30 HERBS + 5 EXOTIC HERBS to Sow and Grow in a Kitchen Garden

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.

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. 

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! 

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. 

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.

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.

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!

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.

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. 

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.)

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

Sage

Sage (Salvia officinalis) is an herb found in meat dishes.

Annual pruning is a must for this plant to encourage optimal growth.

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.

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. 

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. 

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.

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.

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™