Herbs

Chives is one of the easiest herbs to grow! The grass-like foliage has an onion smell and taste to it. Harvest chives by simply cutting back to about half the plant height. The purple flowers are also edible and add great color to salads and other dishes. Continue cutting chives when needed and add to salads, baked potatoes, and soups.

Garlic Chives have flat leaves that have a fantastic flavor combination of garlic and onion. Cut back to about half the plant height at harvest and continue doing so throughout the season. This is an easy herb to grow that adds great flavor to salads, soups, and any other dish.

Lemon Verbena is wonderfully aromatic and adds a refreshing lemony taste to any dish. It has a strong lemon flavor that blends well with other herbs in teas. Lemon Verbena is great in any beverage, salad, sauce, soup, or dish that calls for a lemon as an ingredient or garnish.

Dill is an easy herb to grow that has a nice aroma and has many uses. Continue to cut dill regulary for fresh use. Fresh dill is great in herb butters, soups, salads, and fish dishes. Once the plant goes to seed stop cutting for fresh use. Allow the seed heads to form and dry completely. Harvesting the seeds can by done easily be hand. Use seeds for pickling, on roasts, stews, vegetables, or grind up to use as a substitute for salt.

Dill Fernleaf has finely cut foliage and is slower to bolt than other varieties. It has a nice shorter habit as well. Dill is an easy herb to grow that has a nice aroma. Continue to cut dill regulary for fresh use. Fresh dill is great in herb butters, soups, salads, and fish dishes. Once the plant goes to seed stop cutting for fresh use. Allow the seed heads to form and dry completely. Harvesting the seeds can by done easily be hand. Use seeds for pickling, on roasts, stews, vegetables, or grind up to use as a substitute for salt.

Tarragon is a culinary treat with its distinct peppery, anise-like flavor with a hint of vanilla. The dark, shiny green foliage can be used fresh or dried. Use as a flavoring for meats, sauces, or winde vinegars.

Arugula is a fast growing salad green that does well in cool season. Mix in with other leafy greens for a tasty and nutritious salad. It has a distinctive, sharp, nutty flavor when picked young.

Borage is an airy plant with wrinkly, long, oval leaves and beautiful blue flowers. This herb is grown for the edible flowers that add wonderful color to salads and soups. The leaves have a cucumber taste, but are not often used because of the thistle-like hairs. 

Caraway has fern-like foliage and produces white umbel flowers throughout the summer. The seeds should be harvested when they become brown, usually occurring in mid-summer. Seeds have a pungent, anise-like flavor and aroma and are often used as a spice in breads.

Chamomile Roman has fern-like foliage and white, daisy-like flowers. It is used as a ground cover in English gardens and pathways. The leaves can be chopped up and stirred into butter or sour cream to put on potatoes. Dry flowers facing down and use in potpourris. Roman Chamomile is prized for its anxiety relieving properties and is often used in teas.

Cilantro is a fantastic herb that has a very distinctive flavor and aroma. The seeds of cilantro plants are called coriander and are used as a spice in many dishes. This quick growing plant sets seeds fast, so it is a good idea to continually cut back for best flavor. If using for coriander it is good to plant plants in succession.

Cilantro Santo is a fantastic variety that is slow to bolt even in hot weather and has a uniform growth habit. The dark green foliage has a great flavor. A very popular herb to use in Chinese and Latin American dishes.

Lemongrass is a wonderful herb that is used in many Thai and Vietnamese dishes. It has a delightful lemony scent and grass-like foliage. The leaves are used in soups, curries, sauces, and on fish. They can also be used to make a nice tea that can be either hot or cold. 

Fennel produces umbels of tiny yellow flowers atop the wispy leaves. If seeds are not desired remove flower heads to promote a bushy habit. Use the leaves in pork, veal, or fish dishes. It is also great in sauces, salad dressings, stuffing, and butter. The seeds are used as a spice in breads. A tea can be made with a few fresh sprigs of fennel to help with digestion. It is an effective treatment for respiratory congestion and is a commonly used in cough medicines.

Hyssop produces beautiful violet-blue flowers in the summer that standout against the dark green foliage. The leaves have a nice fragrance and the flower spikes attract butterflies. Hyssop is used in teas to aid in digestion and the oil used for perfumes. The leaves are slightly bitter and are used in salads, soups, stews, and meat. 

