Table of Contents
Herbs are great for their fragrant and aromatic properties for culinary, medical, and well-being. They can be grown indoors and outdoors depending on their growth requirements. If you are planning to grow some herbs outdoors.
Are you planning an outdoor herb garden? Well, you have come to the right place. Here’s a list of 18 herbs that you can grow outdoors as they thrive in full sun and the many reasons why they should be on your list of herbs to grow.
Lavender
Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) is an herb that grows best in full sun which helps it produce lovely, fragrant, purple flowers that blossom from May through to September. It is hardy and requires low maintenance.
| Soil | Well drained soil |
| Temperature and Heat | Soil temperatures around 65 F degrees is preferable and average temperatures between 68 – 86 F. |
| Water | Don’t like wet feet so water them only when the soil is dry |
| Plant Zone | USDA Zone 5 |
| Harvest | Snip off the stems before the flowers open and dry the cuttings. |
| Propagation | Propagate in summer, through hard or soft wood cuttings around 4 inches long from the base of the plant and place in water. Choose non-flowered shoots, free from diseases and pests. Place cuttings in water. Allow 3 – 4 weeks for rooting. |
| Health Benefits | Popular as an aromatherapy agent. Lavender oil has a calming effect which helps to relax muscles and it also has antibacterial properties. |
| Culinary Uses | Lavender tea is quite popular, and the blooms add to aesthetics in home decorations. Not all lavender is safe to use in food unless its culinary lavender is cultivated from English lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) also known as true lavender. |
| Storage | Dry bundles hung upside down. Store in a dark place. |
Cilantro
Cilantro (Coriandrum sativum) is a perennial and a hardy herb. It is widely used in America and the Middle East.
Too much heat will cause your cilantro to bolt rapidly (go to seed) too early and lose its flavor with the leaves turning yellow and inedible. You will know your cilantro is bolting when it produces a thick central stem with delicate leaves and flowers and produce seeds (coriander seeds). Find cilantro that is slow bolting and suits best your climate by reading the seed packet description.
Plant cilantro early in spring or fall for the best growth. With just a little bit of effort, you will have this herb thriving to go with your seafood, stews, chutneys, or garnish.
| Soil | Likes moist but well-drained soil and does well in sandy to the fertile soil. Use soil with a pH of 6.2 – 6.8 |
| Temperature and Heat | Prefers cooler temperatures. Prefers sun but thrives in partial sun, so provide a little shade in the afternoon. Too much heat will make it bolt. |
| Water | Water to have soil moist, at least an inch of water per week. |
| Plant Zone | Zones 2 – 11 |
| Harvest | Harvest in spring and early summer when the leaves are lacy–looking and the plant has long stems around 10-12 inches long. |
| Propagation | Grow cilantro from seed or cuttings to root in water which takes 2 – 3 weeks. |
| Health Benefits | Anti-cancer, anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, ca |
| Culinary Uses | The whole cilantro plant is edible and used in cooking. |
| Storage | Wash and place in a jar of cold water, loosely covered with a plastic bag. Store in the fridge for up to 1 week. |
Dill
Dill (Anethum graveolens) is an annual herb related to celery. It’s got a grassy texture with an anise-like flavor. Dill plants provide feathery green leaves which is the dill herb, and its fruit produces the dill seed spice. Dill is popular with cucumbers, eggs, and potato salads. It has medicinal advantages. It helps in healing wounds and has pain-relieving effects too.
