Profitable Herbs to Grow in Florida

Culinary Herbs

• The most widely used and recognized herbs are those held in culinary esteem, and several of these grow well in Florida. Various types of basil, oregano, mint, marjoram, sage and parsley flourish in Florida, as well as rosemary, savory, dill, fennel, chives and garlic.

Medicinal Herbs

• Lemon balm grows easily in Florida, and is infused into a calm-inducing tea that reduces stress, as well as relieving indigestion. Borage is a low-spreading plant with violet star-shaped flowers. Its leaves have diuretic properties and heal respiratory conditions and nervous disorders. American ginseng, Panax quinquefolium, may be found growing native in northern Florida's shady hardwood forests. Ginseng is an adaptogen, which means it helps the body adapt to stress, and also boosts immunity. Comfrey is a hardy herb that grows year-round in Florida. Comfrey is applied to sprains, broken bones, wounds and inflammation to promote healing.

Herbs to Attract Florida Wildlife

• Many flowers, vegetables, fruits and plants benefit from birds and pollinating insects like butterflies and bees. Butterfly weed, milk thistle, bergamot, passion flower, scented geranium, sunflower, foxglove, catnip, goldenrod and echinacea will all thrive in Florida as well as attract wildlife to the yard or garden.

Herbs for Florida Coasts

• Only herbs that can withstand the ocean's salt spray will earn profits near Florida's coasts. Salt-tolerant herbs such as juniper, rose, mondo grass, lantana, bay, aloe, lambs quarters and santolina are good for Florida coastal herb gardens.

Herbs for Color

• All herbs have some sort of beneficial use, but some add more color to the garden than others. Angel trumpet has large, interesting white, peach or lavender flowers. Bergamot has large bursting blooms of red, pink, white and lavender. Hydrangea is one of the more showy herbs with large clusters of blue, pink or white flowers. Alyssum blooms into a blanket of small white, pink or purple flowers, and nasturtium, whose flowers are also edible, grows into a profusion of red, orange and yellow. Other herbs that produce beautiful blooms include borage, calendula and hyssop.