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Herbs in Your Garden University of California Cooperative Extension Stanislaus County

A Guide to the Use, Cultivation & Selection of

Anne Schellman Horticulture Program Representative Herbs in Your Garden 2 The word “” is used to Perennial herbs like or to name a describe any that has bay live for several years, few. Lime fragrance, flavoring or depending on the life scents are medicinal value. It also expectancy for that particular found in lime includes used to make plant. , lime- dye or dried crafts. scented Herbs come in all shapes and geraniums and lime . Many plants can be sizes. They can be small plants, Orange scents can be found in considered herbs. This vines, or trees. a scented geranium known as publication focuses on herbs Some herbs are evergreen, the “ plant.” that can be grown in the Central Valley for culinary while others are deciduous. Chocolate & use. Herbs that are evergreen stay An herb called chocolate mint green throughout the year by blends the two fragrances THE HERB GUIDE constantly shedding a small together. The last pages of this amount of . Deciduous publication are a guide to herbs lose their leaves in the fall Licorice herbs available locally. These and remain bare in the winter. basil and anise hyssop local herbs can thrive in are two good choices in this Stanislaus County if given SCENTS category. Some people say proper care. There are many herbs with that has a licorice fragrances similar to those of scent. Others enjoy angelica This guide is broken into fruit, or food. Visit because it adds a pleasant, categories that contain local nurseries and garden licorice to food. pertinent information for each centers to peruse their selection. herb. The category for Most carry a wide variety of Mint “Type” uses the letters A, B herbs with aromas sure to The two classic mints are and P which stand for annual, delight the senses. and . biennial and perennial. “Part Use caution when planting Used” mentions the herb part Almond mint in the garden, as it can needed for culinary, dye, Almond-scented geraniums easily take over an entire bed. medicinal or craft purposes. have a nutty aroma. Mint-scented geraniums

The “Growing Tips” category Apple won’t take over your garden describes the growing Apple mint and apple-scented beds. This plant has very soft conditions needed for the geraniums provide apple leaves and an intense mint herb. fragrances in the garden. aroma.

HERB TYPES Herb life cycles can be has a The nutmeg-scented geranium annual, biennial or perennial. surprisingly strong cinnamon is an unusual and fragrant Annual herbs such as basil scent. plant. last only one season and then die, although some annuals Citrus Pineapple (like ) will reseed. Biennial scent comes in the Pineapple sage and pineapple herbs like live for two forms of lemon , lemon mint provide this fragrance. seasons, blooming and dying balm, lemon thyme, during the second season. and lemon-scented geraniums,

Herbs in Your Garden 3 Rose soil to reach the surface. try using small pruning shears. Not all roses are fragrant. This buried too deeply will is because fragrance can be not have enough resources to Step 3: place the ball in lost in the rose-breeding grow and reach sunlight. the hole so the top is slightly process. Roses that are Follow planting depth above soil level. fragrant are mentioned in the instructions listed on the Fill in around the root ball with guide; note that fragrance packet. remaining soil. Lightly pack depends on the name. New seedlings need constant the soil around the herb. There are also several types of rose-scented geraniums moisture to germinate and Step 4: water deeply. Use a available. develop. When a tiny garden hose or drip irrigation seedling emerges, it is very to keep plants well-watered. The best time to shop for delicate and will need herbs is in the spring. If the adequate water until it is Create a trough around the plant nursery or garden center does established. It may also need to hold water. Once the plant not have the particular plant protection from pests such as has been watered, it should sink you are looking for, they may snails and earwigs. so the top of the root ball is be able to special order it even with the soil. Make sure from a local grower. PLANTING not to cover the surface of the INSTRUCTIONS root ball with any garden soil. PLANTING HERBS Herbs can be found in 4” Keep the area around the plant Herbs can be planted from containers as well as 6-paks moist as dry soil around the root or purchased as small and 1-gallon cans. ball can wick away moisture. plants from a nursery or garden center. Our local Step 1: dig a hole twice as WATERING HERBS farmer’s market, located near wide as the container. Herbs should be watered deeply the Stanislaus County Library It is not necessary to add enough to wet the entire root (May-November) often has a fertilizer or amendment to the system. For deep-rooted fine selection of herbs. Herbs hole, as the soil has already perennials, such as rosemary, included in this publication been prepared. the soil may need to be wet to can be found locally as seeds 18 inches deep. For shallow- or living plants. Step 2: remove the plant from rooted annuals, the soil should its container carefully and be wet to 4-6 inches deep. Before planting herbs, amend examine the root ball. If the soil well. Add compost needed, prune the . Clay soils hold moisture the and till it into to the top 18” of longest. Its small particles hold soil in your garden. Most The term “root ball” refers to onto water as well as nutrients. herbs should be planted in full the area of roots inside the When irrigating these soils, sun, as they need to receive at container. Sometimes a plant ensure they dry out slightly least 6-8 hours of direct sun from a nursery or garden between watering. daily. center has lived in its container for a long period of Sandy soils have large particles When planting seeds, be time. If the plant has a large that allow water to flow easily careful not to bury them too number of roots, gently pull between them. Because of this, deeply. When a seed them apart. If the container plants in sandy soils will need germinates, tiny leaves has a lot of roots that are to be watered more often, attempt to push through the difficult to pull apart, especially during the summer.

