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Herbs are a wonderful addition to any garden or kitchen. They add flavor to dishes and have many health benefits. However, not all herbs are created equal. Some are annuals, while others are perennials. Perennial herbs are the ones that come back year after year, making them a great investment for any gardener.
If you are looking to plant perennial herbs, it’s essential to know which ones to choose. In this article, we have compiled a list of the top perennial herbs that are easy to grow and maintain.
Let’s get started!
Are Herbs Perennial?
It depends whether a herb is perennial or not. Not all herbs are perennial. Annual herbs, such as basil and cilantro, complete their life cycle in one growing season, while perennial herbs, such as rosemary and thyme, live for multiple years.
Perennial herbs are a great investment for any herb gardener as they provide a continuous supply of fresh herbs year after year. When planning your herb garden, be sure to include some of these perennial herbs to enjoy their benefits for years to come.
To understand the difference between perennial and annual herbs, it’s important to know that herbs are classified by their lifespan. Annual herbs, such as basil and cilantro, complete their life cycle in one growing season, while perennial herbs, such as rosemary and thyme, live for multiple years.
Perennial herbs are the ones that live for more than two years. They are a great investment for any herb gardener as they provide a continuous supply of fresh herbs year after year.
Why Choose Perennial Herbs?
Perennial herbs are herbs that come back year after year, making them a great investment for your herb garden. Here are some reasons why you should choose perennial herbs:
Low Maintenance
Perennial herbs require less maintenance than annual herbs. Once they are established, they require less watering and attention. This makes them a great choice for gardeners who want to enjoy fresh herbs without spending a lot of time on upkeep.
Cost-Effective
Perennial herbs are a cost-effective choice for your herb garden. While they may be more expensive to purchase initially, they will continue to come back year after year, saving you money in the long run. This makes them a great investment for your garden.
Variety
There is a wide variety of perennial herbs to choose from, including mint, thyme, oregano, and sage. This variety allows you to choose the herbs that best suit your needs and tastes. Perennial herbs also come in a range of colors, textures, and sizes, making them a visually appealing addition to your garden.
Health Benefits
Perennial herbs are not only delicious but also have many health benefits. For example, mint is known to aid digestion and soothe headaches, while oregano has antibacterial properties and is high in antioxidants. Incorporating these herbs into your diet can have a positive impact on your health.
Sustainability
Perennial herbs are a sustainable choice for your herb garden. By growing herbs that come back year after year, you are reducing waste and promoting sustainability. You can also save money by using fresh herbs from your garden instead of purchasing herbs that have been shipped from far away.
List of Common Perrenial Herbs
Perennial herbs are a great addition to any garden, as they come back year after year and require less maintenance than annuals. Here’s a list of 10-15 common perennial herbs with descriptions of each:
1. Sage:
A hardy herb with a strong, earthy flavor that’s great for seasoning meats and vegetables. It also has medicinal properties and can be used to soothe sore throats and aid digestion.
2. Thyme:
A fragrant herb with a subtle, lemony flavor that’s perfect for seasoning poultry, fish, and vegetables. It also has antiseptic properties and can be used to treat coughs and colds.
3. Rosemary:
A woody herb with a strong, pine-like flavor that’s great for seasoning meats, potatoes, and breads. It also has antioxidant properties and can be used to improve memory and concentration.
4. Lavender:
A fragrant herb with a sweet, floral flavor that’s great for adding to teas and desserts. It also has calming properties and can be used to reduce stress and anxiety.
5. Oregano:
A pungent herb with a strong, spicy flavor that’s great for seasoning tomato-based dishes, pizza, and pasta. It also has antibacterial properties and can be used to treat infections.
6. Mint:
A refreshing herb with a cool, minty flavor that’s great for adding to cocktails, teas, and desserts. It also has digestive properties and can be used to soothe upset stomachs.
7. Chives:
A mild herb with a delicate onion flavor that’s great for adding to salads, soups, and dips. It also has antibacterial properties and can be used to prevent infections.
