Are you looking for some herbs to plant, but not sure which ones to choose?
We have a LARGE list of herb recommendations along with mini plant profiles on each one.
To finish off those recommendations, we have FIVE EXOTIC herbs for those of you who are daring gardeners!
Grab your shovel, because we’re going to dig up some great information on kitchen herb gardens.
Things to Consider Before Starting a Kitchen Herb Garden
So, you want to start a kitchen herb garden, but where do you start? You’ll need to do some pre-planning and THEN go on to propagate, plant, and enjoy your herb plants!
For those who are beginners, you are probably wondering, “What are the easiest herbs to grow?”
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You can grow anything we have listed.
Herbs are forgiving and quite easy to grow.
Indoor Kitchen Herb Garden
- What herbs can you grow in your kitchen? As long as herbs get 6 hours of direct sun, they will flourish in a kitchen. Growing herbs indoors without sunlight is possible as long as you have grow lights.
- You’ll need an herb planter to plant your herbs in. We’ll cover some super creative indoor garden planters further down.
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Outdoor Kitchen Herb Garden
- Placement: well-drained soil, no puddling, or flooding.
- Sun: 6 hours full sun
- Be sure the particular herb plant is suitable for your zone.
The COLOSSAL list of 30 herbs you can grow!
Here are 30 amazing herbs to consider for your herb garden. Typically, it’s best to choose the herbs you’ll plant according to how you’ll use them.
Some herbs are superb to use in cooking, whereas others may be better suited for medicinal uses.
We have highlighted “uses” of each plant along with a short plant profile for each.
As long as you have a sunny area in your home with at least 6 hours of direct sun, you can grow any herb!
Basil
Basil (Ocimum basilicum) is one of the most widely planted and used herbs around the world.
| Zones | 2-11 |
| Sun | Full Sun, Partial Shade |
| Water | Medium |
| Type | Annual, Perennial |
| Bloom | White Summer |
| Soil | Rich, well-drained |
| Size | 1 ½’ – 2’ |
| Uses | Container or small garden planting Companion planting with tomatoes Medicinal Essential Oils Edible: used to flavor foods and beverages Religious: holy water, burials, altar blessing Insect repellent Oral and dental products |
Bay
Bay (Laurus Nobilis) isn’t difficult to grow. It requires plenty of space because it tends to grow quite large.
Bay leaves have been around for centuries and were worn as crowns by Greeks and Romans.
| Zones | 8-10 |
| Sun | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
| Water | Low-Medium |
| Type | Annual, Perennial |
| Bloom | Chartreuse Late Spring |
| Soil | Rich, well-drained |
| Size | 15’ – 20’ High (slow grower, 3-4” per year) |
| Uses | Container or small garden planting Medicinal Edible: used to flavor soup, stews, and other dishes |
Bergamot
Bergamot (Monarda fistulosa) is a beautiful herb with firework-like blooms that pollinators flock to. If you are looking for something aromatic, tasty, and an attractant for butterflies, this one’s perfect!
| Zones | 4-10 |
| Sun | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
| Water | Medium |
| Type | Perennial |
| Bloom | Purple Striking firework-like features Summer/Fall |
| Soil | Moist, well-drained |
| Size | 36” high with about the same spread |
| Uses | Pollinator attractant Medicinal Companion planting Potpourri Cooking Ornamental value |
Borage
Borage (Borago officinalis) is perhaps one of the best herbs used for companion planting.
This plant has the amazing ability to attract beneficial insects that patrol your garden for unwanted pests.
| Zones | 4-10 |
| Sun | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
| Water | Medium |
| Type | Annual |
| Bloom | Blue Summer |
| Soil | Moist, well-drained |
| Size | 36” H x 18” S |
| Uses | Container or small garden planting Companion planting Edible: used to flavor foods Insect repellent Ornamental value |
Caraway
Caraway (Carum carvi) is a nice little herb to plant to attract beneficial insects.
