Herbs: Growing Information

Chives

Plant habit: Perennial, 8-12” tall, clumping

Soil: Rich, well-draining

Light: Full sun, part shade

Water: Moderate, moist soil

Fertilize: Lightly; yearly with balanced fertilizer

Flowers edible: Yes

Harvest: Leaves anytime, cut down to 1-2”

Use: Fresh, dried, or frozen

Oregano

Plant habit: Perennial, 6-8” tall, 8-12” wide

Soil: Rich, well-draining, tolerates slightly alkaline*

Light: Full sun, part shade; hot sun can scorch

Water: Moderate, apply when top inch is dry

Fertilize: Balanced fertilizer, sparingly in spring

Flowers edible: Yes

Harvest: Leaves anytime

Use: Leaves fresh, dried, frozen, or macerated in oil or vinegar

Parsley

Plant habit: Biennial, 9-12” tall and wide

Soil: Rich, well-draining

Light: Full sun, part shade

Water: Moderate, keep moist

Fertilize: Balanced fertilizer, 1-2 times a season

Flowers edible: Not applicable

Harvest: Leaves and stems cut from outer base

Use: Fresh or dried

Sage

Habit: Perennial, 28-36” tall and wide

Soil: Well-draining, tolerates slightly acidic soil*

Light: Full sun, part shade

Water: Moderate during first year, drought tolerant when established; avoid wetting leaves

Fertilize: Balanced fertilizer, use sparingly if in a container; none needed for in-ground plants

Flowers edible: Yes

Harvest: Leaves, once 6” tall

Use: Fresh or dried

Prune: Early spring; cut any woody parts down to 6”

Thyme

Habit: Perennial, 6-12” tall and wide

Soil: Well-draining, slightly acid, neutral, or alkaline*

Light: Full sun, part shade

Water: Moderate during first year, drought tolerant when established

Fertilize: Use 1/2 strength balanced fertilizer once each growing season

Flowers edible: Yes

Harvest: Anytime; best flavor in spring and summer

Use: Fresh, dried or frozen

Prune: To prevent leggy growth; do not cut into wood

Rosemary

Habit: Perennial, 2-6’ tall, spreading

Soil: Rich, well-draining; tolerates slightly acidic soil*

Light: Full sun

Water: Moderate, let top inch of soil dry

Fertilizer: Use balanced fertilizer sparingly

Flowers edible: Yes

Harvest: Leaves and sprigs

Use: Fresh or dried

Prune: To shape, but do not prune more than 1/3 of plant at a time