Herbs in Your Garden 4 HERBAL “GROUPINGS” encourage the plant to widen in When organizing your herb shape. garden or adding herbs into an existing planting, pay “Dead-heading” is a term used attention to watering needs. to signify the removal of spent Group plants that prefer flowers. To keep herbs similar climates together. blooming longer, dead-head them after the blooms have bag and leave them on a shelf For instance, Mediterranean died. for a month. herbs such as lavender, rosemary and sage all have DRYING HERBS STORING HERBS the same requirements. They Herbs should be harvested Fresh herbs can be stored as prefer to be kept on the dry before they for best sprigs in jars of water just side and need no additional flavor. Pick early in the before you use them. To store fertilizer. morning just after the dew has for a longer period, cover the dried. top of the herb loosely with Herbs that prefer to stay on Cut herbs and gather them into plastic wrap and place the jar the moist and shady side like in the refrigerator for storage angelica, and bunches and tie them with string. Then hang the bunches of up to two weeks. can be planted in the same area. upside down and tie a paper bag For dried herbs, store in a over the bundle. Wait 2 weeks cool, dry place away from Keep plants that spread by for most herbs to dry. your oven. Glass containers underground Herbs can also be dried in the work well for storage, but contained in pots. These keep them in cupboards as herbs include , oven or microwave. Before placing herbs in the oven, sunlight fades both color and peppermint and spearmint. flavor. When needed, herbs spread them on a baking pan. Herbs that seed themselves Set the oven on the lowest can be ground with a mortar can become a nuisance, so setting and leave the oven door and pestle or coffee grinder plant them in places where open slightly. Stir occasionally. just before use. Dried herbs you can keep an eye on them The herbs are dry when leaves should not be kept for more and regularly prune seed can be crumbled with a finger. than 6-8 months. heads before they scatter. In the microwave, place 1 cup MAKING Dill, fennel and will These directions were taken readily self-seed in your of herbs in a single layer between 2 paper towels. from Rodale’s Illustrated garden. Encyclopedia of Herbs. First, Microwave on high for 3 HERBAL minutes. If herbs aren’t boil water and use it to rinse “MAINTENANCE” completely dry, keep drying your teapot. When making To keep your herbs looking them in cycles of 20 seconds, tea with fresh herbs, add 2 their best, prune for shape. being careful not to scorch tablespoons to the pot. The Some herbs (like basil or them. number of tablespoons lemon verbena) will tend to be corresponds to how many tall and slender. For fuller Cilantro, rosemary and parsley cups your teapot can hold. growth, prune the tops of the can be dried in the refrigerator. Add an additional 2 tallest stalks. This will Put them (unwashed) in a paper tablespoons of herbs per cup.