Its charming umbrella-like flowers are a feature that many herb gardeners appreciate.
| Zones | 3-11 |
| Sun | Full Sun, Partial Shade |
| Water | Medium |
| Type | Biennial |
| Bloom | White/Pink Umbrella-like feature Spring/Summer |
| Soil | Rich, well-drained |
| Size | 12”-30” H |
| Uses | Container or small garden planting Companion planting Medicinal Edible: used to flavor foods Ornamental value |
Catnip
Ah yes, we can’t forget good old catnip (Nepeta cataria,) especially for those of us who have cats!
Gardeners not only grow catnip for their kitties but also to keep mosquitoes at bay.
| Zones | 3-9 |
| Sun | Full Sun, Partial Shade |
| Water | Medium |
| Type | Perennial |
| Bloom | White/Purple Late Summer |
| Soil | Rich, well-drained |
| Size | 48”x18” H |
| Uses | Container or small garden planting Insect repellent Pest repellent Companion planting Medicinal Cat toys Aromatic value |
Chamomile (Roman)
Chamomile (Matricaria Chamomilla) is synonymous with calming teas. Although chamomile isn’t a culinary herb, it is a widespread herb used medicinally.
The delicate daisy-like flowers add charm to any herb garden!
| Zones | 5-8 |
| Sun | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
| Water | Medium |
| Type | Annual |
| Bloom | White/Yellow Delicate daisy-like feature Late Summer/Early Fall |
| Soil | Rich, well-drained |
| Size | 16” H x 12” S |
| Uses | Container or small garden planting Companion planting Medicinal Edible: used in teas Ornamental value Aromatic value Pest repellent Pollinator attractant |
Chervil
Chervil (Anthriscus cerefolium) is an herb that is catching on here in the U.S. Europeans typically cultivate this herb, which is found in French cooking.
Beware that this plant has a habit of bolting if not kept under a watchful eye.
| Zones | 3-8 |
| Sun | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
| Water | Medium |
| Type | Annual |
| Bloom | White Cluster umbels Mid Summer |
| Soil | Rich, well-drained |
| Size | 18” H x 12” S |
| Uses | Container or small garden planting Medicinal Edible: used in French cooking Ornamental value Pest repellent Pollinator attractant |
Chives
Chives (Allium schoenoprasum) is one of the most common herbs found in herb gardens. Because of its subtle oniony flavor, many cooks use it in numerous dishes.
| Zones | 3-9 |
| Sun | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
| Water | Medium |
| Type | Perennial |
| Bloom | Lavender Delicate star-like Spring, Summer |
| Soil | Moist, well-drained |
| Size | 18” H x 8” S |
| Uses | Container or small garden planting Medicinal Edible: used in cooking Pollinator attractant |
Cilantro
Cilantro (Coriander sativum) is synonymous with Mexican food. Salsa wouldn’t be salsa without cilantro! The foliage of this plant is known as ‘cilantro,’ while the seeds are known as ‘coriander.’
This herb is relatively straightforward in ease of care; however, in warmer months, it quickly bolts.
| Zones | 3-11 |
| Sun | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
| Water | Medium |
| Type | Annual |
| Bloom | White/Pink Delicate clusters Spring |
| Soil | Loamy, well-drained |
| Size | 20” H x 6” S |
| Uses | Container or small garden planting Medicinal Edible: used in cooking |
Culantro
Did you think we doubled up on ‘cilantro’ by mistake? This is an herb totally different from cilantro but with a similar spelling!
Culantro (Eryngium foetidum) is a herb commonly grown and used in dishes in Caribbean and Latino countries. It, too, has a bad habit of bolting in warmer weather.
| Zones | 10b-11 |
| Sun | Shade |
| Water | Medium |
| Type | Biennial |
| Bloom | Dark Blue Spikes Summer, Fall |
| Soil | Moist, well-drained |
| Size | 36” H x 18” S |
| Uses | Container or small garden planting Medicinal Edible: used in cooking |
Dill
Dill (Anethum graveolens) is almost always associated with pickles. Pickles, fish, and other foods wouldn’t be what they are if it weren’t for the distinct flavoring of dill.