The best time to grow dill in warmer planting zones is winter, as it can’t withstand excessively. In lower to middle planting zones, it would be better to grow in spring or early summer. Excess heat will make dill bolt.
| Soil | Needs nutrient-rich, well-draining soil. |
| Temperature and Heat | Dill loves full exposure to the sun and can’t handle frost. Excess heat will make dill bolt. |
| Water | Water when topsoil is dry. |
| Plant Zone | Grown as a perennial in zone 8. Can survive winter temperatures down to 25 degrees F. |
| Harvest | Harvest once fern-like leaves develop around 8 weeks after planting. Cut near the stem. |
| Propagation | Cuttings will root in water in 2 -3 weeks. |
| Health Benefits | Contains flavonoids that reduce the risk of heart disease and strokes and lower cholesterol levels. |
| Culinary Uses | The whole plant is edible. |
| Storage | Wash, towel dry, wrap in paper towels and store in a crisper for up to 2 weeks. |
Fennel
Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) is a unique herb as it grows at ground level. It is layered and bulbous with origins from the Mediterranean. Although it is not a root vegetable, it belongs to the carrot family. It is a perennial herb quite popular for its culinary purposes.
| Soil | Needs nutrient-rich, well-draining soil. |
| Temperature and Heat | Needs full exposure to the sun, at least 6 hours a day. Tolerates hot temperatures and can’t bear frost. |
| Water | Frequent watering is necessary. |
| Plant Zone | Zones 4-9 |
| Harvest | Cut the bulb about 2 – 3 inches below soil level or pull the plant out and trim off the roots. |
| Propagation | Grow from seeds and can grow from fronds but extremely slow. |
| Health Benefits | Weight loss, heart health, and curing cancer. |
| Culinary Uses | Used in making beverages, stuffing, relishes, and pizzas. |
| Storage | Wash and place fronds in a jar of cold water, loosely covered with a plastic bag. Store in the fridge for up to 1 week. Store bulbs in a crisper. |
Summer Savory
Summer savory (Satureja hortensis) is a low-growing herb that grows up to a height of 12-18 inches. It is one of the hardest herbs. Its perennial cousin is winter savory. Summer savory produces white, pink, and lilac blooms by mid-summer. It lives only one season, blooms, and dies.
| Soil | The soil must be well-drained and rich in nutrients. |
| Temperature and Heat | Needs full exposure to the sun for 6 hours a day at least. |
| Water | Prefers moist soil so water it regularly, but don’t over wet the soil. |
| Plant Zone | Any plant zone |
| Harvest | Harvest when stems are 6-8 inches long and before flowering for the best flavors. |
| Propagation | With cuttings: Select 4 -5 inches long cutting, remove all the leaves from the bottom of the cutting, and place in water to root. With seeds: Sow seeds indoors 4-6 weeks prior to the last frost and allow 10-15 days for seeds to sprout. |
| Health Benefits | Savory has many antioxidants and produces essential oils and is known for its medicinal benefits. |
| Culinary Uses | Savory is used in plenty of dishes. It can be added to casseroles, meats, bean dishes, and stews. It brings an elegant taste to meals. |
| Storage | Store fresh summer savory in a plastic bag and place it in the crisper for a few days. Freeze summer savory on cookie sheets, remove leaves from the branches, and store in containers in the freezer. |
Tarragon
Tarragon (Artemisia dracunculus) come in three types of tarragon which are Russian, French, and Mexican tarragon like full sun. If you love tarragon, there is a type that suits almost every planting zone. French tarragon does well in zones 4 and higher, Russian tarragon prefers zones 4 through eight, and Mexican tarragon does well in zones 9 through eleven.
Tarragon is quite popular for its fragrance which is used in the production of soaps and some cosmetic items too.
| Soil | Well-drained nutrient-rich, loamy soil. |
| Temperature and Heat | Needs full sun. |
| Water | Light watering every few days or alternate days. Water only if the topsoil is dry. |
| Plant Zone | Zones 4 and higher. |
| Harvest | Snip the shoot tips and use your fingers to strip the leaves. |
| Propagate | Select a 4 -5 inch long cutting, just below the node, remove all the leaves from the bottom of the cutting, and place in water to root. Use a rooting hormone and plant in a moist potting mix, and mist regularly. |
| Health Benefits | Tarragon also has medicinal benefits and is used to treat various conditions like digestive conditions, loss of appetite, dehydration, toothaches, menstruation problems, and to induce sleep. |
| Culinary Uses | Culinary tarragon is used in dishes and in beverages. |
| Storage | Best used fresh. Dry and store in airtight bags. |
Oregano
Oregano (Origanum vulgare) is a staple herb in most cuisines bringing warmth and subtle sweetness to dishes. It is a hardy herb that is heat tolerant and will do well in an outdoor sunny spot.
