Perennial And Annual Information On Some Herbs

There are hundreds of perennial and annual herbs you can grow today. This article will give you some basic information on a few of the herbs that I have mentioned on pages in the spices and herb section, and some others. This is a basic guideline to follow, but your geographic location will play a role in which herbs will grow best in your area. One of the most important steps to take in planning to grow herbs, is to research and know what herbs will grow do well in your climate zone. Warmer climates will have a longer growing season, but colder regions can also grow a wide variety of herbs. I have had a lot of questions on what herbs to grow in a garden setting as compared to starting the germination process indoors. The first and foremost thing you should do if you are planting an herb garden outside is to properly plan, prep, and plant. This is a great way to ensure your herbs get a healthy start. You have two options of growing herbs. You can purchase plants from nurseries or garden centers, or you can also think about germinating a perennial or annual herb from seeds. Below is a list of mostly perennial and a few annual herbs and some basic information that may help you in planning your herbs for this year. Here is a list in order of how I will share the information with you.

• Herb


• Botanical Name


• Life Cycle - A - annual, HA - hardy annual, P - perennial, and TP - tender perennial.


• Height


• Seeds Or Other Methods


• Specific Needs


• Uses

Anise - Pimpinella anisum - A - 24 inches - Sow inside or directly into ground after last frost in spring. Loves full sun - culinary, medicinal, cosmetics.

Bergamot - Monarda didyma (Beebalm) - P - 36inches - root divisions - part shade - tea, potpourri, and cosmetics.

Catnip - Nepeta cataria - P - 18 inches - Root divisions - can be sown in ground but will spread. Purple flowers, good for control of ants and insects and of course cats love it!

Chervil - Anthriscus cerefolium - HA - 24 inches - sow outside in fall - shade - used in many culinary dishes.

Fenugreek - Trigonella Foenumgraecum - A - 18 inches - sow directly into ground - needs rich soil and will do well in sun to part shade - sugar substitute and has a maple flavoring.

Horehound - Marrubium vulgare - P - 18 inches - sow indoors, or it self sows outdoors, and root divisions. Full sun and dry soil. Garden borders, floral arrangements, and used in candy.

Lady's Mantle - Alchemilla vulgaris - P - 12 inches - self sow outdoors and root division - sun or shade - medicinal and cosmetics.

Lovage - Levisticum officinale - P - 6 inches - sow indoors or outside directly into ground - sun to part shade - celery flavor and a great salt substitute.

Pennyroyal - Mentha pulegium - P - 12 or more inches - sow inside - moist soil and can take part shade - potpourri, insect repellent and cosmetics.

Rue - Ruta graveolens - P - 24 inches - sow inside or root division - sun to part shade - good for hedges, and also bouquets or arrangements.

Saffron - Crocus sativus - P - 8 inches- plant bulbs in fall - needs rich soil and loves part shade - coloring and flavoring food and great in homemade bread or on rice. Much sought after herb and can be expensive.

French Sorrel - Rumex scutatus - P - 18 inches - sow outside and will self sow, but re-sow every three years. Great in many different culinary dishes.

Sweet Woodruff - Gallium odoratum - P - 10 inches - root divisions and stem cuttings - needs shade and moist soil - great ground cover, culinary and potpourri.

Tansy - Tanecetum vulgare - P - 3 feet - root division or seed- full sun - can be toxic if ingested by humans or cattle. Flowers are great in arrangements and oils used in dyes.

Winter Savory - Satureja montana - P - 12 inches - sow inside and do layering - can propagate more easily from root divisions or cutting - full sun and wonderful in a variety of culinary dishes.

Yarrow - Achillea species - P - 24 inches - root divisions and sow directly into ground in spring and fall - full sun - wreaths, arrangements and cosmetics.

These variety of herbs are just a fraction of what is available today. Make sure you research your herbs you want to germinate or grow directly into the ground. Know if they are perennial or annual in your region. I hope this has given you a little information on some different herbs and some of their basic requirements.