This herb does have one drawback in that it doesn’t live long. Be sure to prune often to prevent bolting.
| Zones | 2-9 |
| Sun | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
| Water | Medium |
| Type | Annual |
| Bloom | Yellow Flat umbels Summer |
| Soil | Loamy/sandy, well-drained |
| Size | 36” H x 15” S |
| Uses | Container or small garden planting Medicinal Edible: used in cooking Ornamental value Companion planting Aromatic value Pollinator attractant |
Fennel
Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) is the familiar flavoring used in sausages. There are two types of fennel; one is an herb; the other is a bulb. Both are edible with the same licorice taste.
Just like dill, fennel is a short-lived herb.
| Zones | 4-9 |
| Sun | Full sun, Partial sun |
| Water | Medium |
| Type | Annual |
| Bloom | Yellow Cluster umbels Spring to Fall |
| Soil | Rich, well-drained |
| Size | 8’ H x 2’ S |
| Uses | Container or small garden planting Edible: used in cooking Aromatic value Medicinal Ornamental value Wildlife attractant Beneficial insect attractant |
Garlic
Now we come to another popular herb we all know and love. Garlic (Allium sativum) is an herb found in almost every Italian dish there is.
It comes in three different types; hardneck, softneck, and elephant. For your garlic to thrive, remove the scapes (flowers) before blooming.
| Zones | 3-8 |
| Sun | Full sun |
| Water | Medium |
| Type | Annual |
| Soil | Rich, well-drained |
| Size | 3’ H |
| Uses | Container or small garden planting Edible: used in cooking Aromatic value Medicinal Insect repellent |
Lavender
Lavender (Lavandula) is perhaps the most aromatic herb that’s loved around the world!
There are three different types of lavender; English, Spanish, and Lavandin. English lavender is what most of us are familiar with when it comes to essential oils and dried flowers.
| Zones | 4-9 |
| Sun | Full sun |
| Water | Low |
| Type | Perennial |
| Bloom | Purple, Blue, Lilac Inflorescences Mid-summer |
| Soil | Loamy/sandy, well-drained |
| Size | 3’ H x 3’ S |
| Uses | Container or small garden planting Edible: used in cooking Aromatic value Medicinal Ornamental value Wildlife attractant Aromatherapy Essential oils |
Lemon Grass
Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) is commonly used for ornamental and repellent planting.
It’s quite tolerant and forgiving in hot climates as well as being winter-hardy (above 30 degrees (F.)
| Zones | 8b-11 |
| Sun | Full sun |
| Water | Medium |
| Type | Perennial |
| Bloom | Purple, Blue, Lilac Inflorescences Mid-summer |
| Soil | Loamy, well-drained |
| Size | 4’ H x 3’ S |
| Uses | Container or small garden planting Edible: used in cooking Aromatic value Medicinal Ornamental value Naturalization Aromatherapy Essential oils |
Lemon Verbena
Lemon verbena (Aloysia triphylla) is a powerhouse when it comes to being aromatic. It’s one of the most fragrant herbs. Simply brushing up against the leaves releases its strong aroma!
The citrusy, lemony aroma adds flavor to foods and is great for making beverages. This herb is extremely sensitive to stressful conditions (climate, soil, etc.), and because of this, it’s a bit finicky to grow.
| Zones | 9-10 |
| Sun | Full sun, partial sun |
| Water | Medium |
| Type | Perennial |
| Bloom | Purple, White Delicate star-shaped Late summer |
| Soil | Loamy, well-drained |
| Size | 72”’ H x 72” S |
| Uses | Container or small garden planting Edible: used in cooking Aromatic value Medicinal Ornamental value Aromatherapy Essential oils |
Lovage
Lovage (Levisticum officinalis) is a winter-hardy herb for those of you who live in the north!
This herb adds a combined flavor of anise and celery to foods.
| Zones | 4-8 |
| Sun | Full sun |
| Water | Medium |
| Type | Perennial |
| Bloom | Yellow Summer |
| Soil | Well-drained |
| Size | 48” H x 24” S |
| Uses | Container or small garden planting Edible: used in cooking Medicinal Pollinator attractant Winter-Hardy planting |
Marjoram
Marjoram (Origanum majoricum) is a sweet balsam-tasting herb similar to oregano. It’s used throughout the world in cooking.