Whether you take oregano as fresh, dried, or as an oil, there are immense health benefits. From helping fight bacteria to reducing inflammation, studies have unearthed some of its impressive potential benefits.
| Soil | It does well even in rocky soil but thrives in well-drained, nutritious soil. |
| Temperature and Heat | Grows best in full sun and part sun, but flavors are enhanced in full sun. |
| Water | Water if the topsoil feels dry. |
| Plant Zone | Zones 5 – 10 |
| Harvest | Uses shears to cut stems above a node, in the morning, after buds have formed. |
| Propagation | Select 5-7 cm long cutting, remove all the leaves from the bottom of the cutting, and place in water to root. Place in indirect sunlight. Rooting should start in 3 – 4 weeks. Use a rooting hormone and plant in a moist potting mix, and mist regularly. |
| Health Benefits | Oregano is popular for its medicinal benefits. It contains chemicals that might help reduce cough, help with digestion, and with fighting against some bacteria and viruses. It is also used for wound healing, parasite infections, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses. A teaspoon of dried oregano can fulfill about 8% of your daily vitamin K needs. |
| Culinary Uses | Oregano is one of the most popular cooking herbs added to Italian, Mexican, and Greek cuisines. |
| Storage | Can be used as dried herbs. To use as fresh herbs, wash, towel dry, wrap in paper towels, and store in a crisper up to 2 weeks. |
Lemon Balm
Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) is a fragrant herb in the mint family. It has bright green leaves and small white flowers and is native to the Mediterranean region. The leaves have a citrusy, lemony scent and flavor, and are often used in teas, cocktails, and desserts.
Lemon balm is also used in traditional medicine to alleviate stress and promote relaxation. It is easy to grow in gardens and containers and attracts bees and other pollinators. This is a hardy plant that can withstand drought and frost and can be grown as an annual or perennial depending on the climate.
| Soil | Grows perfectly in maintaining a well-drained system. Soil having high nutrients would add quality of herbs. |
| Temperature and Heat | Loves the sun. |
| Water | Water if the topsoil feels dry. |
| Plant Zone | Zones 4 – 9 |
| Harvest | Pluck leaves as needed before the plant blossoms when oil is most potent. |
| Propagation | Select 5-7 cm long cutting, remove all the leaves from the bottom of the cutting, and place in water to root. Place in indirect sunlight. Rooting should start in 2 -3 weeks. Use a rooting hormone and plant in a moist potting mix, and mist regularly. |
| Health Benefits | Known as a calming herb. It works for restlessness and irritability. It is helpful to reduce stress and anxiety. Among its benefits is sleep inducer, improved appetite, and ease of pain and discomfort from indigestion and bloating. |
| Culinary Uses | It can be added to roast chicken or turkey. It also adds taste to tea, syrup, and jam. Its leaves can be used to top ice cream and desserts. |
| Storage | Can be used as dried herbs. To use as fresh herbs, wash, towel dry, wrap in paper towels, and store in a crisper up to 5 days. |
Sage
Sage (Salvia officinalis) is a woody, perennial herb with gray-green leaves and small purple or white flowers. It’s native to the Mediterranean region and has a strong, savory flavor that is often used in cooking. Sage is often used in stuffings, sauces, and roasted meats, and pairs well with other herbs like rosemary and thyme.
