

 Do chives need moist or dry soil?

Plant chives in moist soil rich in organic matter in full sun to light shade. Before planting, incorporate 4 to 6 inches of well-composted organic matter. Work compost into the soil to a depth of 6 to 8 inches.  Soil should be kept evenly moist and drain well to avoid water log.

 Can chives be grown indoors?

 Chives can be grown indoors and grow well on a sunny window sill. Be sure pots have sufficient drainage to avoid water log.   In winter when there is less light available, growth will slow.

Oregano

Plant Type	perennial grown as an annual
Plant Part Used	leaves
Height	18″ – 24″
Propagation Method	seed, division, cuttings
Germination Time	10 – 15 days
Plant Spacing	12″
Exposure	sun
Soil Moisture	average to dry

Tips For Growing Oregano

Can oregano be grown from seeds?

Oregano can be started from seed indoors in late winter 8 – 10 weeks before your last frost date. Germination takes 10 – 15 days. Move the plants to the garden after danger of frost has passed, setting them in full sun 12 in apart.

What is the best way to grow oregano?

Oregano likes a sunny place with light well-drained soil with no added organic matter. Oregano is often found in well-drained stony places in the wild. Fertilize very lightly if at all. Oregano is drought-tolerant and only needs watering during excessively dry periods. It thrives in full sun and the hotter and drier the climate, the more aroma and flavor it will have.  Cut back old growth in spring.

How should I harvest my oregano? 

Cut the stems when they start to bloom and hang them upside down to dry in a dark, dry, warm well-ventilated place for several days.  When dry and crisp, rub the leaves off the stem and store them in airtight containers.

Thyme

Plant Type	perennial
Plant Part Used	leaves
Height	6″ – 12″
Propagation Method	seed, division, cuttings, layering
Germination Time	21 – 30 days
Plant Spacing	10″
Exposure	sun
Soil Moisture	dry

Tips For Growing Thyme

Which thyme is commonly used for cooking?

The commonly used thyme for cooking is Thymus vulgaris L. (common thyme). T. vulgaris is a spreading perennial 6″ to 12″ tall with small aromatic gray green leaves and clusters of lavender blue flowers in spring and summer.  

What are the best growing conditions for thyme?

Thyme prefers full sun and light, sandy or gravely dry well drained soil. Thyme doesn’t need a lot of attention or watering, but prefers the weeds are kept to a minimum.  Young plants should be watered frequently until established.  Thyme prefers some protection from the wind. Prune back plants in spring or summer to encourage bushiness.

If I propagate thyme by layering in the summer, can I move them in the fall?

When propagating thyme by layering, it’s important to give the roots time to develop. Wait until the following spring to move layered plants.  Propagate by pegging an outside branch to the ground using a piece of u-shaped wire or rock.  Heap soil over the center and keep soil slightly moist to encourage root formation.

When can thyme be harvested?

Thyme can be harvested whenever the plant is large enough to pick the leaves up until the time the plant is in full bloom.  Thyme is low in moisture and easily air-dried out of direct sunlight.

Parsley

Plant Type	biennial grown as annual
Plant Part Used	leaves
Height	8″ – 12″
Propagation Method	seed
Germination Time	14 – 21 days
Plant Spacing	6″ – 8″
Exposure	sun
Soil Moisture	average

Tips For Growing Parsley

Is parsley a biennial or an annual? 

Parsley is technically a hearty biennial but it is usually grown as an annual. It forms a dense rosette of leaves in the first year and flowers in its second year, when the foliage becomes bitter. If you grow it as a biennial it will form flat clusters of yellow green flowers late in Spring of its second year.

Is parsley difficult to germinate from seed?

Parsley is slow to germinate. You can speed up germination by soaking seeds in warm water overnight before planting into trays or pots.  Cover seeds very lightly with soil.  Thin seedlings to about 6”- 8” apart.  Parsley self-seeds outdoors under suitable conditions.

How do I start parsley seeds? 

Parsley does not like to be transplanted, so when sowing seeds indoors use individual pots. You may also sow seeds outdoors 1/4″ deep 2 – 4 weeks before the last spring frost. Thin plants to stand 6″ – 8″ apart. In mild areas sow seeds outdoors in the fall for harvest the following spring.

What type of soil does parsley need?

Parsley likes a deeply prepared well drained soil. Add generous amounts of organic matter to the soil when planting. Promote generous leaf production by regularly feeding with a water soluble plant food.  

Does parsley need full sun? 

Parsley will grow in full sun or light shade.  Parsley does not like summer heat. If you garden where summers are hot grow it in fall winter and spring. Harvest parsley stems by cutting them at the base once they’re large enough to use. Never cut more than one-third of the plant at a single time.

