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in Your Garden

A Guide to the Use, Cultivation & Selection of Culinary Herbs

Anne Schellman UCCE Master Gardener Coordinator

University of California Cooperative Extension, Stanislaus County

herbs are in more than one category reproduce by seed, bulbs or roots. ROWING HERBS IS since they tolerate various They may spread from one yard to a fun and easy way to conditions. another, and to wildlands and always have ingredients natural areas where they clog up on hand for recipes. G waterways and displace native This publication focuses #1 Full Sun, Low Water . Many are also a fire hazard. on culinary herbs; the or Low water using herbs include In California, is invasive. It stalks of a used to flavor food. , sage, , , spreads rapidly by seed and It will mention a few : the , , and lavender. underground stems. If you live near seeds, bark, roots, or flowers of a In general, this group of plants a waterway or natural area, avoid plant. tends to die from poor drainage and planting it unless you plan to cut Some plants are both herbs and overwatering. Allow these plants to off blooms before they set seed. spices. Cilantro leaves are an , dry out in between watering. Be Aggressive plants like epazote, while the seeds (called ) careful using these plants in , , and lemon are a . containers; make sure they have balm aren’t invasive, but they can adequate drainage. ERB LIFE CYCLES annoy gardeners by spreading into Sometimes people #2 Full Sun, Moderate Water places they aren’t welcome. They believe they “killed” Plants for this situation include can also be time consuming to H their plant, when hyssop, bay laurel, borage, control. actually their annual calendula, catnip, chamomile, ESIGN YOUR herb died naturally. fennel, hyssop, lavender, and GARDEN scented geranium. Annual herbs live for less than a When designing your year. Some, like and borage, #3 Full Sun, Regular Water garden, take note of the reseed themselves the following D Herbs in this group need regular sun exposure and then choose spring. water and can tolerate full sun. plants that have similar They include , beebalm, Biennial herbs like live for requirements. , dill, epazote, , two seasons. They bloom and die Consider the mature size of the hyssop, , lemon grass, during their second year. herbs you choose. Give large plants lemon verbena, mint, nasturtium, like bay, rosemary, pineapple sage, Perennial herbs like sage and parsley, and scented geranium. lavender live for 3-5 years before and lemon verbena enough space to #4 Partial Shade, Moderate Water becoming woody and may need to spread out. These plants can do well in part be replaced. Include a focal point like a stunning shade but need moderate water: tree, shrub, or grouping of an herb ERB PLACEMENT anise hyssop, bay laurel, borage, that has a “wow” factor. Include Most herbs prefer a catnip, hyssop, sage, and thyme. plants with different textures, sunny location, with at #5 Partial Shade, Regular Water growth patterns, flowers, and least 6-8 hours of H Plants in this group don’t like to foliage. sunlight per day. However, some dry out. They include beebalm, herbs can do well with less. Often gardeners are smitten by a chives, cilantro (also called large number of plants and then Plant herbs near a water source. coriander), hyssop, lemon balm, buy one of every plant. Later, they Some herbs need more water than mint, nasturtium, and parsley. are disappointed when their garden others, but all herbs need regular GGRESSIVE & looks like a hodgepodge and lacks water after planting to get INVASIVE cohesion. established. The term “invasive” Before visiting a nursery, make a Here are some examples of herbs to describes plants that list of plants you want and then group together. You’ll notice some A escape gardens and usually

