2011 Herbs

Arugula

Spicy, bitter, and peppery salad green with diverse culinary uses.

Arugula originated in the Mediterranean and has long been a favorite in Italian cooling.  Throughout the ages, it also has been used as an ingredient in various aphrodisiac potions.

Most commonly used in salads, but it also can be used in sauces, soups, pasta dishes, and as a sautéed accompaniment.

 

Genovese Basil

Extremely tender, fragrant, extra-large, dark green leaves.

An Italian variety, which is often used for pesto.

Best results when planted in full sun.  Grows 17”-24” in height.  Annual.

 

Purple Ruffles Basil 

Ruffled, large and frilly purple leaves.  Beautiful and fragrant with a stronger flavor than Sweet Basil, but a milder flavor than Green Ruffles.

Adds color and flavor to herb vinegars.

Height 12”-19”.  Plant in full sun for best growth.  Annual.

 

Red Ruby Basil

A vigorous, large leaf type, with a copper colored tinge to its purple leaves.

Produces flat 3” long leaves on18”-24” high plants.  A high yielding variety with a great spicy flavor.  Annual.

 

Thai Basil

Small leaves, purple stems and a subtle licorice or mint flavor.  Thai Basil has a more assertive taste than many other sweet basils.  Used as a condiment in Thai and Vietnamese cooking.

Plant in full sun and provide ample space.  Grows 24”-30” in height.   Perennial.

 

Catnip

Nepeta cataria is mostly used as a recreational substance for pet cats’ enjoyment.  Roughly 50% of cats will be affected by the plant, whether it is growing wild or harvested and dried.  Resembles mint in appearance, with grayish-green leaves and white flowers.

Plant in full sun to partial shade in well-drained soil.

 

Chamomile

Although chamomile is a favorite herb for making tea, it is also a charming flower that’s perfect for casual gardens.  The yellow and white flowers can be made into tea – reputed to soothe upset stomachs and digestive systems as well as calm the nerves.

Plant in full sun in well-drained soil about 6” apart for a carpet-like ground cover effect or 18” apart in herb and flower gardens.

 

Chives

Onion flavored leaves can be used fresh or dried for seasoning.  Decorative round, lavender pink blossoms can be used to flavor vinegar and/or oil.

Plant in full sun 15” apart.  Grows to about 12” in height.

 

Cilantro/Coriander

The foliage is called Cilantro, while the edible seed is called Coriander.  Originally grown around present day Greece, Cilantro has been used as a culinary herb since at least 5,000 B.C.  Fast becoming one of the most popular fresh herbs in the U.S.

Popular in Mexican and Asian cuisine.  Annual.

 

Curry

Silver-gray leaves emit a curry scent when rubbed.  Clusters of yellow, button-like flowers in summer.

Mainly used as an ornamental.  Good container plant.  Plant in full sun. Grows to 24”-48” in height.  Tender Perennial.

 

Dill

One of the easiest herbs to grow.  Decorative ferny finely cut foliage is used fresh or dried for seasoning.  If allowed to go to seed, it will provide seasoning for dill pickles and other savory dishes.

Plant 8” apart in full sun.  Grows 30”-36” tall.  Perennial.

 

Bronze Fennel

Striking, very fine ferny foliage is a purplish-bronze color.  Soft, nutty, anise flavor.  Use seeds and leaves the same as green fennel in cooking.

Attracts butterflies and bees.  Plant 12” apart in full sun.  Grows to 48” tall.  Perennial.

 

French Tarragon

A small, shrubby herb in the sunflower family.  Two species are cultivated, Russian and French.  Leaves of the French variety are glossier and more pungent.

Used in finer cooking, tarragon pairs well with fish, egg and chicken dishes.

Thrives in containers.  Plant in full sun.  18”-24” apart.  Grows 15”-18” in height.  Perennial.

 

Irish Moss

Forms a lush emerald green carpet of moss-like foliage with delicate white flowers in midsummer.

Hardy enough for sunny or shady locations.  Flowers bloom on short 2”-4” stalks. Perfect for ground cover in rock gardens and for planting between stepping stones or pavers.  Stays green all year.  Plant 12” apart.  Evergreen.

 

Fern Leaf Lavender

Plant has many deep lobed, silver coated, green leaves giving the foliage a lacy appearance and has long straight stems topped off with blue bracts usually found in clusters of three.  Great for use in borders, beds and containers.

Grows to about 24” in height and is highly aromatic making it attractive to bees.  Tender Perennial.

 

Fringed Lavender

Aromatic gray-green foliage and large spikes of fragrant purple-blue flowers with purple bracts.  Perfect when used as edging in an herb garden.

Treat it as a summer annual or grow it in containers, bringing it indoors in the fall.  Plant 12” apart in full sun for a miniature hedge.  Grows 36” tall.  Tender Perennial.

 

Goodwin Creek Lavender

Since the Middle Ages, Goodwin Creek Lavender has been the “Herb of Love”.  This aromatic lavender has beautiful light gray, deeply toothed foliage and large, deep dark blue-purple flowers.

