Herbs Grown in the Deep South

Growing Basics

• Grow herbs in raised beds to increase soil drainage and soil temperature during the wet spring. Site your bed in a sunny or lightly shaded part of the garden. Mulch your herb plants with at least 3 inches of organic matter to preserve moisture during the hot summers. Consider testing your soil by sending a sample to a laboratory to find out if it would benefit from the addition of dolomitic lime or fertilizer.

Mexican Tarragon (Tagetes lucida)

• A hot-weather substitute for European tarragon, this drought-resistant perennial grows to over 3 feet and thrives in full sun. The leaves can be used in any dish that calls for tarragon, while the flowers are also edible. Mexican tarragon is also known as Mexican mint marigold.

Lemon Verbena (Aloysia triphylla)

• Lemon verbena produces a strong, sweet, lemony scent and grows up to 5 feet tall if grown in moist soil and full sun. Grow in containers and cut back to 6 inches high before moving it indoors for the winter. All parts of the plant are edible and can be used to make potpourri, or as a flavoring for teas and lemon-flavored cold drinks.

Bay (Laurus nobilis)

• Bay trees reach 50 feet but are most often grown as an ornamental shrub or as a container plant. The glossy leaves are aromatic and used dry to flavor stews such as gumbo. Grow bay in a container in a lightly shaded part of the garden. Move plants indoors before the first frost.

Coriander (Coriandrum sativum)

• Coriander (otherwise known as cilantro) is a pungent, annual herb with finely divided green leaves. It grows from seed sown directly into the ground, but often bolts straight to seed if grown in full sun or during the hottest summer months. Sow coriander seeds every two weeks to guarantee a supply throughout the summer. Use coriander leaves as a garnish for Mexican- and Asian-style dishes, or use the aromatic seeds to flavor curries.

Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare)

• Fennel is an annual or biannual plant that grows up to 4 feet tall with an attractive yellow inflorescence. Grow fennel in full sun and free-draining soil. Use the leaves to flavor fish dishes and the anise-like seeds in teas and pastries. Fennel plants will self-seed in most gardens.

Other Herbs

• Oregano (Origanum vulgare) and Mexican oregano (Lippia graveolens) both thrive in moist soil and full sunshine. Use their leaves in Italian-style dishes and put Mexican oregano into Texas-style chili. Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) is a drought-resistant shrub with aromatic leaves that go well with lamb or in Italian foccaccia bread. Grow cold-resistant varieties in sunny locations in the Southern garden.