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narrow the list down and purchase packet, it could be for various If your seedlings become long, at least three of each plant or more. reasons: lanky, and even fall over, they may not be getting enough light or you Planting herbs in groups or using • Your seeds might be old or may have over-fertilized them. them as a border will help unify damaged. your garden. Before planting outdoors, “harden Seeds are living organisms that off” your small plants to help them Steel yourself before you shop to have a shelf life. After 2 years, adjust to cooler outdoor stay on target and not deviate from many seeds may not be alive. temperatures. Put them outside on a your task! Allow yourself to • It’s not warm enough. nice day in a sheltered and shady purchase one “fun” plant you location for a few hours each day. weren’t planning to buy. In order for seeds to germinate, the Gradually increase the time outside soil temperature must be warm Planting in groups also attracts each day and move to partial and enough. Basil prefers soil pollinators. Honey bees, native then full sunlight after a week, then temperatures of 65-85 degrees. If bees, hummingbirds and others plant them outside. you don’t have a soil thermometer, seek out gardens with large wait until outdoor temperatures OUTDOORS groupings of flowers to visit. reach 70 degrees before planting. After danger of frost has mostly SELECTING HERBS passed, plant seeds directly in the • You planted seeds too deep. You can plant herbs from seeds or ground. In Stanislaus County, there plants. Most gardeners purchase Seeds buried too deeply don’t have is only a 10 percent chance of frost perennial herbs as 4” or 1-gallon enough resources to sprout and then after March 23. The soil may not be plants, and annuals from seeds or grow up out of the soil to reach warm enough for seeds to plants. sunlight. Always follow planting germinate, but you can still plant depth instructions listed on the them. Some annuals like dill, fennel, and packet. If the directions say to bury cilantro have a taproot and do Some annuals, such as cilantro and the seed 1/8 to 1/4 inch deep, set better when planted from seed. You dill, can be planted twice a year. seeds on top of the soil or seed tray can still purchase them as a plant. Plant in spring or fall. and lightly sprinkle some soil over Purchase healthy plants that don’t the top. Water gently. While small and tender, your herbs have a circling root ball. You can may need protection from snails, LANTING SEEDS tell this by looking at the edge of slugs, centipedes, earwigs, and the container and sliding the plant even birds. out a little bit. If a container has INDOORS LANTING PLANTS roots coming out the bottom, P You can start warm season Follow these planting chances are it has been in that pot herb seeds indoors in a potting mix steps for healthy herbs: for too long. that has a slow release fertilizer 4-6 weeks before you plan to move P Step 1:Add 3-4 inches of If you already have a lot of herbs in them outdoors. Using a grow light compost over the top of your soil. your garden, look for other will greatly enhance the success of Work it in gently to a depth of 2-3 interesting to add like your seeds. Heating mats are also inches using a rake or a hoe. Sage ‘Tricolor’ ‘Purple Ruffles’ helpful. basil; chocolate, or apple Step 2: Dig a hole twice as wide as mint or any number of the scented If you use a regular potting mix, the container, and 2 inches geraniums listed in the guide. you can wait and fertilize the shallower. seedlings when they are 2 weeks NOTES ABOUT SEEDS Step 3: Gently remove the plant old with any water-soluble fertilizer When a seed germinates, tiny from the container. Examine the at 1/4 strength one time per week. leaves attempt to push through the root ball (area of soil and roots). If soil to reach the surface. If your When watering seeds, use care as needed, pull apart or prune the seeds don’t germinate after the days tiny seedlings can be knocked over roots using small pruning shears. -to-germination listed on the or damaged by heavy spray.