Herbs in Your Garden 5 When making tea from dried Herb Vinegar Pre-heat oven to herbs, add 1 tablespoon of Use 1 cup of herb per 2 cups 325°. Roll the dough herb to the pot, and then an of white wine vinegar. to 1/4” thickness and additional tablespoon of dried “Bruise” the herbs before cut into desired herb for each cup of water. adding to the wine to shapes. Place on their . Allow to steep greased cookie sheet For both fresh and dry herbs, for 2 weeks before using. and bake for 15-18 pour the boiling water into the minutes. teapot and let it steep for 5 Herb Butter minutes. Keep the teapot 1 tablespoon of finely A NOTE OF covered to retain heat. Strain chopped herbs per 1/2 cup CAUTION the herbs once the tea has margarine or butter. If you are pregnant or reached the desired strength. nursing, do not consume any of Serve tea with , lemon There are also combinations the following herbs as a tea or milk. of herbs that can be used to without first consulting your flavor food. Try . For , follow the same experimenting with your own procedure but use 3 herbs for new combinations. tablespoons of fresh herbs or 2 tablespoons of dried herbs. Soup The extra tablespoon allows 1 1/2 tsp parsley for the melting of ice. 1 tbs thyme 1/2 tbs basil For herb tea combinations, the 1/2 tbs Encyclopedia mentions these 1 tsp rosemary (crushed) flavors: ◊ Basil, lemon balm and This lavender shortbread lemon verbena recipe was taken from a ◊ and apple website called “Desert First.”

mint Lavender Shortbread ◊ Lemon verbena and Ingredients borage 1 cup (2 sticks) butter ◊ Peppermint and orange 2 cups flour peel 1/2 cup sugar

COOKING WITH HERBS 1 tablespoon dried lavender In most cases, using fresh (L. angustifolia) herbs is best for cooking. Directions However, when fresh herbs Sift the flour. Beat the butter are unavailable, dried or and sugar in a mixer until frozen herbs can be used. creamy. Add flour and beat

Herbs can be used to flavor until combined. Add the vinegars, oils or butter. They lavender and beat just to can also be used in distribute through the dough. combination as a Make the dough into a ball substitute. and chill for one hour.

