If you’re looking to add some fragrance to your garden and flavor to your meals, annual herbs are a fantastic choice! Easy to grow from seeds or seedlings, annual herbs are perfect for beginner gardeners. Ready to start your herb garden?
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Annual herbs are a great addition to any garden, providing fresh flavors and vibrant greenery. They typically complete their life cycle in one growing season, making them easy to grow from seed. Plant them in well-drained soil, give them plenty of sunlight, and enjoy fresh, homegrown herbs all season long.
Annual Herbs
- basil
- borage
- calendula
- chervil
- cilantro
- dill
- feverfew
- German chamomile
- parsley
- toothache plant
When to Plant Herbs
In warm climates like Phoenix or gardening zone 9b plant herbs in the cooler months. Generally during the months of October through February. Plant cool season annual herbs in the fall and warm season annual herbs in the spring.
Basil is a Tender Perennial
Basil can be treated as an annual or a tender perennial. In Phoenix or gardening zone 9b. plant seeds between February and April. I cover my basil during cold spells and it has survived several years.
Borage
Borage is an annual herb. In warm climates, like Phoenix, it is possible for it to be perennial. Plant seeds October through January.
Calendula
Plant calendula, Calendula officinalis, in the cooler months. Sow seeds in late fall (October to November) or early spring (February to March). Flowers will bloom in about eight weeks.
Chervil
An annual herb traditionally used in French cooking the leaves have an Anise flavor (think licorice). Plant chervil, Anthriscus cerefolium, in the cooler months. Plant in early spring or in early fall. In Phoenix, sow seeds in October or November. You can also plant in February or March.
Cilantro
Cilantro likes cool weather. In hot weather it will bolt and go to seed. In Phoenix, seeds can be planted October through January. Transplants can still be planted in February and March.
Dill
Plant dill, Anethum graveolens, in the cooler months. In Phoenix, sow seeds in October or November. Dill produces feathery leaves and yellow umbrella-shaped flowers. Harvest leaves 8 weeks after planting for culinary use, such as flavoring pickles, salads, and soups.
Feverfew
In Phoenix’s hot climate, it’s best to plant feverfew, Tanacetum parthenium, during the cooler months of October and November. Feverfew produces small, daisy-like flowers and is valued for its medicinal properties, particularly in reducing migraines and inflammation. Harvest leaves before flowering for best results.
German Chamomile
Plant German chamomile, Matricaria chamomilla, in the cooler months. In Phoenix sow seeds in October to November or in February to March. These delicate flowers are traditionally used for teas, but they make excellent cut flowers as well.
Parsley
Plant parsley in late fall or early spring. It thrives in well-drained soil with partial to full sun. Harvest leaves regularly to promote growth. Parsley adds fresh flavor to dishes and is packed with vitamins A, C, and K.
Toothache Plant
The toothache plant, Acmella oleracea, takes about 3-4 months before you can harvest. In Phoenix, plant in September and October to avoid the extreme summer heat. The plant produces yellow, button-like flowers and its leaves and flowers can be harvested for their numbing effects, making them useful for toothaches and inflammation relief.