Cilantro

Plant Type	hardy annual
Plant Part Used	leaves, seeds
Height	8″ – 12″
Propagation Method	seed
Germination Time	10 – 14 days
Plant Spacing	8″ – 10″
Exposure	sun
Soil Moisture	moist

Tips For Growing Cilantro

Are cilantro and coriander the same thing?

Cilantro is the name given for the leaves and stems of the coriander plant. The plant flowers and produces seeds. The seeds are called coriander.

Does cilantro need full sun?

Cilantro needs to be grown in full sun however in areas where the sun is very intense, such as the south, it can be grown in light shade. Too much sun will cause cilantro to bolt.  Provide good air circulation to minimize disease problems. 

How often does cilantro need water?

Cilantro needs regular water but it must be in well draining soil.   Do not let the soil dry out as it will affect the plant quality.  Likewise, too much water and soggy feet will affect the plant quality too. Protect the plant from water stress to avoid bolting. Keep flowers cut to encourage leaf production. 

Can cilantro be sown directly outdoors?

Cilantro is an ideal herb to be sown directly outdoors preferably in soil with generous amounts of organic matter.  Cilantro develops a tap root that is best undisturbed by transplanting. Cilantro grows quickly for harvest in about three weeks, so can be sown several times a season for on-going harvest.   Thin seedlings by cutting and use the tiny leaves for cooking.

Lavender

Plant Type	perennial
Plant Part Used	flowers
Height	18″ – 24″
Propagation Method	seed, cutting
Germination Time	20 – 40 days
Plant Spacing	8″ – 10″
Exposure	sun
Soil Moisture	dry

Tips For Growing Lavender

What is the care and use of lavender?

Lavender grows well in a dry sunny place, in well-drained soil that is not too acid. In spring after new growth is strong near the base, cut dead branches back. Dont cut back hard into old wood or the plant may die.  The blue-violet flowers that bloom on 18″ – 24″ spikes in early summer are used in perfumes, potpourri, and aromatic vinegars. Harvesting and drying lavender for sachets and craft projects such as wreaths, are common uses.

How can I make lavender plants produce more blooms?

Lavender produces more blooms and better fragrance in light, well-drained soil. Heavy soils or soils too rich in organic matter encourage more foliage growth rather than blooms.  Pruning the plant in spring encourages blooms. Do not overwater lavender.  Lavender thrives best in dry conditions and will produce fewer blooms if overwatered.  Deadhead the plant often to encourage blooms.

Can I propagate lavender from cuttings?

In either late fall or early spring, lavender can be propagated from cutting. Cut 2″ shoots, taking a little piece of the main stem so you have some of the older wood attached to the base. Remove the lower leaves up to about 1″. Insert the cutting into well-packed moist sand. Keep the sand evenly moist. When roots reach 1/2″, put cuttings into individual pots in soil mix, half soil half sand.

Sage

Plant Type	perennial
Plant Part Used	leaves
Height	18″ – 24″
Propagation Method	seed, division, cutting
Germination Time	14 – 21 days
Plant Spacing	12″ – 18″
Exposure	sun to light shade
Soil Moisture	average to moist

Tips For Growing Sage

What are the best propagation methods for sage?

Start sage plants from seeds sown either indoors in late winter or outdoors in early spring 1/2″ deep. Germination takes 14 to 21 days. Plants can be divided in spring when growth starts, or make stem cuttings and plant rooted stems. Sage stems will grow roots if they are pinned to the soil surface.  Pin an outer branch to the ground until the branch takes root.  You can use a rock to weigh it down or use u-shaped wire pins.   Transplant the new plant the following spring, spacing plants 12″ – 18″ apart.  

When can I pick sage leaves for drying?

Pick sage leaves before the plant blooms in the late spring and early summer, and again in late summer. Tie the stems into bundles and hang them upside down to dry or strip leaves from the stems and dry them on a screen in a warm well ventilated dry place. 

Which kind of sage should I grow for culinary use?

The sage used in poultry stuffing sausage Italian veal dishes cheese and tea is Salvia officinalis, or common sage. Tricolor is an attractive cultivar of Salvia officinalis, with variegated leaves of green white and purple. 

What are the growing needs of sage?

 Sage enjoys a well-drained alkaline sandy soil and prefers average to moist growing conditions.  Sudden wilting could indicate poor drainage and root rot.  Plant sage in full sun or light shade. Fertilize plants each spring as growth starts, but do not heavily fertilize sage.  Prune plants in spring to encourage bushiness and pinch back gently after flowering. Sage is Hardy through Zone 3 and should not need winter protection unless winters are harsh.  Wait until spring to cut back sage in the fall unless you live in a warm climate. If you cut off more than one-third of the plant in the fall, new growth may be susceptible to winter damage.

French Tarragon

Plant Type	perennial
Plant Part Used	leaves
Height	18″ – 24″
Propagation Method	seed, division, cutting
Germination Time	14 – 21 days
Plant Spacing	12″ – 18″
Exposure	sun to light shade
Soil Moisture	average to moist

Tips For Growing French Tarragon

What are the growing needs of tarragon?