In traditional medicine, sage is used to treat digestive issues and as a natural remedy for sore throat. It’s also believed to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Sage is easy to grow in well-draining soil and can be propagated from cuttings or seeds. It’s drought-tolerant and can withstand cold temperatures, making it a popular choice for gardens and landscaping.
| Soil | Soil should be well drained and not wet. |
| Temperature and Heat | Full sun-loving herb that thrives in medium to full sun. |
| Water | Keep soil moist by watering once or twice a week when the plant is young, and as the plant matures, reduce watering. Overwatering will cause the plant to wilt. |
| Plant Zone | Plant zones 5 – 8 |
| Harvest | Harvest leaves or sprigs in spring and summer when sage is actively growing and before they flower for the best aromatic leaves. |
| Propagation | Use seeds two weeks before the frost date. Or use cuttings by cutting off a 6 cm tender shoot below the leaf crown. Remove lower leaves, plant in compost soil, and mist regularly to keep the soil moist. |
| Health Benefits | The herb has immense medical usage. It is used in the treatment of sore throat, memory loss, diabetes, and high cholesterol levels. |
| Culinary Uses | Leaves of the herb are used in cocktails and teas for an instant touch of herbal flavor. It is also used in sauces, compound butter, meat marinades, pastries, and bread. |
| Storage | Can be used as dried herbs. To use as fresh herbs, wash, towel dry, wrap in paper towels, and store in a crisper for up to 3 weeks. |
Chives
Chives (Allium schoenoprasum) are a type of onion with thin, green leaves and small purple flowers. They have a mild, onion-like flavor and are often used as a garnish or in cooking to add flavor to dishes. Chives are a popular choice for home gardens due to their easy care and ability to tolerate a range of growing conditions.
They are often grown as a perennial in cold climates, but can also be grown as an annual in warm climates. In addition to their culinary uses, chives have been used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments.
| Soil | Soil should be, nutrient-rich, well-drained, and not wet. |
| Temperature and Heat | Full sun |
| Water | Water once a week |
| Plant Zone | Plant zones 3 – 9 |
| Harvest | Harvest leaves by snipping the whole leaf all the way down to the soil level to encourage new growth. |
| Propagation | Whole chives with bulbs can root in water but grow better in soil. Once rooted in water, chives can be transplanted in soil. |
| Health Benefits | Chives have choline and folate that helps improve memory function, are rich in nutrients and antioxidants, and are considered a superfood. |
| Culinary Uses | Chives can be added to dishes at the last minute as they are delicate. The leaves and flowers are edible. |
| Storage | Can be used as dried herbs. To use as fresh herbs, wash, towel dry, wrap in paper towels or cling wrap, and store in a crisper for up to 2 weeks. |
Rosemary
Rosemary (Salvia rosmarinusis) is a woody, perennial herb with needle-like leaves and small, purple flowers. It is native to the Mediterranean region and has a strong, pine-like aroma and a slightly bitter, astringent flavor. Rosemary is often used in cooking to add flavor to roasted meats, stews, and soups, and pairs well with other herbs like thyme and oregano.
In traditional medicine, rosemary is believed to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties and is used to treat a variety of ailments. It’s also a popular choice for gardens and landscaping due to its attractive appearance and ability to tolerate a range of growing conditions.
| Soil | Well-draining soil that is light and fluffy. |
| Temperature and Heat | Full sunlight |
| Water | Water well when the soil is dry, once a week in summer, twice a week in Spring and Fall. |
| Plant Zone | Zones 7 – 10 |
| Harvest | Harvest leaves or sprigs using kitchen scissors. Younger sprigs will be less woody and more fragrant. |
| Propagation | Select a 5-7 cm long cutting, remove all the leaves from the bottom of the cutting, and place in water to root. Place in indirect sunlight. Rooting should start in 2 -3 weeks. Use a rooting hormone and plant in a moist potting mix, and mist regularly. |
| Health Benefits | Rosemary contains carnosic and rosmarinic acids that are antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal. This help boosts the immune system, brain health, mood and memory, and vision, and lowers risk levels of infection, depression, and fatigue among others. |
| Culinary Uses | Popular in teas. Used a lot in Mediterranean cuisine to complement soups, casseroles, meats, and roast vegetables. Rosemary oil should not be taken orally. |
| Storage | Store fresh in an airtight bag or a container for up to 5 days, freeze with olive oil in ice cube trays, or flash freeze the sprigs to avoid them sticking together. |
Mint
Mint (Mentha spp.) Mint is a perennial herb with green, oval-shaped leaves and small, white or pink flowers. It is native to Europe and Asia and has a refreshing, cool, and invigorating scent and flavor. Mint is often used in cooking to add flavor to drinks, desserts, and savory dishes, and is a popular choice for making teas and cocktails.