Great for use in borders, beds and containers.  Grows to about 18” in height.  Plant in full sun.

 

Hidcote Lavender

Deep purple, fragrant flowers are among the darkest of the lavenders, and bloom throughout the summer.  Compact grower with narrow gray leaves.

Use for borders.  Plant 18” apart in full sun.  Grows to 12”-18” in height.  Perennial.

 

Provence Purple Lavender

A very fragrant plant with soft, grey leaves and dark purple colored spikes of flowers.  Originates from the Provence region of France. Use the flowers in baking or add it vinegar for salad dressings.

Easy to grow as long as it has good drainage and LOTS of sunshine.  Plant in full sun.  Grows to about 24” in height.

 

Provence White Lavender

A beautiful pure white lavender.  A great focal point in a garden or in a container.  Originates from the Provence region of France.

The fresh flowers can be crystallized to decorate desserts or with the leaves can be used to make herb tea.

Deer and rabbit resistant, attracts butterflies and bees, edible and drought tolerant.  Plant in full sun.

 

Lemon Balm

Prefers rich, moist soil and partial shade.  Can tolerate direct sunlight, but plants grown in shade tend to be larger and more succulent.  Related to mint in appearance, but it is not as invasive and easier to control.

A clump-forming herbaceous perennial with heart-shaped, deeply veined leaves that are covered with stiff hairs.  Grows to 12”-24” in height.

 

Lemon Verbena

Vigorous-growing, highly aromatic shrubby herb.  Lemony essence in leaves used in perfumes; leaves can be used for flavoring tea, food or as potpourri.

Plant in full sun.  Can grow up to 6’ tall.  Prefers nutrient rich soil.  Tender Perennial.

 

Edible Gem Marigolds

Bite-size for use as edible garnish.  Hundreds of petite flowers cover neat, low mounds of lacy foliage with a citrusy scent.  Spicy, herbal flavor ranging from tangy to bitter, depending on the soil and growing conditions.

Long-blooming for beds, borders and containers.  Annual.

 

Mexican Mint Marigolds

Narrow, dark green, toothed foliage with bright yellow flowers.  Used as a tarragon substitute in hot, humid climates.

Plant in full sun 12” apart.  Grows to 24”-36” in height.  Annual.

 

Golden Marjoram

Golden foliage is wonderful for adding contrast to rock gardens and border edges.  Used mainly as an ornamental, it has a mild flavor for cooking.

Plant 18” apart in full sun.  Grows to 12” in height.  Perennial.

 

Sweet Marjoram

Named for the city of Marjori in Sicily, which has a sprig of Marjoram in its coat of arms, this herb is a sweeter, more refined version of its assertive relative oregano.

It forms an attractive bushy mound of small-leafed, green sprigs and is a versatile, all-purpose herb that combines well with onions, thyme, basil and garlic.

Plant 18” apart in full sun.  Grows to 24” in height.

 

Chocolate Mint

Purplish-dark leaves, this plant grows along the ground and spreads rapidly.  This very strong mint tastes like a “Thin-mint” cookie or a chocolate peppermint patty.  Use it chopped with fresh ripe strawberries or in tea.

Virtually carefree and survives mild dry spells. It grows well in an area that receives morning sun.

 

Mint Julep

The mint most favored for the classic Southern drink that shares the same name.  Leaves have a good spearmint flavor and scent.  Also wonderful in tea.

Plant in full sun.  Grows 12”-24” in height.

 

Orange Mint

Orange Mint has green, branching stems tinged with red and the leaves are round to oval, smooth and dark green with a red edge.

Very fragrant, citrus-like scent.  Great for making mint sauce for lamb or fish, or in salsa.

Very easy to grow.   Plant in full sun to partial shade in moist soil.

 

Peppermint

Grown for its aromatic and flavorful leaves.  Long used for making peppermint tea, which helps soothe indigestion.  Use fresh or dried.

Plant 18” apart in full sun.   Grows to 12”-24” in height.  Perennial.

 

Pineapple Mint

Plant has wavy, gray-green-edged leaves with creamy-white streaks and a sweet fruity aroma.  In summer it carries pink or white flowers in dense spikes.  Many love to use Pineapple Mint in Mojitos as it imparts almost a “Piña Coloda” element to the drink.

Plant 12”-18” apart in full sun to part-shade.  Grows up to 24” in height.  Tender Perennial.

 

Red Apple Mint

This very invasive hardy perennial has some-what hairy leaves with serrated edges on the top.

It has a sunny sweet scent, warmly flavored of minted apples.  An essential ingredient in Apple Mint Jelly and it also makes a refreshing treat when the leaves are added to tea.

Plant in full sun.

 

Kentucky Colonel Spearmint 

This mint is grown for Mint Juleps, Mojitos, and of course, its great spearmint flavoring.

Large, dark green, slightly crinkly leaves.  Kentucky Colonel is a reliably hardy, strong flavored spearmint that is favored by many herb growers.