Tarragon prefers well-drained garden soil rich in organic matter. Water when the soil starts to dry out. French tarragon is cold-hardy and drought resistant and can grow in high summer temperatures.  Do not over-fertilize to force growth, as the quality of the leaves is adversely affected by a too fertile diet.  Avoid overhead watering because French tarragon is easily infected with fungal diseases. 

Can tarragon be grown from seed?

 French tarragon does not set seed. Start with plants given to you or purchase new plants. To propagate, divide plants in early spring or take tip cuttings in spring and early autumn. Space new plants 12″ – 18″ apart.

 When should I pick tarragon leaves?

 Regularly thin plants of French tarragon by harvesting at any time.  Promptly remove any diseased branches.  To dry leaves, pick them in the early fall and lay them on a screen or in a paper bag in a warm dry well-ventilated area. Handle the leaves carefully during picking and drying as they bruise easily and bruising causes them to lose their essential oil and flavor.  

Dill

Plant Type	hardy annual
Plant Part Used	leaves, seeds
Height	24″ – 36″
Propagation Method	seed
Germination Time	21 – 25 days
Plant Spacing	4″ – 8″
Exposure	sun
Soil Moisture	moist

Tips For Growing Dill

Can dill be grown from seed?

 Dill seeds need some light to germinate so lightly cover them with soil.  Keep them moist until they germinate.  Dill does not like to be transplanted.  When starting indoors, use individual pots and plant seedlings with the soil on.   Transplant seedlings in the garden as soon as the soil can be worked in spring. Seeds can also be sown outdoors in early spring planted no more than 1/4″ deep. 

What care does dill need in the garden?

 Dill prefers full sun and well-drained moist soil with a moderate amount of organic matter.  Do not plant dill near fennel as the two may cross-pollinate and the seeds will not be usable. If you are not interested in the dill seeds, do not allow flowers to form. You can continue to pick the leaves.

Why did my Dill stems fall over?

You may need to stake some tall varieties of dill if you allow the flowers to form.  The 2 – 3 ft tall stems of dill are naturally weak and they get especially top-heavy when the flat clusters of yellow flowers appear in midsummer.      

Fennel

Plant Type	perennial grown as an annual
Plant Part Used	leaves, seeds, stem
Height	4′ – 5′
Propagation Method	seed
Germination Time	10 – 14 days
Plant Spacing	8″ – 12″
Exposure	sun
Soil Moisture	dry, average, moist

Tips For Growing Fennel

Is fennel an annual or a perennial?

Fennel is a tender perennial but it is best grown as an annual for it is only slightly cold tolerant.  In warm areas, fennel may survive mild winters.

What should fennel not be planted near?

If fennel is planted near dill the two can cross-pollinate and the seeds will be unusable. Fennel will not grow well when planted near either coriander or wormwood, and it can affect the growth of bush beans, caraway, tomatoes, and kohlrabi.  It’s best to plant fennel away from other plants or in containers to avoid any possible negative outcomes.

How do I grow fennel from seed?

 Start fennel seeds indoors in individual pots, 6 – 8 weeks before the last spring frost. Seeds germinate in 10 to 14 days. Transplant to the garden after danger of frost has passed.  Sow seeds directly outdoors in the spring after danger of frost is past.   Sow fennel seeds 1/8″ deep where they are to grow. Thin seedlings to 8″ – 12″ apart.

How can I increase the harvest of fresh leaves of fennel?

 If you want to increase fennel leaf harvest, don’t let the flowers form. Leaves will continue to develop, increasing your harvest. However keep in mind if you don’t let flowers form, there will be no seeds to harvest.

How are fennel seeds harvested?

Fennel seeds don’t ripen at the same time on a single stem, so need to be gathered regularly as they ripen.  Hold the flower head over a paper bag or deep container and gently knock seeds off every day or two. Another option is to wait until most of the seeds have ripened and are starting to fall off, and then cut the stem and hang it upside down in a paper bag. 

Why aren’t Mint and Lemon Balm on the list?

Mint and lemon balm are easy to grow herbs, but I do not consider they qualify as herbs to suggest for beginner gardeners. Both members of the mint family, they can become invasive in zones 3 – 9. Lemon balm is not as aggressively invasive as mint, however both have the ability to overwhelm the unsuspecting gardener by spreading quickly.

If you want to grow mint or lemon balm, learn about how these plants grow in your growing zone before planting directly in the garden. They may be better suited for containers if you want to limit the space they occupy.

Reference list: The editors of Story Books, The Gardener’s Complete Q&A
Reader’s Digest, The Complete Illustrated Book of Herbs
CLB Int’l, The Herb Basket An Illustrated Companion to Herbs