Best Culinary Herbs to Grow in Bexar County
- Basil (Ocimum basilicum). Annual, full sun. Many varieties such as Thai or Balsamic Blooms. Prefers warm temperatures. Grow from transplants.
- Chives (Allium schoenoprasum). Perennial, full sun or part shade. Has purple blooms in spring. Garlic chives have white blooms. Grow from transplants.
- Cilantro/Coriander (Coriandrum sativum). Annual, full/part sun. “Cilantro” refers to the leaves, and “coriander” is the seed. Widely used in Mexican and Asian cooking. Grow from seed.
- Dill (Anethum graveolens). Annual, full sun. Leaves are used in salads, dips and fish. Seeds are used in pickles, bread, sauces, meat and vinegars. Plant in the spring or fall. Grow from seed.
- Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia). Perennial, full sun. Many varieties. Lavender flowers may be used in salads and desserts, leaves may be used in breads. Suitable for containers. Grow from transplants.
- Lemon Balm (Melissa officianalis). Perennial, full sun or part shade. May be used as a substitute for lemon juice in small quantities in cooking. Recommended for containers as it may be an aggressive spreader. Grow from transplants.
- Mexican Mint Marigold (Tagetes lucida). Perennial, full sun or part shade. Also known as Mexican tarragon and may be used in cooking as a tarragon substitute. Has beautiful golden-yellow flowers in the fall. Grow from transplants.
- Mexican Oregano (Poliomintha longiflora). Evergreen perennial, full sun or part shade. Lavender flowers bloom all summer. Not a true oregano but widely used in Mexican cooking. Grow from transplants.
- Mint (Mentha spicata, Mentha piperita, etc.). Perennial, full sun or part shade. Many varieties such as spearmint, peppermint, chocolate, lime or orange. Recommended for container growing only as it is an aggressive spreader. Grow from transplants.
- Oregano (Origanum vulgare). Perennial, full sun or part shade. Many species. Widely used in Mexican, Italian and Greek cooking. Grow from transplants.
- Parsley (Petroselinum crispum) Biennial, full sun or part shade. Curly or Italian Flat Leaf. Leaves are used in soups, stews, sauces and salads. Grow from transplants or seed.
- Rosemary (Rosemarinus officinalis) Evergreen shrub, full sun to part shade. Leaves used in meat, sauces and soups. Grow from transplants.
- Sage (Salvia officinalis) Perennial, full sun. Leaves used in meat, poultry, fish, holiday dressing and stews. Grow from transplants.
- Thyme (Thymus vulgare) Evergreen perennial, full sun or part shade. Used to flavor meats, stews and soups. Grow from transplants or seed.
For more information, see Growing Herbs in Texas.