In traditional medicine, mint is used to treat digestive issues and as a natural remedy for headaches and stress. Mint is easy to grow and is often used in gardens and landscaping due to its attractive appearance and ability to spread quickly.
| Soil | Mint prefers moist and damp soil that is organically rich and well-drained but high in nutrients. Prefers pH levels of 6.0 – 7.0 |
| Temperature and Heat | Mint loves the full sun so grow it where it can have direct sunlight for at least 5 hours a day. |
| Water | Water when topsoil is dry. Water excessively till water trickles off. Overwatering can cause root rot. Mulching will help keep the moisture needed for your mint. |
| Plant Zone | Zones 3 – 8 |
| Harvest | Can harvest individual leaves when the plant is 4 inches high. Harvest leaves before flowers appear. |
| Propagation | Mint cuttings will root in water or can be planted in soil. |
| Health Benefits | Mint is loaded with vitamins and minerals and supports digestive health, enhances memory, and weight loss as it releases extra bile from the gallbladder. |
| Culinary Uses | Mint is added to salads, sauces, pasta dishes, and cooked vegetables. |
| Storage | Wash and place loosely in a plastic bag. If the leaves are pressed tightly or if moisture is trapped in the bag, the herb will grow mold. Store in refrigerator for up to 5 days and if frozen, use for up to 6 months. |
Caraway
Caraway (Carum carvi L.) is an interesting herb that looks like the carrot plant until it starts to flower, then produces aromatic fruits that are often called seeds. Once the seeds are sown, they can take time to germinate and then grow invasively overtaking native plants. Caraway can be used in place of fennel although they have their distinctive tastes, they are quite similar.
It has a longer germination period and prefers to be directly sown into its growing area as it can prove difficult to transplant it successfully.
| Soil | Light clay or loamy soil that is moist and fertile. Avoid damp and wet soil in winter. |
| Temperature and Heat | Enjoys full sun or part shade. |
| Water | Water daily aiming at the roots rather than the leaves. Water on the leaves may encourage fungus. Water to leave soil moist but not wet. |
| Plant Zone | Zones 4 – 10 |
| Harvest | Harvest the fruit before they become nut brown in color. Place seed heads in a bag to dry and shake once dried. The seeds will fall off. Dry thoroughly before storage. Tender young leaves can be used like parsley and dill. |
| Propagation | Directly sowing seeds. Caraway easily reseeds so remove unwanted plants. |
| Health Benefits | Caraway oil controls phlegm promotes digestive health and kills bacteria. But over consumption may result in kidney stones. |
| Culinary Uses | Caraway fruit is used as whole or ground. It is added to sweet and savory dishes, curries, stews, bread and pastries, spirits, liqueurs, and tea. Caraway leaves can be used like parsley and dill and cooked like spinach. |
| Storage | Store dried fruit in an airtight container up to 4 years. |
Parsley
Parsley (Petroselinum crispum) is Parsley is a biennial herb with dark green, curled, or flat leaves and small, white or yellow flowers. It is native to the Mediterranean region and has a mild, slightly bitter flavor that is often used as a garnish or in cooking to add flavor to dishes.