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Step 4: Place the plant in the hole. ATERING Plants in pots are “contained” in a The top of the root ball should sit small amount of soil, so even low- slightly above soil level. Fill in water users need more water than New Plants around the root ball with remaining plants in the ground. W All young plants soil. Pack lightly, being careful not need special care until established. You may need to water containers to pile soil on top. After planting, keep the root ball in full sun daily during the Step 5: Water deeply. Use a moist until the plant begins to summer. You can also move herbs garden hose or drip irrigation to grow. For perennials, water in containers into partial shade keep plants well-watered. Create a regularly during the first year. during days over 95 degrees. basin around the plant to hold Pay special attention on windy and ERTILIZING water. hot summer days when soil may Most established herbs do After watering, the plant should dry out quickly. If plants start well without fertilizer, but sink so the top of the root ball is wilting, they may need more water. F if you decide to use one, even with the soil. There should However, wilting is also a sign of purchase an all-purpose type such not be any soil over the top of the overwatering. Dig a few inches as 10-10-10 and follow package root ball. deep to check if soil is moist below directions. the surface. Keep the soil area around the plant Herbs in containers can use some moist. Be aware that dryer soil Established Plants fertilizer, just remember this may around the root ball can pull away Plants usually need irrigation May cause them to outgrow their moisture and dry out the root ball. through October. During the rest of container sooner than they would the year, rainwater may be enough without fertilizer. ONTAINER HERBS for plants. ERENNIAL When watering, water deeply MAINTENANCE Use potting soil from a enough to wet the root system. For C nursery or garden center. deep-rooted perennials, such as Never use garden soil. This makes Herbs are fairly low rosemary or bay, the soil may need P pots heavy and harder to move maintenance; however, they look to be wet to 18 inches deep. around, and you may introduce best when pruned for size and weed seeds or diseases. Some soils For shallow rooted annuals like shape. in Stanislaus County contain clay, basil, moisten soil 4-6 inches deep. In winter, if perennial herb plants which can become compacted and Sandy soils feel gritty when you appear to have died from frost, cause poor drainage. touch them, and have large wait a month to see if they grow When designing a container, take particles that allow water to flow out. After a hard frost, you may note of the mature size of herbs, easily. Plants in sandy soils need need to replace some perennials. otherwise they may quickly water more often, especially during Major pruning should only be done outgrow their pot. summer. in spring, after danger of frost has Choose herbs with different leaf Clay soils hold moisture the passed. textures, habits, and heights. For a longest. Small particles hold onto ESTS container in full sun that needs water and nutrients. Allow the soil regular water, you could plant basil to drain between watering. (tall), lemon thyme (trailing), and In many cases, if your Use your finger or a shovel to chives (interesting texture and P plant has an insect check if soil is moist a few inches flower color). Add your favorite infestation it may be stressed. below the surface before adding annual flower for a “pop” of color. Make sure it is getting adequate additional water. water, or that you aren’t Containers overwatering it. Choose containers with holes in the For problems with aphids, spider bottom to allow water to drain.