Lavender angustifolia 'Hidcote' has gorgeous purple spikes of flowers that compliment the silvery gray foliage nicely. This fragrant herb makes a wonderful border out in the landscape. The flowers are edible and can be used to make soothing teas, or crystallized in sugar for cake decorations. Also used as a spice on meat. Lavender oil is popularly used in soaps, lotions, and potpourris.

Lavender angustifolia 'Munstead' produces lavender-blue flowers that are bluer than other varities.  It has compact, narrow green foliage that makes it a great border out in the landscape. The flowers are edible and can be used to make soothing teas, or crystallized in sugar for cake decorations. Also used as a spice on meat. Lavender oil is popularly used in soaps, lotions, and potpourris.

Lavender angustifolia 'Vera' is thought to be the original species of lavender.  It produces beautiful lavender colored flowers and a lovely fragrance from summer into fall. The flowers are edible and can be used to make soothing teas, or crystallized in sugar for cake decorations. Also used as a spice on meat. Lavender oil is popularly used in soaps, lotions, and potpourris.

Lavender Goodwin Creek is a fantastic variety with its silvery-gray foliage and deep purple flower spikes. It is a versatile plant that can be used in combinations, out in the landscape, or as a topiary. The flowers are edible and can be used to make soothing teas, or crystallized in sugar for cake decorations. Also used as a spice on meat. Lavender oil is popularly used in soaps, lotions, and potpourris.

Lavender stoechas or French lavender has narrow gray-green downy leaves and dark violet flowers. This variety has a camphor-rosemary scent. Makes a nice plant for out in the landscape. The flowers are edible and can be used to make soothing teas, or crystallized in sugar for cake decorations. Also used as a spice on meat. Lavender oil is popularly used in soaps, lotions, and potpourris.

Lemon Balm is a great herb that has a wonderful lemony scent and produces white flowers in the summer that are full of nectar. It is often used in potpourris and the oil is used in aromatherapy products. Lemon Balm is used as a flavoring for ice creams and herbal teas and is the main ingredient in lemon balm pesto. Pair with spearmint for a great flavor combination. The crushed leaves can be rubbed on skin for a mosquito repellent.

Orange Mint has a nice, citrus aroma and taste.  It is a vigorous grower and may be best to plant in containers so that it does not overtake the garden. Orange Mint has the classic square stems that are characteristic of the mint family. Use in herbal teas, fruit punch or potpourris for a refreshing citrus flavor. Freeze the leaves in ice cubes to add a sweet, minty taste to any drink. Also, aides in stomach digestion.

This spearmint is so refreshing! When the heat and humidity of summer begin to overtake you -- enjoy the mint overtaking your garden! This is a versatile plant with many culinary uses and will be a great addition to the garden.

Applemint has soft gray leaves and is one of the tallest garden mints. The leaves and stems have a unique apple mint taste. It has the classic square stems that are characteristic of the mint family. It is great in herbal teas, jellies, and couscous. Freeze the leaves in ice cubes for a refreshing treat. Also, aides in stomach digestion when used in teas.

Peppermint is a very aromatic herb that has many uses. It is a vigorous grower and may be best to plant in containers so that it does not take over the garden. Peppermint has the classic square stems that are characteristic of the mint family. It is great with vegetables, in sauces, or in herbal teas. Freeze the leaves in ice cubes for a refreshing treat. Also, aides in stomach digestion.

Chocolate Mint has a clean peppermint fragrance with a hint of chocolate, adding up to an aroma somewhat similar to that of a peppermint patty. It is a vigorous grower and may be best to plant in containers so that it does not take over the garden. Chocolate Mint has the classic square stems that are characteristic of the mint family. It is great with herbal teas or to freeze the leaves in ice cubes for a refreshing treat. Also, aides in stomach digestion.

Variegated Peppermint is a nice twist on the original with its dark green leaves that have a splash of creamy white. Prune any all green stems to keep the variegation. It is a vigorous grower and may be best to plant in containers so that it does not take over the garden. Peppermint has the classic square stems that are characteristic of the mint family. It is great with vegetables, in sauces, or in herbal teas. Freeze the leaves in ice cubes for a refreshing treat. Also, aides in stomach digestion.

