Spices in Zone 7

Thyme

• Thyme is a hardy perennial that flourishes easily in zone 7. Dried, thyme is a versatile spice that has a nice, penetrating aroma. It is also valued for medicinal purposes and is high in iron. Thyme likes sunny spots with well-drained soil, and it is drought-resistant. Thyme can be planted as seed or propagated from cuttings or root sections.

Rosemary

• Rosemary is a woody, evergreen perennial, often grown as a decorative shrub. The needle-like leaves are widely used both fresh and dried as a culinary spice. Rosemary grows well in a variety of soils and prefers full sun. It is a hardy plant in the cold and can tolerate some degree of drought. Many people enjoy the slightly bitter flavor of rosemary that accompanies its strong fragrance.

Oregano

• Oregano is one of the most widely used spices in the world. Though it is a perennial in warmer climates, it is often grown as an annual in chillier climes, where the cold can kill it. Planted in zone 7, oregano can often survive the winters if it is buried under light mulch or leaves. Loose, well-drained soil--including in pots--works well with oregano, which likes sun but tolerates some shade.

Sage

• Sage is an evergreen perennial that has furry leaves and is very hardy through zone 7 winters. A pungent spice that can also be burned as incense, sage likes very rich soil and plenty of sun. Experimenting with cultivars is advised because some sages have a turpentine-like flavor. Sage grows very well in window pots. Sage seeds to not keep well and need to be sown soon after purchase.

Basil

• Oregano and basil are the mainstay spices for Italian cuisine. Sweet basil is an easily grown annual that likes to grow during the hottest months. It will grow with some shade, but the more sun it gets, the faster and fuller it grows. It needs to be watered frequently, but avoid drowning the roots. Once basil flowers, it will not produce more leaves, which are the parts harvested as a spice.

Anise

• Anise can be planted in zone 7 after the last projected frost. It has a smell and flavor similar to licorice or fennel. Many gardeners prefer to seed anise directly in the ground because it has a fast-growing taproot that can be damaged easily during transplanting. Check the cultivar, because some anise will not grow well in zone 7, preferring a hotter climate.

Borage

• Borage produces leaves and an edible blue flower. It is an annual, heavy-bodied plant that needs protection from strong winds. The dried leaves are used with preserves to add a light, cucumber-like flavor; borage is also useful as a natural remedy for pre-menstrual syndrome. Borage is used as a companion plant in gardens because it confuses tomato hornworm moths.