Parsley is a good source of vitamins and minerals and is often used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments. It is easy to grow in well-draining soil and can be grown as an annual or a perennial depending on the climate. Parsley is a popular choice for gardens and landscaping due to its attractive appearance and ability to tolerate a range of growing conditions.
| Soil | Fertile soil that is well-draining. |
| Temperature and Heat | Sunny location with temperatures 50 – 70 F |
| Water | Well-draining soil ensures water can reach the roots and flow away quickly to avoid the plant becoming oversaturated. |
| Plant Zone | Zones 3 – 9 (Zone 9 in winter) |
| Harvest | Harvest when there are 3 or more leaf clusters on a stem. |
| Propagation | Use cuttings of about 7 cm to root in water and transplant in soil. |
| Health Benefits | Reduces blood pressure, and bloating. Promotes bone health as it is loaded with Vitamin K. Parsley improves neuron formation in the brain. Dark leaves are rich in vitamins C, A, and iron. |
| Culinary Uses | Parsley is pureed into sauces, pestos, and dips and used as a garnish. |
| Storage | Wash and place in a jar of cold water on the kitchen bench top or in the refrigerator like flowers for up to 10 days. Pick the leaves and microwave for 40 secs, then process them into a powder that can be stored in an airtight container to be used as a garnish. Cut herbs and place them in an ice tray to freeze. |
Basil
Basil (Ocimum basilicum) is an annual herb with large, green leaves and small, white or purple flowers. It’s native to India and has a sweet, licorice-like flavor that is often used in cooking to add flavor to dishes. Basil is a popular choice for making pesto and is also used in a variety of other dishes, including pasta, salads, and sauces.
In traditional medicine, basil is believed to have anti-inflammatory properties and is used to treat a variety of ailments. It’s easy to grow in well-draining soil and requires plenty of sunlight to thrive. Basil is a popular choice for gardens and container planting due to its attractive appearance and ability to tolerate a range of growing conditions.
| Soil | Well-draining soil. The dirt should remain consistently moist. |
| Temperature and Heat | Basil thrives in heat. Prefers around 50 – 70 F during the day and 50F at night. |
| Water | Be mindful of how much you water basil as you don’t want it to become too saturated. |
| Plant Zone | Zones 10 -11 |
| Harvest | When 4 -5 leaves have unfurled with the plant around 6 – 8 inches in height. If the plant has been seeded, you can harvest it again 60 – 70 days later. |
| Propagation | Grow from seed, or root in water. |
| Health Benefits | Promotes memory and clear thinking, and reduces depression, anxiety, and inflammation in the body. Basil has antibacterial properties, detoxifies the body, and reduces health conditions such as diabetes, cancer, and heart conditions. |
| Culinary Uses | Basil is used to make pesto, sauces, and its oil as a flavoring. |
| Storage | Can be used as dried herbs. To use as fresh herbs, wash, towel dry, wrap in paper towels or cling wrap, and store in a crisper for up to 2 weeks. |
Chamomile
Chamomile (Matricaria recutita) is a perennial herb with small, white daisy-like flowers and feathery leaves. It’s native to Europe and Asia and has a sweet, apple-like scent and flavor. Chamomile is often used to make tea and is believed to have a number of health benefits, including promoting relaxation and aiding sleep.
Chamomile is used to treat a variety of ailments, including digestive issues, skin conditions, and anxiety. It’s easy to grow in well-draining soil and requires plenty of sunlight to thrive. This herb is a popular choice for gardens and landscaping due to its attractive appearance and ability to attract bees and other pollinators.
