Herbs for Herb Gardens

Parsley

• Parsley (Petroselinum crispum) is a biennial herb indigenous to Europe and western Asia. This hardy plant belongs to the Apiaceae family. Parsley plants develop rosette leaves the first year and form flowering stems during the second year. The scented leaves are aesthetically pleasing and a valuable source of vitamin C. Gardeners cultivate parsley for culinary, medicinal and ornamental purposes. Parsley thrives in rich, moist, well-draining soil with full sun. Some species of swallowtail butterflies use parsley as a host plant.

Sweet Basil

• Sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum L) is an annual herb native to Southeast Asia and central Africa. This widely cultivated culinary herb grows in France, Egypt, United States and Greece. Sweet basil is a tender plant highly sensitive to cold. Sweet basil forms from a seed into 11- to 51-inch-tall plants with light green smooth leaves and small white flowers on terminal spikes. This Lamiaceae family plant requires a hot, dry atmosphere, full sun and well-draining soil with low amounts of moisture. Sweet basil has more than 60 cultivars.

Rosemary

• Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) is an evergreen perennial herb that grows in a shrub formation that originates from the Mediterranean. This Lamiaceae family plant grows to heights of 2 to 4 feet with a spread of 3 to 4 feet. Rosemary is a drought-, deer- and salt-tolerant plant. The foliage of the rosemary plant has aromatic needle like leaves in a grayish-green to dark green hue. These flavorful leaves are additives for culinary dishes. Rosemary plants enjoy well-draining soil and full sun to light shade.

Mint

• Mint (Mentha spp.) belongs to the genus Mentha, which consists of fragrant flowering perennial plants. A member of the Lamiaceae family, mint comes in a variety of plants like spearmint and peppermint. All mint plants have very similar characteristics. Mint plants grow to heights of 2 feet with a semi-prostrate formation. The foliage has square stems with simple leaves in an opposite arrangement. Mint prefers to grow in cool, moisture-rich shaded areas; however, mint is an adaptable plant that thrives in full sun, too. Gardeners cultivate this herb for flavoring in beverages and food, as well as medicinal purposes.