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Home › Chart guides › Herb Garden Growing Guide
Basil, parsley, mint, rosemary, thyme and more: this guide gives the sun and water each of thirteen kitchen herbs needs, how far apart to plant them, whether they are annual or perennial, and when and how to harvest.
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Sun, water, spacing and harvest for thirteen kitchen herbs.
| Herb | Sun | Water | Spacing | Life cycle | Harvest |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Basil | Full sun | Even moisture | 12-24 in | Annual; dies at first frost | Pinch tips often; pinch off flowers |
| Cilantro | Full sun to part shade | Steady moisture | 8 in | Annual; bolts in hot weather | Leaves young; the seeds are coriander |
| Dill | Full sun | Steady moisture | 10-12 in | Annual; even watering slows bolting | Leaves before flowering; seed heads later |
| Parsley | Full sun to light shade | Moist | 10-12 in | Biennial, grown as annual | Outer stems first, from the base |
| Herb | Sun | Water | Spacing | Life cycle | Harvest |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chives | Full sun | Moderate | 6-12 in | Perennial, zones 4-8 | Snip from about 6 in tall, near the base |
| Mint | Part shade to sun | Moist | In a pot | Perennial; spreads fast | Cut often to delay flowering |
| Oregano | Full sun | Let dry between | 12-18 in | Perennial, zones 4-8 | Sprigs just before flowering, best flavour |
| Thyme | Full sun | Dry, well-drained | 12 in | Perennial, zones 5-9 | Sprigs any time; leave woody base |
| Sage | Full sun | Let dry between | 18-24 in | Perennial, zones 4-8 | Leaves as needed; prune in spring |
| Rosemary | Full sun | Dry, well-drained | 3 ft or more | Perennial shrub, zones 8-10 | Snip sprigs any time |
| French tarragon | Full sun | Moderate, well-drained | 18-24 in | Perennial, zones 3-8 | Sprigs all summer; grow from division |
| Lemon balm | Sun or part shade | Moderate | 18-24 in | Perennial, zones 3-7; self-sows | Cut back hard to keep it bushy |
| Lavender | Full sun | Dry; perfect drainage | 18-24 in | Perennial, zones 5-9 | Flower spikes as the buds open |
Zones are USDA hardiness zones. Spacing comes from extension guides where given; for oregano, thyme, tarragon and lavender it is a typical figure and depends on variety.
Most herbs want at least 6 hours of sun and soil that drains well; harvest often to keep plants bushy.
Pick in the morning once the dew has dried. Take up to a third of a perennial at a time; annuals can be cut back harder.
Sun, life cycle, zones and spacing from NC State, Clemson, Minnesota, Utah State and Wisconsin extension services.