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mites, and whiteflies, hose pests lowest setting and leave the oven the teapot covered to retain heat. off with a gentle spray of water door open slightly. Stir Strain the herbs once the tea has daily. If caterpillars are munching occasionally. Herbs are dry when reached the desired strength. Serve your herbs, hand pick them off and leaves can be crumbled with a tea with honey, lemon, or milk. give them to chickens or drop them finger. For iced tea, use 3 tablespoons of in a bucket of warm, soapy water. In the microwave, place 1 cup of fresh herbs or 2 tablespoons of Striped caterpillars found on dill herbs in a single layer between 2 dried herbs. The extra tablespoon and fennel may be the larvae of the paper towels. Microwave on high allows for the melting of ice. beautiful yellow tiger swallowtail for 3 minutes. If herbs aren’t If you are pregnant or nursing, do butterfly. completely dry, keep drying them not consume any herbs as a tea in cycles of 20 seconds, being Consult the UC IPM website http:// without first consulting your careful not to scorch them. ipm.ucanr.edu for other problems. physician. Freezing ARVESTING HERBS AKING SPA Chop herbs and add a teaspoon or In general, herbs are WATER tablespoon of herb to each cube freshest before they Spa water is a with a small amount of water. Most start flowering. healthy take on H frozen herbs retain their flavor less M Remove spent flowers regularly to flavored water. You can use a than dried herbs. However, promote new leaves. Harvest early large, clear container filled with freezing pesto (with basil) is an in the morning after dew has dried. water, ice, and a few herbs or even ideal way to keep this herbs’ fruits and vegetables. Use pruning shears for perennials; flavor. pinch off leaves or stems of You can create combos like lemon TORING HERBS annuals with your fingers or slices with lemon verbena, Fresh herbs can be stored pruners. with basil, or as sprigs in jars of water with lemon balm. Annual herbs can be cut back to S just before you use them. 75% of their foliage and still To store for a longer period, cover ABOUT THE HERB GUIDE recover. For perennials, don’t the top of the herb loosely with The guide is broken into four remove more than 1/3 of the plant plastic wrap and place the jar in the categories. “Common and Latin at any one time. refrigerator for up to two weeks. Name” lists the herbs alphabetically by common name. RESERVING HERBS For dried herbs, store in a cool, dry “Life Cycle” lists the letters A, B Since herbs aren’t always place away from your oven. Glass and P which stand for annual, available fresh year- containers work well for storage. biennial and perennial. “Part Used” round, you may want to Keep herbs in cupboards as P mentions the edible part of the herb preserve them. sunlight fades both color and and how it’s used. “Growing Tips” flavor. Drying describes the growing conditions Dry herbs by gathering them into You can also use a mortar and the herb needs. bundles and tying them with string. pestle or coffee grinder to grind BIBLIOGRAPHY If you plan to save the seeds, tie a dried herbs. Dried herbs should not Sunset Western Garden Book. paper bag loosely over the tops of be kept for more than 6-8 months. Menlo Park, CA. Sunset the herbs, then hang the bundles AKING TEA Publishing. 2007. upside down in a cool, dry place. When making tea, Most herbs are ready within 2 for fresh herbs add 2 List of Common Herbs. University weeks. M tablespoons per cup, of Illinois. Retrieved March 4, You can also dry herbs in the oven for dried add 1 2019 from. http:// or microwave. Before placing tablespoon. extension.illinois.edu/herbs/ herbs in the oven, spread them on a directory.cfm Pour boiling water into a teapot baking pan. Set the oven on the and let it steep for 5 minutes. Keep

Herbs in Your Garden 4 The Herb Guide Common & Life Plant Part Used Plant Description, Growth, & Latin Name Cycle Culinary Tips Basil A Leaves used fresh or Full sun; regular water. Grows 2’ tall & 1’ wide. Plant after Ocimum dry for pesto, soups, danger of frost. Pinch the top when young for a bushier form. Various varieties exist. Great in containers. basilicum salad, etc. Bay P Use larger, older Full sun to part shade; moderate water. Shrub or tree 12- leaves for soups, 40’ tall & wide. Needs good drainage. Makes a nice topiary. stews & meat. Watch for black scale & laurel psyllid insects. Beebalm P Fresh flowers for Full sun to partial shade; keep moist. Grows to 3-4’ tall. Mondarda salads; leaves dried Dark green, 4-6” leaves have a pleasant citrus-mint scent (similar to bergamot). Flowers attract pollinators. didyma for tea. Borage A Fresh flowers for Full sun to part shade; moderate water. Grows 2-3’ tall and salads or beverages. 1’ wide. Reseeds itself yearly. Thin to keep desired plants. Leaves are prickly. Bright blue flowers attract Remove flower from prickly sepal. pollinators. Calendula A Fresh flowers for Full sun; moderate water. Grows to 1 1/2’ tall. Plant in Calendula salads or beverages. spring or fall. Bright orange and yellow flowers add a nice “pop” of color to herb gardens. Great container plant. Chamomile A Flowers used fresh Full sun; moderate water. Grows 2’ tall & wide. Self-seeds. Matricaria or dry for tea. Flowers in late spring have a pleasant scent & attract pollinators. Save fully open flowers for tea. recutita

Chives (Onion) P Leaves have a Full sun to part shade; regular water. Grows in 2’ tall Allium subtle, onion-like clumps. Snip stems for fresh use only. Use chives to tie schoenoprasum flavor. Best used carrots or asparagus together while cooking. Makes a nice fresh. container plant. Cilantro & A Harvest young Part shade; regular water, especially in summer. Grows 2-3’ Coriander leaves for cilantro; tall & 9” wide. Plant in spring or fall. To harvest coriander seeds, wait until flowers have bloomed. When seeds start Coriandrum seeds for coriander used ground or to form, cut stems & place in a paper bag. Tie & put it in a sativum warm, dry place. Seeds should be ready in 10 days. whole.