Mentha 'The Best' is the best mint for Mojitos! Mojito recipes call for rum, sugar, lime juice, and mint. It is different than other mints because it has a more mild and warm scent and flavor, not pungent and sweet like most mints. It is a vigorous grower and may be best to plant in containers so that it does not overtake the garden. It is great in herbal teas and helps with stomach digestion. Freeze the leaves in ice cubes for parties.

Watercress is a lovely herb to add great flavor and nutrition to your dishes. It is a fairly fast growing plant that needs moist soil. Foliage has a spicy taste and is most commonly added to salads, but can be used also in soups. It is high in Vitamins A, C, and D.

Catnip is a great choice for cat friendly yards. It has square stems and a minty aroma like other members of the mint family. It is a drought tolerant herb that is a vigorous grower. For small space gardens it is best to grow in containers. The chemical nepetalactone in catnip is what cats like.  Harvest and dry for a fun treat for your cat!

Basil African Blue is a unique variety that is prized for its purple-blue cast on the leaves, vigor, and sweet camphor fragrance. The stems, leaf veins, and flowers are all purple while the leaves are green. This is a hybrid between the opal and camphor basils.

Basil Cinnamon has dark purple stems and rich green leaves that have a wonderul cinnamon scent. This variety produces pink flowers in the summer allowing for a nice ornamental use as well. Cinnamon basil tastes great whether used fresh or dried.

Basil Genovese is a large-leaf type basil from Genoa, Italy which is the pesto capital of the world. This is definitely an excellent basil for any pasta sauces, soups, tomato dishes, or to add to vegetables.

Basil Italian Large Leaf is the perfect choice for pesto. The extra-large leaves grow about 2 inches long on sturdy stems. This basil is full of flavor and will be great used fresh or dried in sauces, tomato dishes, with vegetables, or in soups.

Basil Lemon is a great choice for those who like strong flavor and aroma. This fragrant variety has a citrus taste that almost makes your mouth pucker. Use in herbal teas for unique taste.

Basil Lime adds a citrus zing to your culinary palate. The strong lime fragrance and taste is very refreshing. Use it in vinegars, dressings, on chicken, fish, and fruit salsas for an exciting flare.

Basil Red Rubin is the best red basil for vinegars and oils. It has a compact habit with dark purple-red leaves that have a strong, spicy flavor. A great choice to add into containers because it is a perfect balance between ornamental and culinary appeal.

Basil Thai Siam Queen is a large variety that is great for ornamental or culinary use. It boasts purple flowers on top of the plant that make it a great addition to the landscape. This variety is loaded with spicy flavor and aroma and makes a great addition to soups or tomato dishes.

Sweet Marjoram is similar to oregano, but has a sweeter, spicier flavor. It is used much in the same way as oregano in sauces, soups, salads, and stews. The leaves can be rubbed on roasts to improve the flavor. It is great combined with onion, thyme, garlic, and basil. The flowers can be harvested for salads.  

Greek Oregano is a very flavorful herb that is native to Greece and Turkey. It is used widely in the culinary world in tomato dishes, soups, pizzas, with vegetables, and on meats to name just a few. Medicinally used as a tea to help indigestion and coughs. Cut sprigs from plant when it reaches about 6" tall. For best flavor cut before the plant flowers.

Flat Italian Parsley is a must for every herb garden! It will be your most used herb. Contains more Vitamin C than an orange. It is also a great source of Vitamin A, several B vitamins, iron and calcium.

Curled Parsley is a fantastic herb that will become one of the most used in your garden. It makes a great garnish for any dish and can be easily cut up and tossed into salads or soups. Contains more Vitamin C than an orange. It is also a great source of Vitamin A, several B vitamins, iron and calcium. The curled leaves make a fun display on your plate.

Rosemary is a wonderful herb that is a culinary treat. The fragrant stems are great when used as skewers for kabobs and are often used to enhance the flavor of different meats. Also adds a nice flavor to soups, salads, and vegetables. Many perfumes, oils, and soaps use the rosemary bring a refreshing scent. Medicinally it can be used in teas to help indigestion. 