| Soil | Fertile but dry, well-drained soil, doesn’t like too much moisture. |
| Temperature and Heat | Prefers temperatures around 60 – 68 degrees. It is a drought-tolerant plant so does well in moderate humidity levels. Provide some afternoon shade. |
| Water | Doesn’t like excess water so waters it sparingly. |
| Plant Zone | Zones 2-9 |
| Harvest | Harvest the flowers when they begin to drop backward. Midday is a good time to harvest when the flowers are most open, and the essential oil content is high. Dry the flowers. |
| Propagation | Grows from seeds |
| Medicinal Benefits | Relieves symptoms of depression, is used to treat digestive issues, (irritable bowel syndrome, diarrhea, colic), and contains apigenin which is an anti-cancer agent. |
| Culinary Uses | Used in tea for soothing effects. |
| Storage | Store the dried flowers in an airtight bag or container and keep it in a dark place for up to a year. |
Lemongrass
Lemon grass (Cymbopogon citratusis) Lemongrass is a tropical grass with tall, slender stalks and fragrant, lemon-scented leaves. It’s native to Southeast Asia and is often used in cooking to add flavor to dishes, particularly in Thai and Vietnamese cuisine.
Lemongrass has a citrusy, lemony flavor and is often used to make tea and other beverages. In traditional medicine, lemongrass is believed to have a number of health benefits, including aiding digestion and reducing inflammation. It’s easy to grow in well-draining soil and requires plenty of sunlight to thrive. It’s a popular choice for gardens and landscaping due to its attractive appearance and fragrant leaves.
| Soil | Best to grow in a container with Well-draining nutrient-rich soil with a pH level of 6.5 – 7. |
| Temperature and Heat | Full sun and warm temperatures. If winter temperatures dip below 20 degrees Fahrenheit, move your lemon grass indoors. |
| Water | Water when topsoil is dry. |
| Plant Zone | Zones 9 – 10 |
| Harvest | Snip tender leaves near the stalk. Tougher stalks can be harvested by dividing clumps at the roots. |
| Propagation | Divide lemon grass with 1 inch of root attached. Lemon grass can root in water and be transplanted. |
| Medicinal Benefits | Contains pain-relieving substances, and controls bacteria, diabetes, and cholesterol levels. |
| Culinary Uses | Used in Southeast Asian cuisine in soups, salads, and roasted meats. |
| Storage | Fresh lemongrass can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 10 days. Freeze the stalk cut into 4-inch length pieces that can be added to as a whole when cooking. |
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera (Barbadensis) Aloe vera is a succulent plant with thick, fleshy leaves that are often used to soothe burns and other skin irritations. It’s native to Africa and has a long history of use in traditional medicine. Aloe vera is believed to have a number of health benefits, including aiding digestion and reducing inflammation.
It’s easy to grow in well-draining soil and requires plenty of sunlight to thrive. Aloe vera is a popular choice for gardens and landscaping due to its attractive appearance and ability to tolerate a range of growing conditions. It’s also often grown as a houseplant for its medicinal properties.
| Soil | Light and sandy soil that is well draining |
| Temperature and Heat | Thrives well in intense desert climates but does well in partial sun. |
| Water | Water only after a few days of dry soil, so ideally once every two weeks. |
| Plant Zone | Zones 8 – 11 |
| Harvest | Harvest its leaves as needed. Don’t over-harvest too many leaves at the same time. |
| Propagation | Planting from seed can be difficult. Transplant aloe vera pups when they are about 6” in height. These can be separated from the mother plant and repotted. |
| Medicinal Benefits | The internal gel is used to treat burns, cuts, bug bites, acne, types of rashes on the skin and mouth, oral fibrosis, and radiation-induced skin toxicity. |
| Culinary Uses | Can be eaten raw or cooked, blended in with juices, salads, curries, or dips. |
| Storage | Aloe vera gel can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. |
Wrapping Up
The herbs mentioned in this article are known for their strong flavors and aromas, and are commonly used in cooking to add flavor to dishes. They’re also popular choices for gardens and landscaping due to their attractive appearance and ability to tolerate a range of growing conditions.
In addition to their culinary and ornamental uses, many of these herbs have a long history of use in traditional medicine and are believed to have a number of health benefits. Now that you know which herbs grow outdoors in full sun, why not go ahead and get started on your outdoor herb garden?