Dill A Leaves used in Full sun, regular water. Grows 3-4 feet tall & wide. Plant in Anethum salads; seeds used spring. Self-sows readily; plant every 2-3 weeks for fresh graveolens whole for making supply. Protect the plant by staking or growing it in a well- pickles, or ground protected area. Harvest white umbel flowers by picking for use in other just before seeds are fully dry. Hang upside down in a recipes. paper bag. Seeds should be ready in about 10 days. Epazote A Young or old leaves Full sun, regular water. Grows to 2-4’ tall. Self-sows readily, Chenopodium used fresh or dried may become a pest. Has an extremely strong flavor ambrosioides in Latin American described as a combination of cilantro, anise, licorice, pine, Herbs in Your Garden 5 dishes. eucalyptus, & camphor scent. The Herb Guide Common & Life Plant Part Used Plant Description, Growth, & Botanical Cycle Culinary Tips Name

Fennel P Best fresh. Leaves & Full sun, moderate water. Grows 3-6’ tall, depending on Foeniculum stems in salads, fish. variety. Self-sows & can become invasive. Has yellow, vulgare Stem used as a umbel-like flowers. Bronze fennel has a bronzy-purple vegetable. Seeds foliage. Leaves & seeds have a licorice flavor. used whole or ground.

Horseradish P Peel & grate root Full sun; regular water. Grows 3’ tall in clumps. Thrives in Armorica for sauces; young moist, rich soil. Purchase bare-root in the fall or as plants in rusticana leaves in salads. spring. Pieces of the root can be harvested off the side as Very spicy flavor. the plant begins to clump. Harvest during fall, winter & spring.

Hyssop P Minty leaves & Full sun or light shade; moderate to regular water. Hyssopus flowers are Tolerates dry conditions. Grows 1 1/2 to 2’ tall. Makes a officinalis somewhat bitter; nice border or container plant. Flowers may be pink, white, used to flavor meat or blue & attract pollinators. & salads. Lavender P Use leaves sparingly Full sun; little to moderate water. Grows 1-3’ tall. Good (English) in desserts & jelly. drainage essential, grow in raised beds if necessary. Lavendula Use L. angustifolia Flowers attract pollinators & may be purple, pink, or white. angustifolia cultivars only, others Harvest stems as flowers start to open. Choose cultivars lend a soapy taste. like ‘Munstead,’ & ‘Hidecote.’

Lemon Balm P Fresh or dried leaves Full sun to part shade; regular water. Grows 2’ tall & 1 1/2’ Melissa officinalis used in tea or spa wide. Can be invasive; self-sows by seed & rhizomes. water. Fresh young Makes a good container plant. Shear tops occasionally to leaves in salads. keep form bushy; cut flowers before they go to seed. Flowers attract pollinators.

Lemon Grass P Leaves used for tea; Full sun, regular water. Grows 3-4’ tall & wide. Can be also in Southeast sensitive to frost. Large parts of the stalk can be added to stews & soups. Use gloves when harvesting, leaf edges can citratus Asian dishes such as soups & curries. cut skin.

Lemon P Dried leaves make a Full sun; regular water. Grows 6’ tall & wide. Can be somewhat leggy. Prune in midsummer & spring. Can be Verbena flavorful tea. Fresh sensitive to frost. Also sensitive to spider mites, clean with Aloysia triphylla leaves added to salads. a spray of water to prevent dust buildup.

