Rosemary
Salvia rosmarinus
An aromatic evergreen shrub with an earthy, woodsy flavor reminiscent of pine, citrus and pepper.
Plant rosemary in USDA zones 8 to 10 in the spring when temperatures stay between 55 degrees and 80 degrees Fahrenheit or grow indoors as a houseplant. Rosemary has a moderate growth rate, reaching its mature size between 2 and 6 feet tall after several years.
Light: Rosemary likes full sun and does not tolerate any shade. This means it requires at least six hours of direct sunlight on most days. A south-facing window is ideal for indoor growth, and grow lights are often necessary to provide supplemental light. Bring indoor plants outside in warm weather to allow them access to natural sunlight. Inadequate light can cause leggy and weak growth.
Water: Rosemary is quite drought-tolerant once the plant is established, and it’s better to water sparingly rather than overwater them. Allow the top few inches of soil to dry out between waterings, and then water so that the soil is evenly moist but not soggy.
Soil: Use sandy or loamy soil for rosemary. The plant is easy to grow when planted in well-draining soil and it can get root rot in overly wet or cold soil. A slightly acidic to neutral soil pH is ideal (6.0 to 7.0).
Thyme
Thymus vulgaris
A beloved Mediterranean herb, it holds its taste in cooking and blends well with other flavors of its native region, such as garlic, olive oil, and tomatoes.
Thyme can be planted at almost any time. It will mature enough to allow for harvest within a few months, then will reliably return year after year in USDA zones 5 through 9 where it is hardy.
Light: Thyme thrives best in full sunlight, in a spot where it can receive between six and eight hours of light daily. Plant in a sunny, exposed spot in your garden, or in decorative planters that can be moved around throughout the day to chase the light. If you're growing indoors, place it on a sunny windowsill or, even better, in a room that catches a lot of rays throughout the day, such as a sunroom.
Soil: Prefers sandy or loamy soil instead of moist soil, and can even thrive in rocky gravel. If you're planting your thyme in containers, opting for a clay or terracotta pot can be helpful—the absorbent material will wick away additional moisture from the soil and help create the right environment for your thyme. No matter what, make sure your soil is well-draining, as thyme is temperamental about wet feet.
Water: Water established plants only occasionally—every other week or even once a month should suffice, depending on your outdoor climate. You should wait until the soil is completely dry, then water to saturation, then allow it to dry out again. Thyme is also drought-resistant, so don't fret if you go an extra few days without giving it water. However, pamper young plants a bit more, checking water more frequently until roots are well established.
Oregano
Origanum vulgare
Zesty and aromatic flavor used in seasoning and as key ingredients in pizza, pasta sauces, Greek cuisine, and Mexican dishes.
Light: Most oregano varieties need full sun, meaning at least six hours of direct sunlight on most days. However, some varieties, including golden oregano, prefer a little shade from strong sunlight to prevent their leaves from scorching.
Soil: A sandy loam is ideal for growing oregano. If the soil is moist with lots of organic matter, oregano won't perform as well as it does in well-drained, light, dry soil. Also, a slightly acidic to neutral soil pH is best.
Water: Oregano only needs about an inch of water per week and tolerates moderate drought. Allow the soil to dry out between waterings, as overwatering can cause root rot and other problems.
Cuban Oregano
Coleus amboinicus
Cuban oregano isn't actually oregano, yet it is an herb that bears a strong menthol or camphor scent that intensifies when the velvety leaves are crushed.
Thyme can be planted at almost any time. It will mature enough to allow for harvest within a few months, then will reliably return year after year in USDA zones 5 through 9 where it is hardy.
Light: In the garden, Cuban oregano grows best in a part-sun or part-shade location. Inside the house, it grows best in a bright, sunny window but tolerates less light if needed.
Soil: Drought-tolerant but does best in sandy, well-drained soil.
Water: Water once per week.
Nasturtium
Tropaeolum
These herbaceous flowers are known for their rich, saturated, jewel-toned colors and rounded leaves that look like miniature lotus leaves. The leaves and flowers are edible, and have a peppery tang.
Thyme can be planted at almost any time. It will mature enough to allow for harvest within a few months, then will reliably return year after year in USDA zones 5 through 9 where it is hardy.
Light: Thyme thrives best in full sunlight, in a spot where it can receive between six and eight hours of light daily. Plant in a sunny, exposed spot in your garden, or in decorative planters that can be moved around throughout the day to chase the light. If you're growing indoors, place it on a sunny windowsill or, even better, in a room that catches a lot of rays throughout the day, such as a sunroom.
Soil: Prefers sandy or loamy soil instead of moist soil, and can even thrive in rocky gravel. If you're planting your thyme in containers, opting for a clay or terracotta pot can be helpful—the absorbent material will wick away additional moisture from the soil and help create the right environment for your thyme. No matter what, make sure your soil is well-draining, as thyme is temperamental about wet feet.
Water: Water established plants only occasionally—every other week or even once a month should suffice, depending on your outdoor climate. You should wait until the soil is completely dry, then water to saturation, then allow it to dry out again. Thyme is also drought-resistant, so don't fret if you go an extra few days without giving it water. However, pamper young plants a bit more, checking water more frequently until roots are well established.
Sage
Salvia officianalis
One of the easiest perennial herbs to grow, the leaves are commonly used fresh or dried in cooking and add a very earthy and somewhat floral flavor.
Light: Provide your sage with full sun, meaning at least six hours of direct sunlight per day.
Soil: Sage likes a sandy or loamy soil with good drainage. Wet soils can cause rot and be fatal to the plant. A slightly acidic to neutral soil pH is best.
Water: Sage has moderate moisture needs, along with some drought tolerance. Keep the soil evenly moist but never soggy for young plants. Water established plants when the top 1 to 2 inches of soil dries out. Avoid getting the leaves wet when you water, as that can cause them to mildew.
Turmeric
Curcuma longa
Turmeric is a tropical perennial plant grown for its edible, deep orange-yellow rhizomes (“root”) that add flavor, color, and nutritional value to a wide variety of dishes.
While it is primarily grown for culinary purposes, the canna-like flowers make turmeric an attractive foliage plant. If grown in ideal conditions, the plant produces showy flowers in late Summer.
Light: In cooler northern locations, turmeric grows best in full sun.
Soil: Turmeric likes a rich soil. Adding compost and/or manure helps achieve this. The soil should also drain well.
Water: Water regularly to keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy.
Bay Leaf
Laurus nobilis
Bay laurel is an evergreen shrub or tree best known for its leaves which are widely used in cooking, having an almost minty flavor with hints of black pepper and pine.
Bay laurel can be grown as a pruned garden shrub or full-sized single- or- multi-stemmed landscape tree. They are commonly grown in pots.
Light: Keep your indoor bay laurel tree near a sunny window in the winter. Avoid exposure to drafts and heat from appliances and air ducts. Outdoor plants prefer partial shade but will tolerate full sun. In areas with hot, dry summers, some afternoon shade is ideal.
Soil: Plant outdoor bay laurel trees in average garden soil that drains well. The ideal pH range is 6 to 7 but laurel bay is very versatile and will tolerate a range from 4.5 to 8.3. as well as loamy, sandy, and even clay soils. Bay laurels grown in containers can be planted in a regular commercial potting mix.
Water: Water bay laurel plant regularly to keep the soil moist but not overly wet. Bay laurel roots are shallow and frequent watering could cause root rot. Allow the soil to dry somewhat between waterings but do not let it dry completely.