Cooking Herbs

Growing your favorites will reap an abundance of fresh herbs through a long growing season, with enough to preserve at the end of the season.

These herbs can all be started from seeds or purchased as small plants. With few exceptions, they prefer full sun and well drained soil. Here are some great annual and perennial cooking herbs:

Top 10 Cooking Herbs

Parsley
Parsley grows easily and tolerates a little shade. The leaves can be used fresh or dried. It is considered a biennial, as it can grow a few years in the right conditions. Otherwise, treat it as an annual. It grows to about 15" tall.

Sage
Sage is a perennial that can be started from cuttings. The leaves can be used fresh or dried. Sage can grow two to three feet tall.

Oregano
Another perennial, oregano's leaves can be used fresh or dried. Flowers should be used fresh. It grows to about eighteen inches.

Basil
This annual is easily grown and includes several varieties. Use the leaves fresh or dried. Varieties can grow to two feet tall.

Thyme
A perennial, thyme's leaves and flowers can be used fresh or dry the leaves. Varieties grow from eight to twelve inches tall.

Mint
Mint is a hardy perennial that spreads quickly. Grow all varieties of these herbal plants in pots. The leaves can be used fresh, dried, or frozen into ice cubes for adding to drinks. Varieties are available in various sizes.

Chives
This favorite perennial tolerates part shade and likes soil kept moist, but well drained. It can grow to over two feet tall. Leaves can be used fresh or dried and fresh flowers are edible.

Cilantro
This annual gives you two seasonings for the price of one. The leaves are cilantro and the seeds are coriander, two very distinct flavors for the kitchen. It quickly grows to almost two feet. Use the leaves fresh or dried and harvest the seed heads.

Dill
Another annual that grows quickly, reaching two to three feet. Use the leaves fresh or dried in many dishes. Look for varieties that are non-bolting.

Rosemary
This tall growing perennial reaches several feet eventually. Flowers are edible fresh and leaves can be used fresh or dried.

Growing a few of these cooking herbs will add flavor and variety to your favorite recipes. Once you start growing herbs, you'll want to keep adding new ones to your garden and your recipes.

More Herbs