Herbaceous Plant Care

Basil

• Basils (Ocimum genus) are aromatic, woody shrubs in the Mint family. Sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum) is widely used in Italian cuisine, pairing splendidly with tomatoes. Other basils include Thai basil and spicy globe basil. Basil, a warm-season annual, is hardy in growing zones 4 to 10. Its seeds should be sown after the year's last frost. Basil enjoys well-drained soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.5, and benefits from mulch. These plants should be exposed to full sun and watered every seven to 10 days. Basil is best when fresh and may be harvested as needed.

Rosemary

• Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) is another easy-to-grow culinary herb. Unlike basil, rosemary is a perennial. It produces needle-like dark green leaves and delicate bluish flowers. Rosemary is evergreen in zones 8 and 9, dying back in winter in zones 6 and 7. Outdoors it may reach heights of up to 6 feet. Rosemary thrives in sandy soil and enjoys full sun. It is also salt tolerant.

Tarragon

• Tarragon (Artemisia dracunculus) is a perennial herb in the Wormwood family. Its long, green leaves have a distinctive flavor which enhances meat dishes, soups and potatoes. Tarragon is hardy in zones 4 to 8. Plant this herb in full sun or partial shade in loose, rich soil. Like basil, tarragon may be harvested fresh as it is needed in the kitchen.