 

Italian Oregano

Is a hybrid resulting from the crossing of Greek Oregano and Sweet Marjoram.  Spreads to form a clump 2’-4’ in diameter with tall white flowers.

Tastes sweet and savory at the same time and thus is a versatile herb that can be used to season meats, eggs, soups and vegetables.

 

Curly Leaf Parsley

Curly leaf parsley has leaves that curl into small frilly leaflets.  It is often used as a garnish and is the variety most commonly sold even though it is less flavorful than flat leaf parsley.

Plant 12”-18” apart.  Grow in a sunny spot or light shade in moderately rich but well drained soil.  Soil should be kept moist.

 

Flat Leaf Parsley

Also called Italian Parsley, its uses are similar to the curly variety, but the flavor is a bit stronger. Preferred in Italian cooking.

Plants are 12” tall and produce sprigs of large, flat leaves all season.  Likes part shade.  Perennial.

 

Barbeque Rosemary

Long, sturdy, upright stems are perfect for skewering and roasting vegetables and meats on the barbeque.  Turns ordinary grill fare into succulently infused delicacies.  Your friends and family will be awed by your culinary expertise.

Deer resistant, drought and heat tolerant.  Great in containers.

Plant in full sun 12” apart.  Grows to 24”-48” in height.

 

Creeping Rosemary

Trailing, spreading growth of fragrant leaves.  Use for seasoning, potpourri, herb or flower gardens.  Produces small blue flowers in mid to late summer.

Plant 18” apart in full sun.  Grows to 6” tall.  Tender Perennial.

 

Salem Rosemary

Upright variety of rosemary, with narrow dark green leaves and pale blue flowers.  Pinch the tips back periodically to keep the growth fresh and the bottom of the plant from becoming too woody.

Salem is a wonderful variety for culinary use, not too piney or resinous.  The branches can be used as skewers, or as a “brush” to apply marinades imparting a light rosemary flavor to whatever you are grilling.

 

Variegated Golden Sage

Mottled green and gold textured leaves add a mild flavor to stuffing, sausages, salads and soups.

Provides color interest in the home garden.  Plant 12” apart in full sun.  Grows to 18” in height.  Perennial.

 

Sage

Sage is a small evergreen shrub with woody stems and fuzzy grayish leaves.  In ancient times, it was thought to give longevity and even immortality.  Native Americans used it as a salve and even as a toothbrush.

Sage is a fine accompaniment to meats, fish, and starchy root vegetables, and adds flavors to marinades and soups.

 

Margarita Sweet Potato Vine

A tuberous, tender perennial, the “Margarita” bears trailing stems with unique bright-yellow to chartreuse foliage that maintains its color in full sun.  Its bright-red tubers develop over the season and can be harvested in fall as sweet potatoes.

This tropical native is best used spilling from containers or as a bold, textured ground cover in the border.

Plant in full sun to part shade and provide consistent moisture.

 

Sweet Woodruff

The beautiful sweet woodruff is a shade gardener’s delight.  Fast growing, quick to establish, beautiful white star-shaped spring flowers and attractive foliage through to snow, this treasure is seldom bothered by pest or disease.  Its dried foliage has a sweet scent that has been described as fresh-cut hay and vanilla fragrance, and it used frequently in potpourri.

Vigorous ground cover that grows best in shade.

 

Lemon Thyme

Leaves taste like sweet lemon, and have a great lemon fragrance.  A lovely plant to edge an herb border or to put in a pot near an outdoor seating area.

A delightful culinary – use in recipes that call for lemon juice or lemon zest.  Great to add to marinades, or chop the soft tips into salad.  Sprinkle on fish and chicken or add to ice tea.

Grow in full sun or afternoon shade with good drainage.  Excellent in containers.  Grows to 12” in height.

 

Lime Golden Thyme

Foliage has a strong lime scent and flavor.  Shrubby growth of tiny leaves.  Makes a gorgeous ground cover or in combination planters with other herbs or flowers.  Use to season fish, chicken and sauces.

Plant in full to part-sun.  Height 6”-12”.  Perennial.

 

Silver-Edged Thyme

Distinctive silver-green foliage with uses the same as common thyme.  Add to meat, fish, salads and sauces.

Makes a great accent plant.  Use in edging or in baskets. 

Plant in full sun.  Grows 6”-12” tall.

 

Wedgewood Thyme

Fragrant, flavorful leaves with a splotch of yellow in the center.  Great for cooking, fresh or dried.  Attractive ornamental plant with a rounded growth habit.

Easy to control, so equally good in planters or in a landscape.  Plant 14”-18” apart in full to part-sun.  Grows to 8” tall.

 

White Creeping Thyme

This uncommon variety is a mat-forming, woody ground cover that is shade tolerant and makes a fine choice for patios and beds receiving only partial sun.  The tiny, light green leaves and stems make a tight carpet over which the glowing white flowers really stand out.

Thyme symbolized courage and energy to ancient Greek athletes.