The Herb Guide 6 Common & Type Part Used Growing Tips Botanical Name Aloe P Sap is applied Full sun to partial shade; regular water. Grows 1-2’ tall in directly to cuts and clumps. Does best in a pot that can be moved indoors or burns. Harvest to a protected area during winter months. For most of the outer leaves first. year, allow soil to dry completely between watering. In summer, take care soil does not dry out. Small “pups” that grow off the side of the plant can be repotted to make a new plant. Angelica P Stems can be made Partial shade; regular water. Grows 6’ tall and 4’ wide. Angelica into a candied Ensure soil is rich in organic matter that stays fairly moist. archangelica confection. Young Flowers are greenish-yellow and umbel-shaped. leaves can be used Short-lived perennial. in tea. Anise P Leaves can be used Full sun or partial shade; moderate water. Grows 3’ tall Hyssop in salads; also for and 2’ wide. Has eye-catching, blue colored flower spikes Agastache tea. Plant can that attract hummingbirds and butterflies. Foliage and foeniculum produce a dark flowers are licorice scented. green dye. Basil A Use fresh leaves Full sun; regular water. Grows 2’ tall and 1’ wide. Plant for best flavor in basil after danger of frost. Mulch around the plant to re- basilicum cooking. Save tain moisture. For bushier growth, pinch the top of the basil by drying it, main stem. Many aromatic varieties exist, including adding it to an oil lemon, anise and cinnamon. or by freezing it as a paste. Bay P Leaves added fresh Full sun to partial shade; moderate water. Grows as a or dried to stews or tree 12-40’ tall and wide. Responds well to and soups. pruning; makes an excellent topiary. Needs good Remove leaves drainage and moderate water. Can be subject to black before serving. scale and laurel psyllid insects. Beebalm P Fresh flowers can Full sun to partial shade; keep moist. Grows to 3-4’ tall. di- be added to salads Dark green, 4-6” leaves have a pleasant citrus-mint scent dyma or as garnishes. (similar to bergamot). Tubular flowers attract , Leaves dried for hummingbirds and butterflies. Flower colors vary: pink, use as a tea; leaves rose, red, purple and lavender. and flowers used in . Borage A Add fresh flowers Full sun to partial shade; moderate water. Grows 2-3’ tall to salads or use as and 1’ wide. Although an annual, this plant reseeds itself a . Remove yearly. Thin to keep desired plants. Leaves are prickly. flower from The bright blue flowers are attractive and will draw many prickly sepal. bees to your garden. The Herb Guide 7 Common & Type Part Used Growing Tips Botanical Name Calendula A Fresh can Full sun; moderate water. Grows 1 1/2’ tall and wide. Calendula be added to Calendula is tolerant of many growing situations. Reseeds officinalis salads. Dried itself each year, but not enough to become a weed. petals in potpourri. Catnip P The leaves and Full sun to partial shade; moderate water. Grows 1-3’ tall Nepeta cataria stems are dried and wide. Prefers well-drained soil. Shear plant back after for use in cat blooms fade to encourage re-bloom. Catnip seeds itself toys. Cats also readily and can become a pest in the garden. The plant enjoy it fresh in creates clumps that can be divided in winter or early spring. the garden. Chamomile P Daisy-like Full sun; moderate water. Grows 2’ tall and wide. Matricaria flowers used fresh Dead-head (cut off old blossoms) for more blooms. Flowers recutita or dry in a tea for have a pleasant scent. Another form of chamomile, stomach ailments. C. nobile can be used as a lawn substitute. However, all weeding must be done by hand as no herbicides exist that can kill the weeds but not the chamomile. P Leaves have a Full sun to partial shade; regular water. Grows in 2’ tall Allium subtle, clumps. Seeds can be difficult to germinate. Snip stems for shoenoprasum onion-like flavor. fresh use only, as chives do not store well in the refrigerator. Best used fresh. Chives can be used creatively as a tie to hold together Pink blossoms in carrots or asparagus during cooking time. potpourri. Cilantro & A Leaves are Partial shade; regular water, especially in summer. Grows Coriander cilantro; seeds are 2-3’ tall and 9” wide. Plant seeds in fall after danger of frost Coriandrum coriander. is past. For cilantro harvest, select young leaves. To sativum harvest coriander seeds, wait until flowers have bloomed. When seeds start to form, cut stems and place about 6 bunches in a paper bag. Tie the bag and put it in a warm, dry place. Seeds should be ready in 10 days. Dill A Leaves used in Full sun; regular water. Grows 3-4 feet tall and wide. Has Anethum salads. Seeds feathery