Looking to start an herb garden?
Discover the best perennial herbs to plant and how to care for them year after year.
What are perennial herbs?
Perennial herbs are herbs that, once planted, return year after year under favorable climate conditions.
While some perennial herbs will only come back in warmer climates, dont fret.
Of course, not all perennial herbs are alike.
clinical dietitian and founder of Chelsea Nutrition
Depending on the variety, Sears says that light exposure and watering requirements will vary.
Care instructions aside, Sears says that adding perennial herbs to your garden will transform the dishes you cook.
Cooking with fresh herbs provides wonderful aromatics and a clean, pure flavor.
[Quite simply,] fresh herbs elevate any meal.
Beyond the scent of edible herbs, their flavorand nutritionis unmatched.
Thankfully, herbs are really easy to grow especially by your sunny windowsill.
All it’s crucial that you do is water them regularly.
Ready to grow your own?
Keep reading to learn more about perennial herbs, including which to add to your garden.
clinical dietitian and founder of Chelsea Nutrition
17 perennial herbs that come back year after year
1.
But thats not all!
Parsley is high in vitamin C and K, Maeng says.
Much like its close relative,dill, thats packed with benefits, too.
Thehealth benefits of parsleydont stop here.
Bonnie Plants, Italian Parsley Plant 2-Pack $13.00
2.
Cilantro provides an excellent source ofvitamin Kand C, as well as vitamin A, says Maeng.
Bonnie Plants, Cilantro Plant 2-Pack $18.00
3.
Incorporate some lavender in your garden.
Bonnie Plants, Lavender Plant 2-Pack $18.00
4.
Mint
Perhaps the most recognizable (and widely-used) plant in our list of herbs is mint.
Great in foods and drinks alike, mint can be used in various ways in the kitchen.
Mint is a source of vitamin A, as well as folate and iron, says Maeng.
Bonnie Plants, Sweet Mint Plant $10.00
5.
Rosemary
Rosemaryis an incredibly versatileanti-inflammatory herb.
Its yummy in savory and sweet dishes alike, and can add depth to craft mocktails.
Its packed with the brain-boosting antioxidantapigenin, an flavinoid that has been linked toimproved cognitive function.
Rosemary pairs very well with meat dishes, sauces, and dressings.
Bonnie Plants, Rosemary Plant 2-Pack $14.00
6.
Sage
For an earthy, savory effect, Sears recommends adding sage to your kitchen garden.
Dont forget to grate a little bit of Parmigiano Reggiano cheese on top!
Personally, I use sage to make this fragrant and deliciousfried sage salsa verde.
Bonnie Plants, Garden Sage Plant $6.00
7.
Sears adds to this, noting that thyme is a great perennial herb for marinades.
Bonnie Plants, German Thyme Plant 2-Pack $13.00
8.
Lutein belongs to the carotenoid group which is essential for eye health.
Research has shown that holy basils chemical makeupcan boost your brain health, too.
Bonnie Plants, Greek Oregano Plant 2-Pack $13.00
10.
Mexican mint marigold
Try saying Mexican mint marigold three times fastwe bet you cant.
MARSGardens, Mexican Mint Marigold Plant $9.00
11.
Bonnie Plants, Chives Plant 2-Pack $13.00
12.
Just like oregano, sage, thyme, and basil, lemon verbena is high in gut-boosting polyphenols.
Its soothing aroma andhigh melatonin contentmakes it a stress-relieving addition to herbal teas.
A recent study revealed the herbspositive impact on oxidative stressand inflammation.
DoseofSucculents, Lemon Verbena Plant $9.00
13.
Fennel
Thelongevity benefits of fennelare numerous.
DoseofSucculents, Fennel Plant $10.00
14.
Echinacea
Echinacea is a holistic treatment superhero.
Studies have also shown the plantsbacteria-fighting properties, making it a natural alternative for certain antibiotics.
PowWow, Wild Berry Echinacea Plant $20.00
15.
Indigenous nations of North America used this purple herb as anatural breath freshener.
ZenobiasGarden, Anise Hyssop Plant $10.00
16.
Aloe vera
This vitamin-packed equatorial succulent isnt just great at treating burns.
Aloe vera juiceis great for digestion and helps maintain the good bacteria that lives in your gut.
Costa Farms, Aloe Vera Plant $15.00
17.
Chamomile
Chamomile is one of the bestherbs for indigestionthanks to its active ingredientbisabolol.
This anti-inflammatory oil helps soothe the stomach and activate the lining of our gut muscles to relax.
Does mint grow back every year?
Mint, like more perennials, will come back year after year, if theclimate conditions are right.
What herbs will come back every year?
How long do perennial herbs live?
What herbs are perennial in my zone?
If you find that an herb isjustoutside of your hardiness zone, dont throw in the shovel just yet.
These protective measurescreate a microclimatethat can support the herbs lifespan.
Push the envelope a little bit, encourages Williams.
If you really want to grow something, venture to grow it.
What herbs will survive winter?
In short, it depends on where you live.
Among Williams favorite hardy herbs are mint, lavender, and oregano.
What is the easiest herb to keep alive?
Hardy herbs that can withstand cold and hot temperatures will be easier to keep alive for years on end.
Having easy access to fresh, delicious herbs can make cooking more fun and less of a chore.
Once you grow stuff, you dont have any reason not to use it, says Williams.
Itll actually push you to start cooking more.
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