Rosemary Tuscan Blue has a milder flavor and aroma then other varities. It has an upright habit with broad leaves and is great for topiary use. The fragrant stems are great when used as skewers for kabobs and are often used to enhance the flavor of different meats. Also adds a nice flavor to soups, salads, and vegetables. Many perfumes, oils, and soaps use the rosemary bring a refreshing scent. Medicinally it can be used in teas to help indigestion. 

Sorrel True French has small leaves that have a tart, lemony flavor. A little bit of the leaves will go a long way. Young foliage has the best taste, so continue to cut throughout the season to encourage new growth. Use in soups, salads, stews and sauces. It is also high in Vitamin C.

Sage is a very important herb, rich in folklore and history. It's latin root means "salvation". Sage's flavorful pebbled leaf has a very decorative texture. Great when planted with Tarragon, Thyme, Rosemary and Oregano for a fresh summer grilling garden. It is also used in omelettes, homemade sausages, cheeses, and bean dishes. A sage tea gargle helps sooth sore throats.

Golden Sage has a wonderful aroma and beautiful leaves with chartreuse-yellow variegation against the dark green centers. Sage is a very important herb, rich in folklore and history. It's Latin root means "salvation". Sage's flavorful pebbled leaf has a very decorative texture. Great when planted with Tarragon, Thyme, Rosemary and Oregano for a fresh summer grilling garden. It is also used in omelettes, homemade sausages, cheeses, and bean dishes. A sage tea gargle helps sooth sore throats.

Purple Sage has beautiful purple foliage that is very aromatic. Sage is a very important herb, rich in folklore and history. It's latin root means "salvation". Sage's flavorful pebbled leaf has a very decorative texture. Great when planted with Tarragon, Thyme, Rosemary and Oregano for a fresh summer grilling garden. It is also used in omelettes, homemade sausages, cheeses, and bean dishes. A sage tea gargle helps sooth sore throats.

Sage Tricolor has beautiful foliage that is mainly green with pink and white variegation. Sage is a very important herb, rich in folklore and history. It's latin root means "salvation". Sage's flavorful pebbled leaf has a very decorative texture. Great when planted with Tarragon, Thyme, Rosemary and Oregano for a fresh summer grilling garden. It is also used in omelettes, homemade sausages, cheeses, and bean dishes. A sage tea gargle helps sooth sore throats.

Winter Savory is an easy to grow herb and lends a strong, peppery, spicy flavor to any dish. It is great combined with thyme, sage, and rosemary. Makes a fantastic addition to soups, pork, poultry, and beef. Medicinally it can be used to remedy digestive upsets and can be used as an antiseptic or astringent for sore throats.

Stevia is a fantastic herb that is an excellent sugar substitute! It contains stevioside, which is much sweeter than sugar and has no calories. Leaf powder can be used in place of sugar in desserts, drinks, preserves, and baked goods. To get the sweetness,  first dry the Stevia leaves (needs good air circulation). Next, crush the leaves by hand or in a coffee grinder and enjoy. If you want a liquid Stevia extract, add a cup of warm water to 1/4 cup of dried leaves and then let sit in the refrigerator for 24 hours.

Thymus citriodorus has tiny yellow-edged leaves with a clean lemon scent. It is a great plant not only for the landscape, but also for herb gardens and containers. Lemon Thyme is an excellent plant to have around because of it's versatility.

Mother of Thyme is a great spreading variety that has aromatic leaves and purple flowers. It is a great plant not only for the landscape, but also for herb gardens and containers. Use to flavor meats, soups, sauces, and stews. It is fantastic used either fresh or dried and when used fresh the leaves or whole twig can be used. When used as a tea it helps with coughs. It is an easy plant to maintain and has many versatile uses.

English Thyme is a very popular variety that has broad green leaves and a robust growth habit. It is a great plant not only for the landscape, but also for herb gardens and containers. Use to flavor meats, soups, sauces, and stews. It is fantastic used either fresh or dried and when used fresh the leaves or whole twig can be used. When used as a tea it helps with coughs. It is an easy plant to maintain and has many versatile uses.

Nasturtium Jewel Mix is a great plant to use to mix edibles with ornamentals. It adds great color to pots with the yellow, red, and orange flowers. Flowers are edible and add excellent color to salads. The leaves have a peppery taste and are great to use in the kitchen as well.