Herbs in Your Garden 6 The Herb Guide Common & Life Plant Part Used Plant Description, Growth, & Botanical Cycle Culinary Tips Name

Marjoram P Fresh or dried leaves Full sun; little to moderate water. Grows 1-2’ tall & wide. In Origanum used to season meat same family as oregano, similar in appearance & scent. Flowers are tiny & white or pink & attract pollinators. More majorana & stuffing. floral than spicy.

Mint P Use young leaves Full sun or part shade; regular water. Grows 1-3’ tall & species only. Peppermint for wide. An aggressive plant that can take over a large space. tea; spearmint for Keep in pots or harvest often for best control. salads Flavored mints include apple mint, pineapple mint, chocolate mint & orange mint.

Nasturtium A Add peppery young Full sun to part shade; regular water. Plant in spring & fall. Tropaeolum leaves & flowers are Does not tolerate frost. Grows 1’ tall & 3’ wide. Both vining majus to salads. Pickle & compact forms exist. Flowers may be red, yellow, flower buds. orange, maroon & off white. Oregano P Leaves used to Full sun; little to moderate water. Grows 2’ tall & wide. (Greek) flavor sauces in Nice border plant along edge of a garden. O. vulgare Origanum Mediterranean ‘Compactum’ has best flavor for cooking. This is vulgare var. dishes. what gives food spicy flavor. Marjoram is often suggested hirtum as a substitute for oregano, but it does not have the same effect.

Parsley B Fresh & dried leaves Full sun to part shade; regular water. Best treated as an Petroselinum used to flavor soups, annual; replant every year. Flat-leaved Italian parsley grows 2-3’ tall & wide & is considered the most flavorful. crispum stews, stuffing, & vegetables. Curly-leaved French parsley grows 6-12” tall & wide & is used as a . Pineapple P Leaves used in teas, Full sun, regular water. Grows 3-4’ & as wide. Leaves have Sage cocktails, & salads. a strong pineapple scent. Needs well-drained soil. Bright Salvia elegans Flowers added to red flowers attract pollinators, especially hummingbirds. salads.

Rosemary P Use fresh or dried Full sun; little to moderate water. Heights vary. Used as a Rosmarinus sprigs when cooking groundcover or small to large shrub. Tall types make a officinalis with meat or good hedge. Prune lightly on a regular basis for shape. vegetables. Flower color may be blue, purple, pink or white. To harvest: remove 4” pieces from the branch tips.

Herbs in Your Garden 7 The Herb Guide Common & Life Plant Part Used Plant Description, Growth, & Botanical Cycle Culinary Tips Name Sage P Fresh or dried leaves Full sun to part shade; little to moderate water. Grows 1-3’ used in fish, pork, & tall & wide. Replace woody plants every few years. Leaves poultry dishes. Also can be harvested anytime but are best used fresh. Several vegetables & colorful cultivars available like ‘Tricolor,’ &

Scented P Leaves fresh or dry Full sun to part shade; moderate to regular water. Grows 1- Geranium in deserts, 3’ tall & as wide. Flowers mostly insignificant. Leaves are Pelargonium beverages, vinegars, brightly scented . Cultivars include apple, almond, lime, species & jellies. , mint, rose, & peppermint.

Tarragon P Fresh or dried leaves Full sun; little to moderate water. Grows 2-3’ tall, creeps Artemesia in salads, vinegars, along the ground. Makes a good container plant. French dracunculus & oils. Leaves have a tarragon is used in cooking, Russian tarragon has little licorice flavor. flavor. Divide every 3-4 years to reinvigorate plant. Thyme P Leaves fresh or dry Full sun to part shade; little to moderate water. Grows 1’ Thymus vulgaris in soups, stews, tall & 2’ wide. Makes a good container plant, keep on the casseroles, stuffing dry side. For best flavor, pick before flowering. Pollinators

& poultry dishes. are attracted to the small white or purple flowers. Renew by cutting the plant back severely in the spring every few years. May need to be replaced when it gets too woody.

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