This herb prefers warmer climates and may not tolerate chilly temps.
| Zones | 7-11 |
| Sun | Full sun |
| Water | Medium |
| Type | Perennial (southern regions) Annual (northern regions) |
| Bloom | Pink/White Terminal-heading Summer |
| Soil | Well-drained |
| Size | 12” H x 18” S |
| Uses | Container or small garden planting Edible: used in cooking Medicinal Aromatic value Pollinator attractant Companion planting |
Mint
Mint (Mentha) is something we automatically associate with chewing gum; however, mint has many attributes!
Don’t let this little herb fool you because it takes off on you with runners trying to spread everywhere.
| Zones | 3-10 |
| Sun | Partial Sun |
| Water | Medium |
| Type | Perennial |
| Bloom | Pink, White, Purple Summer, Fall |
| Soil | Moist, Well-drained |
| Size | 12” H x 8’ S |
| Uses | Container or small garden planting Edible: used in cooking Medicinal Pest repellent Pollinator attractant |
Oregano
Oregano (Origanum vulgare) is yet another commonly used herb in cooking. Pizzas and other Mediterranean dishes would be incomplete without oregano.
For this herb to reach its full potential in aroma, be sure to plant in full sun.
| Zones | 5-11 |
| Sun | Full sun |
| Water | Medium |
| Type | Perennial |
| Bloom | White, Pink, Blue Summer, Fall |
| Soil | Well-drained |
| Size | 3” H x 4’ S |
| Uses | Container or small garden planting Edible: used in cooking Medicinal Aromatic value Pollinator attractant Winter-Hardy planting Wildlife attractant |
Parsley
Parsley (Petroselinum) is a tender herb that is commonly grown in herb gardens.
Although it’s simplistic in its contribution to cooking and other uses, it makes a nice little herb to include.
| Zones | 4-8 |
| Sun | Full sun |
| Water | Medium |
| Type | Annual, biennial |
| Bloom | White Summer |
| Soil | Loamy, Well-drained |
| Size | 12” H x 3” S |
| Uses | Container or small garden planting Edible: used in cooking Medicinal |
Rosemary
Now we come to Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis), which is one of the most aromatic herbs used in cooking and essential oils. Simply touching this plant releases a wonderful piney-nutty fragrance.
Frequent pruning is required because this plant loves to spread its wings!
| Zones | 8-10 |
| Sun | Full sun |
| Water | Medium |
| Type | Perennial |
| Bloom | Blue, White, Purple Summer, Spring |
| Soil | Well-drained |
| Size | 3’ H x 8” S |
| Uses | Container or small garden planting Edible: used in cooking Medicinal Pollinator attractant Ornamental value Companion planting Aromatic value |
Sage
Sage (Salvia officinalis) is an herb found in meat dishes.
Annual pruning is a must for this plant to encourage optimal growth.
| Zones | 5-9 |
| Sun | Full sun |
| Water | Medium |
| Type | Perennial |
| Bloom | Purple, Pink Spring |
| Soil | Well-drained |
| Size | 30” H x 24” S |
| Uses | Container or small garden planting Edible: used in cooking Ornamental value Medicinal Pollinator attractant Smudging |
Savory (Winter)
Winter Savory (Satureja montana) is a spicey, piney-tasting herb used in many dishes. It looks similar to rosemary.
Winter savory is cold-sensitive, so be sure you’re in the right zone to plant it.
| Zones | 6-9 |
| Sun | Full sun |
| Water | Medium |
| Type | Perennial |
| Bloom | Purple, White, Pink Summer |
| Soil | Well-drained |
| Size | 15” H x 24” S |
| Uses | Container or small garden planting Edible: used in cooking and liqueurs Medicinal Pollinator attractant Ornamental value Pest repellent Companion planting |
St. John’s Wort
St. John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum) is a widely used herb for its medicinal properties.