8. Lemon balm:
A citrusy herb with a mild, lemony flavor that’s great for adding to teas and desserts. It also has calming properties and can be used to reduce anxiety and promote sleep.
9. Tarragon:
A sweet herb with a mild anise flavor that’s great for seasoning chicken, fish, and eggs. It also has digestive properties and can be used to stimulate appetite and aid digestion.
10. Sagebrush:
A fragrant herb with a pungent, bitter flavor that’s great for seasoning meats and vegetables. It also has medicinal properties and can be used to treat colds, flu, and respiratory infections.
11. Lemon verbena:
A fragrant herb with a strong, lemony flavor that’s great for adding to teas and desserts. It also has digestive properties and can be used to soothe upset stomachs.
12. Marjoram:
A sweet herb with a mild, oregano-like flavor that’s great for seasoning meats, vegetables, and soups. It also has antiseptic properties and can be used to treat coughs and colds.
13. Lovage:
A bold herb with a strong, celery-like flavor that’s great for seasoning soups, stews, and salads. It also has diuretic properties and can be used to treat urinary tract infections.
14. Wintergreen:
A fragrant herb with a minty, wintergreen flavor that’s great for adding to teas and desserts. It also has pain-relieving properties and can be used to treat headaches and muscle aches.
15. Sorrel:
A tangy herb with a lemony, sour flavor that’s great for adding to salads, soups, and sauces. It also has detoxifying properties and can be used to cleanse the liver and kidneys.
16. Hyssop:
Hyssop has a slightly bitter, minty flavor and is often used in teas and to season meats.
17. St. John’s Wort:
St. John’s Wort is commonly used for medicinal purposes and has a slightly bitter flavor.
18. Eucalyptus:
Eucalyptus is commonly used for medicinal purposes and has a strong, minty flavor.
19. Angelica:
Angelica is commonly used for medicinal purposes and has a sweet, spicy flavor.
20. Rue:
Rue has a bitter, medicinal flavor and is used sparingly in cooking.
21. Winter Savory:
Winter Savory has a strong, spicy flavor and is great for seasoning meats and vegetables.
How To Care For Perrenial Herbs?
Perennial herbs are a great addition to any garden or kitchen. They provide fresh herbs year-round and require relatively low maintenance. However, like any plant, they do require some care to thrive. Here are some tips on how to care for perennial herbs:
Plant in the Right Soil
Perennial herbs prefer well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. Make sure the soil is not too compacted, as this can cause root rot. You can amend the soil with compost or sand to improve drainage and add nutrients. Choose a spot in your garden that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight a day.
Watering
Perennial herbs need consistent moisture, but not too much. Overwatering can lead to root rot. Water the plants deeply once a week, or more frequently during hot and dry weather.
Check the soil before watering to make sure it is dry to the touch. Water at the base of the plant, not the leaves, to avoid fungal diseases.
Fertilizing
Perennial herbs do not require a lot of fertilizer. Too much nitrogen can lead to excessive leaf growth at the expense of flavor. Use a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season to promote healthy growth. You can also use organic fertilizers like compost or fish emulsion.
Pruning
Pruning is important for perennial herbs to maintain their shape and promote new growth. Prune after the first flush of growth, usually in early summer.
Cut back up to one-third of the plant’s height, making sure to leave some leaves for photosynthesis. Pruning also helps prevent disease by increasing air circulation around the plant.
Pest Control
Perennial herbs are generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, some common pests like aphids and spider mites can still affect them.
Use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control pests, and remove any affected leaves or plants. Practice good sanitation by removing dead leaves and debris from around the plants to prevent fungal diseases.
How to Harvest Perennial Herbs?
The timing of harvesting your perennial herbs is crucial to ensure that they produce the best flavor and aroma. The best time to harvest your herbs is in the morning after the dew has evaporated, but before the sun gets too hot.