leaves and white umbel-like flowers. This plant graveolens used whole or will self-sow readily, so be prepared to pull out many ground in recipes; seedlings. Wind can destroy stalks; stake the plant or grow also for making in a well-protected area. Harvest dill seeds by picking pickles. umbels after bloom and just before seeds are fully dry. Hang them upside down in a paper bag. The Herb Guide 8 Common & Type Part Used Growing Tips Botanical Name Fennel P Leaves and stems Full sun, moderate water. Grows 3-6’ tall, depending on Foeniculum used in salads; variety. Fennel self-sows and can become invasive. vulgare stem cooked as a Similar in appearance to dill, fennel has yellow, umbel-like vegetable. Seeds flowers. Bronze fennel has a bronzy-purple foliage. Fennel used whole or is best used fresh. Leaves and seeds have a licorice flavor. ground. Geranium P Leaves can be Full sun to partial shade; moderate to regular water. Grows Pelargonium dried and used to 1-3’ tall. Small flowers are inconspicuous, leaves are species make fragrant extremely fragrant. Numerous scents exist including sachets. peppermint, rose, lemon, apple, lime and nutmeg. Horseradish P Peel and grate for Full sun; regular water. Grows 3’ tall in clumps. Does best Armorica sauces. Young in moist, rich soil. Can be purchased bare root in the fall at rusticana leaves in salads. most nurseries. Pieces of the root can be harvested off the Root and leaves side as the plant begins to clump. Harvest during fall, used to make a winter and spring. yellow dye. Hyssop P Minty leaves and Full sun or light shade; moderate to regular water. Hyssopus flowers are some- Tolerates dry conditions. Grows 1 1/2 to 2’ tall. Makes a officinalis what bitter; can nice border or container plant. Hyssop has a medicinal-like be used to flavor fragrance. Flower color can be pink, white or dark blue meat and salads; depending on the plant species. Bees are very attracted to . this plant. Lavender P Dried flowers of Full sun; little water. Very drought tolerant. Height Lavandula L. angustifolia depends on variety. Well drained soil and little to no species used to flavor tea, fertilizer. Prune lavender every year in spring, after danger cookies and jelly; of frost has passed. In winter, if plant appears to be other lavender destroyed by frost, do not prune. Wait until spring to see if species used for new growth appears. Lavender flower color can range from making sachets. purplish blue to pink or white. To dry lavender, gather Lavender aroma flowers just as they open and set them on trays in a dry is said to discour- place or hang them upside down in bunches. age . Lemon P Add fresh or Full sun to partial shade; regular water. Grows 2’ tall and 1 Balm dried leaves to 1/2’ wide. Can be invasive as it self-sows by seed and tea. Said to replants itself by rhizomes. Makes a good container plant. officinalis relieve Shear tops occasionally to keep form bushy; cut off flowers tension before they go to seed. Honeybees are very attracted to headaches. Use lemon balm. Harvest leaves before flowers bloom for best fresh leaves in flavor. Grows very well near faucets where it doesn’t mind salads. the extra water. The Herb Guide 9 Common Type Part Used Growing Tips & Botanical Name Lemon P Dried leaves make Full sun; regular water. Grows 6’ tall and wide. Can be Verbena a flavorful tea. somewhat leggy. Prune in both midsummer and spring. Fresh leaves Can be sensitive to frost. Also sensitive to spider mites, triphylla added to salads. clean with a spray of water to prevent dust-buildup. Excellent in potpourri. P Fresh or dried Full sun; little to moderate water. Grows 1-2’ tall and wide. Origanum leaves used to This plant is in the same family as oregano and is similar in majorana season meat and appearance and scent. Flowers are tiny and white or pink. stuffing. Marjoram is often used as an oregano substitute. Mint P Use young leaves Full sun or partial shade; regular water. Grows 1-3’ tall and species only. Peppermint wide. Can be an extremely invasive plant. Keep in pots for for tea, spearmint best control. Flavored mints include apple mint, pineapple for salads. mint, chocolate mint and orange mint. Grows very well near faucets where it doesn’t mind the extra water. Nasturtium A Flowers have a Full sun to partial shade; regular water. Grows 1’ tall and 3’ Tropaeolum peppery and wide. Both vining and compact forms exist. Flowers come majus can be added to in numerous colors: red, yellow, maroon and off-white. salads or floated Blooms last from summer to first frost. in bowls for decoration. Oregano P Leaves used to Full sun; little to moderate water. Grows 2 1/2’ tall and