In a garden, it offers ornamental beauty with its charming yellow flowers.
Caution: toxic to dogs, cats, horses, cows, and sheep.
| Zones | 5-10 |
| Sun | Full sun, partial shade |
| Water | Low-Medium |
| Type | Perennial |
| Bloom | Yellow Saucer-like with stamens Summer |
| Soil | Well-drained |
| Size | 36” H x 24” S |
| Uses | Container or small garden planting Medicinal Pollinator attractant Ornamental value Essential oils |
Stevia
Stevia (Stevia rebaudiana) is an underappreciated herb that hasn’t quite caught on here in the U.S. as it has in Japan.
This herb is grown as an alternative to sugar because of its sweet, licorice-like taste.
| Zones | 8-11 |
| Sun | Full sun, partial sun |
| Water | Medium |
| Type | Perennial |
| Bloom | Yellow Perpetual blooms |
| Soil | Rich, well-drained |
| Size | 36” H x 36” S |
| Uses | Container or small garden planting Medicinal Sugar alternative |
Tarragon
Tarragon (Artemisia dracunculus) is a culinary-forward herb that has a distinct anise flavor.
This plant has numerous medicinal benefits making it quite popular among herbalists.
| Zones | 3-9 |
| Sun | Full sun, partial sun |
| Water | Medium |
| Type | Perennial |
| Bloom | GreenSummer |
| Soil | Loamy, well-drained |
| Size | 3’ H x 8’ S |
| Uses | Container or small garden planting Medicinal Companion planting Beauty products Ornamental value |
Thyme
Thyme (Thymus) is grown in herb gardens but also as ground cover.
Its dainty green leaves and little flowers somewhat resemble rosemary in appearance and taste.
| Zones | 4-9 |
| Sun | Full sun, partial sun |
| Water | Medium |
| Type | Perennial |
| Bloom | Pink, White Spring |
| Soil | Loamy, well-drained |
| Size | 6” H x 12” S (ground cover habit) |
| Uses | Container or small garden planting Medicinal Landscape ground cover value Cooking Wildlife attractant Aromatic value |
BONUS: 5 Exotic Herbs!
Are you looking for something on the rare and exotic side to add to your herb garden?
Angelic “Root of the Holy Ghost”
Zones 4-10
Grows up to 6 feet
Biennial
Native Habitat: Siberia, Himalayan Mountains
Caution: consuming too much is toxic for both humans and animals!
Uses:
- Cooking
- Medicinal
- Ornamental value
Betony “Bishop’s Wort”
Zones 4-9
36” H x 18” S
Biennial
Native Habitat: Siberia, Himalayan Mountains
Uses:
- Cooking
- Medicinal
- Landscape ground cover value
- Pollinator attractant
- Ornamental value
Dittany of Crete “Love Seeker’s Herb”
Zones 7-11
6” H x 16” S
Perennial
Native to the steep cliff sides of Crete. Those who risked their lives to gather the herb were called “love seekers.”
Uses:
- Cooking
- Medicinal
- Ornamental value
- Perfumes
Vick’s
Zones 9-12
24” H x 18” S
Perennial
This herb has an aroma that smells just like “Vicks Vapor Rub.”
Uses:
- Hanging container planting because of cascading habit
- Medicinal
- Ornamental value
- Pollinator attractant
Zaatar
Zones 9-11
12” H x 9” S
Annual
This herb is commonly found in Middle Eastern dishes, including hummus and bread oils.
Uses:
- Cooking
- Aromatic value
- Ornamental value
- Pollinator attractant
- Wildlife attractant
Creatively Growing Your Own Herbs
Wow, we finally reach the end of this colossal list of herbs!
There are so many to choose from when it comes to planting a kitchen herb garden.
Pay attention to your zones when choosing your herbs to plant.
Also, plant according to how you plan to use the herb (cooking, herbal remedy, etc.)
Your herb garden ideas are endless now that you know more about herb plants.
Happy “gardening!”
Life is Better When You Garden™
