Nothing elevates your home cooked meals than the addition of fresh herbs. While you can directly sow your seeds or plants into the ground after the final frost passes in your region, many can be started indoors and transplanted to your outdoor garden as well. For a quick guide to home-growing herbs, watering needs, sunlight, and germination periods, download the guide below.

Many of our favorite herbs have lineage based in the Mediterranean. Meaning they thrive in moderate temperatures, plenty of sunlight, and soil with good drainage.

10 herbs to consider for your home

BASIL

MINT / PERENNIAL OR ANNUAL / 18-24" TALL + WIDE / FULL SUN 6+ HRS / MEDIUM WET SOIL / 7-10 DAY GERMINATION

Basil is an easy herb that does well in warm sunny conditions. It works great in small pots and makes the perfect herb to grow in your kitchen. Make pesto or add to salads, pizzas, pastas, and signature cocktails.

ROSEMARY

MINT / PERENNIAL / 2-6' TALL, 2-4' WIDE / FULL SUN 6+ HRS / MEDIUM DRY SOIL / 14-28 DAY GERMINATION

Similar to basil, rosemary grows in warm, sunny conditions. Add a sprig to roasts and root vegetables or freeze with some butter. You’ll be surprised at the growth and yield of a well-kept rosemary plant.

CILANTRO

APIACEAE / ANNUAL / 1-2' TALL, 1-1.5' WIDE / FULL SUN 6+ HRS / MED-WELL DRAINED SOIL / 7-10 DAY GERMINATION

Cilantro plays well in a variety of cuisines—Mexican to Mediterranean to Asian. Its herbaceous, earthy taste isn't for everyone. But, if you love a good salsa or pesto then cilantro will be a nice addition to your herb garden. It needs full sun, well-drained soil, and requires a medium amount of watering.

OREGANO

LAMIACEAE / PERENNIAL / 1-2' TALL, 1.5' WIDE / FULL SUN 6+HRS / LOW-MED WELL DRAINED SOIL / 10-15 DAY GERMINATION

Greek Oregano is the most common home-grown oregano herb. It’s great with Italian dishes, and can be used both fresh and dried. Place your pot in a sunny window sill for best results.

CHIVES

HERBACEOUS / PERENNIAL / 10-15" TALL + WIDE / PART SUN 4-6 HRS / MED-WELL DRAINED SOIL / 4-14 DAY GERMINATION

Chives are an excellent way to add some flair to your dishes. They're low maintenance and easy to grow. Start them inside about 6 weeks before the last frost and your chives will germinate in 1-2 weeks.

DILL

APIACEAE / ANNUAL / 3-5' TALL, 2-3' WIDE / FULL SUN 6+ HRS / MED-WET SOIL / 10-14 DAY GERMINATION

Add dill to your seafood and vegetable dishes for a unique taste. Give them enough sunlight and a larger pot, as their roots need room to spread out and you should be able to harvest dill regularly until they flower.

PARLSEY

APIACEAE / ANNUAL OR BIENNIAL / 9-12" TALL + WIDE / PART SUN 4-6 HRS / LOW-MED WELL DRAINED SOIL / 14-28 DAY GERMINATION

Fun fact: parsley is a member of the carrot family. Yes, you heard that right! Add it as a garnish to many dishes and salads. Just snip a few stalks, close to the ground and you'll get new growth throughout the season.

PEPPERMINT

MINT / PERENNIAL / 1-2' TALL + WIDE / PART SUN 4-6 HRS / MED-HIGH DAMP-MOIST SOIL / 10-15 DAY GERMINATION

You won't have much trouble starting out your herb garden with some peppermint. They're resilient and do best in a cool, yet moist climate. Peppermint is extremely versatile. Uses around the house, for food, and for health are endless.

SAGE

LAMIACEAE / PERENNIAL / 3-5' TALL, 2-4' WIDE / FULL SUN 6+ HRS / MED-HIGH WELL DRAINED SOIL / 10-21 DAY GERMINATION

Sage is a herb underdog. It tends to be more of a holiday herb used to season chicken and sausage. It's great for infusing in butter, or smoked drink dishes. A little more high maintenance, sage requires daily heavy water, full sun, and, when starting from a seedling—a long germination period.

THYME

LAMIACEAE / PERENNIAL / 6-12" TALL + WIDE / FULL SUN 6+ HRS / MEDIUM-WELL DRAINED SOIL / 10-21 DAY GERMINATION

Thyme is an excellent addition to grilled meat and vegetables. Seedlings will take 10-21 days to germinate so buying an already established plant might be the best route. You'll find that thyme doesn't have high watering needs and some variants are even drought friendly.

GARDEN-TO-TABLE PRODUCTS

HERB-TASTIC RECIPES