Origanum flavor sauces. wide. Best known for flavoring sauces. Makes a vulgare great container plant. O. vulgare ‘Compactum’ has best flavor for cooking. Parsley B Fresh and dried Full sun to partial shade; regular water. Flat-leaved Italian Petroselinum leaves used in parsley grows 2-3’ tall and wide and is considered the most crispum food. Best treated flavorful. Curly-leaved French parsley grows 6-12” tall and as an annual; wide and is used for garnish. To dry parsley, make small replant every year. bunches and hang them in a shady area, then store in an airtight container. Rose P Rose hips are high Full sun; regular water. Grows to 6’ tall and wide. R. Rosa species in vitamin ‘C’. rugosa and R. laevigata have excellent for rose hips. R. Rose petals can be damascena has intensely fragrant flowers. R. gallica is an used in potpourri. old-world rose whose flowers were used in wreath making. The Herb Guide 10 Common & Type Part Used Growing Tips Botanical Name Rosemary P Use fresh or dried Full sun; little to moderate water. Height varies with type Rosmarinus sprigs when of plant. Used as a groundcover or small to large shrub. officinalis cooking with Tall types make a good hedge. Prune lightly on a regular meat or vegeta- basis for shape. Flower color can be blue, purple, pink or bles. white. To harvest: remove 4” pieces from the branch tips. Sage P Fresh or dried Full sun to partial shade; regular water. Grows 1-3’ tall leaves used in and 1-2’ wide. Replace leggy plants every 3-4 years. cooking. Leaves can be harvested anytime but are best used fresh. P Fresh or dried Full sun; little to moderate water. Grows 2’ tall, creeps Artemesia leaves in salads. along the ground. Makes a good container plant. French dracunculus Avoid over- tarragon is used in cooking, Russian tarragon has little cooking, as this flavor. Hang upside down to dry. Stores well in the brings out a bitter freezer. flavor. Thyme P Fresh leaves can Full sun to partial shade; little to moderate water. Grows Thymus vulgaris be used in most 1’ tall and 2’ wide. Makes a good container plant, keep dishes; dried on the dry side. When picking, do so before it begins leaves make a flowering. Bees are attracted to the small white or purple good tea for sore flowers. throat or gums. Yarrow P Flowers yield a Full sun; little to moderate water. Grows 3’ tall in clumps Achillea yellow dye. that get larger each year. Divide in spring if desired. millefolium Dried flowers Flower colors include white, pink, yellow and red. make excellent bouquets. The Herb Guide 11 BIBLIOGRAPHY The University of California prohibits discrimination or harassment of any per- Drake, B. (n.d.) Selecting, Storing son on the basis of race, color, national and Using Fresh Herbs. Ohio State origin, religion, sex, gender identity, University Fact Sheet. Retrieved pregnancy (including childbirth, and July2, 2007 from: http:// medical conditions related to pregnancy ohioline.osu.edu/hyg- or childbirth), physical or mental disabil- fact/5000/5520.html. ity, medical condition (cancer-related or genetic characteristics), ancestry, marital Kowalchick, C., Hylton, W. (Eds.). status, age, sexual orientation, citizen- (1998) Rodale’s Illustrated Encyclo- ship, or status as a covered veteran pedia of Herbs. Emmaus, PA: Ro- (covered veterans are special disabled dale Press. veterans, recently separated veterans, Vietnam era veterans, or any other vet- McVicar, J. (1995). Herbs for the erans who served on active duty during a Home: A Definitive Sourcebook to war or in a campaign or expedition for Growing and Using Herbs. Lon- which a campaign badge has been au- don: Viking Penguin. thorized) in any of its programs or activi- ties. Sunset Books. (2007). Sunset West- ern Garden Book (8th ed.). Menlo University policy is intended to be con- Park, CA: Sunset Publishing Corpo- sistent with the provisions of applicable ration. State and Federal laws.

Tyler, Kent B. (1976). Growing Inquiries regarding the University’s non- Herbs for Seasoning Food. Divi- discrimination policies may be directed sion of Agricultural Sciences, Uni- to the Affirmative Action/Equal Oppor- versity of California: Davis. tunity Director, University of California, Agriculture and Natural Resources, 1111 Recipe for Lavender shortbread Franklin St., 6th Floor, Oakland, CA retrieved on July 23, 2007 from 94607, (510) 987-0096. http://dessertfirst.typepad.com/ dessert_first/2006/07/post.html 1st Publication: August 2007.

AUTHOR

Anne Schellman; UCCE Stanislaus County, 3800 Cornucopia Way Ste. A, Modesto, CA 95358.

Special thanks to Jannelle Temple and Tally Scully for their herb sug- gestions for this publication.