This is when the essential oils that give the herbs their flavor and aroma are at their peak. Avoid harvesting during the hottest part of the day or when the plants are wet, as this can cause the herbs to lose their flavor and spoil faster.
When harvesting perennial herbs, it’s important to use a sharp pair of scissors or garden shears. Avoid using your hands to pull or tear the leaves, as this can damage the plant and reduce its future growth.
Can Perennial Herbs Be Grown In Containers?
The answer is yes, perennial herbs can be grown in containers. In fact, container gardening is perfect for growing perennial herbs because it allows you to control the soil and drainage, which is important for their survival. Here are some tips to help you grow perennial herbs in containers:
When it comes to choosing a container for your herbs, there are a few things to consider. Make sure the container is big enough for the herb to grow to its full potential, and that it has adequate drainage holes to prevent water from pooling at the bottom.
You can use any type of container as long as it’s large enough and has drainage holes, but terra cotta pots are a popular choice because they’re porous and allow the soil to breathe.
When it comes to selecting perennial herbs for container gardening, choose those that are well-suited to the growing conditions in your area.
For example, if you live in a hot, dry climate, you might consider growing herbs like rosemary, thyme, or oregano, which are drought-tolerant.
If you live in a cooler climate, consider herbs like mint, chives, or parsley, which prefer cooler temperatures.
Moreover, perennial herbs in containers require regular watering, especially during the hot summer months. Water them deeply, but be careful not to overwater, as this can lead to root rot. You can also fertilize your herbs with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer every few months to keep them healthy and productive.
How To Propagate Perrenial Herbs?
Below we will discuss some methods for propagating perennial herbs.
Division
Division is the easiest way to propagate many types of perennial herbs. To do this, dig up the entire plant and divide it into smaller sections. Each section should have a healthy root system and a few stems. Replant each section in well-draining soil and water thoroughly. Dividing should be done in early spring or late summer/early fall when the plant is not actively growing.
Stem Cutting
Stem cutting is another method for propagating perennial herbs, and it works well for plants that have woody stems such as rosemary, sage, and thyme. Take a 4-6 inch stem cutting from the parent plant, ensuring that it has a few leaves and is not flowering.
Dip the cut end of the stem in rooting hormone and plant it in well-draining soil. Keep the soil moist and place the pot in a sunny location. Once the cutting has developed roots, it can be transplanted into the garden.
Layering
Layering is a propagation technique that involves bending a stem from the parent plant down to the soil and covering it with soil. The stem will begin to produce roots at the point where it touches the soil.
After several weeks, the stem can be cut from the parent plant and transplanted into a new location. This method works well for plants such as mint, oregano, and thyme.
How to Store Perennial Herbs?
The first step in storing perennial herbs is to dry them. This can be done by hanging them upside down in a dry, well-ventilated area. Once the herbs are fully dry, remove the leaves from the stems and discard the stems.
Place the dried leaves in airtight, glass jars. Glass is the best material to use for storing herbs as plastic can absorb odors and flavors from the herbs. Be sure to label the jars with the name of the herb and the date of storage.
Store the jars of dried herbs in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Heat and light can cause the herbs to lose their flavor and aroma. A pantry or cupboard is a great option for storage.
Another option for storing perennial herbs is to freeze them. Simply chop the herbs finely and place them in an ice cube tray. Fill each cube with water and freeze. Once frozen, remove the herb cubes from the tray and store them in a freezer bag labeled with the name of the herb and the date of freezing.
Conclusion
In the kitchen, perennial herbs offer a consistent supply of fresh herbs for cooking, even during the off-season. With proper harvesting and storage techniques, these herbs can be used throughout the year, providing a burst of flavor and nutrition to any dish.
With their resilience and extended growth cycle, these herbs offer a sustainable and flavorful addition to any garden or kitchen. So, whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a budding chef, consider adding some perennial herbs to your repertoire – you won’t be disappointed!
