Asian herbs and vegetables are a staple in stir-fries, curries, soups, and fresh salads. Many of the herbs we use in Asian cooking, like Thai basil, lemongrass, and cilantro, are surprisingly easy to grow in your own garden—even if you live in a cooler part of Australia. Growing your own herbs means having fresh, aromatic ingredients at your fingertips, perfect for recreating authentic flavours in your kitchen.
Whether you have a backyard garden, a balcony, or just a few pots, there are plenty of options for growing herbs that thrive locally. In this guide, we’ll cover the most popular Asian herbs, how to grow them, what dishes they’re used in, and tips for container gardening.
Easy Asian Herbs to Grow at Home
If you’re just starting, here’s a quick reference for herbs that are easy to grow in Australian conditions, many of which also do well in containers.
| Herb | Climate | Container Friendly | Common Uses |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thai Basil | Warm, subtropical–tropical | Yes | Stir fries, Thai curries, noodle dishes |
| Lemongrass | Warm climates | Yes | Soups, curries, marinades |
| Vietnamese Mint | Warm climates | Yes | Vietnamese salads, noodle dishes |
| Cilantro (Coriander) | Cool–temperate | Yes | Garnish, salads, curries |
| Ginger | Warm climates | Yes | Stir fries, soups, marinades |
| Turmeric | Tropical–subtropical | Yes | Curries, rice dishes |
| Curry Leaf Tree | Warm, frost-free | Yes | Indian curries, tempering spices |
| Chilies | Warm climates | Yes | Sauces, sambals, stir fries |
| Garlic | Cool–temperate | Limited | Aromatic base for many dishes |
These herbs are versatile, easy to manage, and incredibly rewarding for home cooks.
Popular Asian Herbs for Cooking
Asian herbs and aromatics are used differently depending on the cuisine. While garlic and ginger appear across almost every Asian kitchen, herbs like Thai basil, Vietnamese mint, and shiso are more region-specific. Understanding the difference between herbs, aromatics, and spices will help you plan both your garden and your cooking.
Asian herbs and aromatics are used differently depending on the cuisine. While garlic and ginger appear across almost every Asian kitchen, herbs like Thai basil, Vietnamese mint, and shiso are more region-specific. Understanding the difference between herbs, aromatics, and spices will help you plan both your garden and your cooking.
Herbs – Aromatics – Spices : What’s the Difference?
| Type | Description | Examples | Common Uses |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fresh Herbs | Soft leafy plants used fresh for flavour and garnish | Thai basil, Vietnamese mint, cilantro | Salads, stir fries, noodle dishes |
| Aromatics | Strong-flavoured ingredients used as a flavour base | Ginger, garlic, lemongrass, galangal | Stir fries, soups, curries |
| Rhizomes / Roots | Underground stems with strong flavour | Ginger, turmeric, galangal | Curries, soups, marinades |
| Spices | Dried seeds, bark, fruits, or pods | Star anise, cumin, cardamom, cloves | Spice blends, braises, curries |
| Fragrant Leaves | Leaves used mainly for aroma | Pandan leaf, curry leaf | Rice dishes, curries, desserts |
| Heat Sources | Ingredients added mainly for spice and heat | Chilies, Sichuan peppercorns, white pepper | Sauces, stir fries, marinades |
| Sour Flavourings | Ingredients used to add acidity and balance flavour | Tamarind | Curries, sauces, soups |
Popular Herbs by Cuisine
Different countries use herbs and aromatics in unique ways. Knowing which herbs are essential to each cuisine helps you grow the right plants for the dishes you love.
Chinese Cooking
- Herbs/Aromatics: Garlic, ginger, spring onions, cilantro, Chinese chives
- Spices: Star anise, Sichuan peppercorn, cinnamon, fennel seeds, white pepper
- Use: Stir-fries, soups, braises, five-spice dishes
Vietnamese Cooking
- Herbs: Vietnamese mint, Thai basil, cilantro, perilla, sawtooth coriander
- Aromatics: Lemongrass, garlic, ginger, chilies
- Use: Pho, bun cha, herb salads, fresh spring rolls
Japanese Cooking
- Herbs/Aromatics: Shiso, mitsuba, wasabi, ginger, garlic, spring onions
- Use: Sushi, sashimi, ramen, garnishes
Thai Cooking
- Herbs: Thai basil, holy basil, kaffir lime leaves, Vietnamese mint, cilantro
- Aromatics: Lemongrass, galangal, garlic, ginger, chilies
- Use: Curries, stir-fries, Tom Yum soup, salads
Asian Herbs That Grow Well in Pots and Small Gardens
Even if you don’t have a large backyard, you can still grow many Asian herbs in containers. These potted herbs thrive on patios and balconies.
| Herb | Pot Size | Sun | Growing Tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thai Basil | Medium | Full sun | Pinch tips regularly to keep plants bushy |
| Lemongrass | Large | Full sun | Needs plenty of water and warmth |
| Vietnamese Mint | Medium | Sun–part shade | Grows vigorously, containers help control spreading |
| Cilantro (Coriander) | Small–medium | Sun–part shade | Sow regularly as plants bolt quickly |
| Ginger | Medium | Part shade | Grow in rich soil; harvest rhizomes after foliage dies back |
| Turmeric | Medium | Part shade | Prefers warm, humid conditions |
| Chilies | Medium | Full sun | Pick fruits often to encourage more growth |
| Curry Leaf Tree | Large | Full sun | Protect from frost in cooler climates |
Asian Herb Garden Starter List
If you’re new to growing Asian herbs, start with a few easy and versatile plants:
- Thai Basil – stir fries, curries
- Lemongrass – soups, curries, marinades
- Cilantro – garnish, salads, curries
- Vietnamese Mint – salads, noodle dishes
- Ginger – stir fries, soups, sauces
- Turmeric – curries, rice, drinks
- Chili Peppers – heat for sauces and curries
- Curry Leaf Tree – Indian and Sri Lankan curries
Growing Asian herbs at home is both rewarding and practical. Even a small selection of herbs in pots or garden beds can bring fresh, vibrant flavours to your cooking. Whether you want to make Thai curries, Vietnamese soups, or stir-fries from China, having fresh herbs on hand transforms your dishes—and your garden into a fragrant, productive space.
Although these herbs are usually available at asian green grocers as well as markets it is well worth trying to grow many of these in the home garden, especially if you cook a lot of Asian recipes and are looking for fresh herbs.
Many of these herbs are from tropical and sub tropical climates and as such require a warm climate and plenty of moisture. In warmer areas this is fairly easy, however in cooler climates many of these herbs can be grown in pots or containers in a sunny position protected from frosts and cold winds.
Asian herbs are available for sale from the following nurseries
FOUR SEASONS HERBS – or email: sales@fourseasonsherbs.com.au
Huge range of rare & unusual herbs, edible perennial plants, wasabi, saffron corms & organic garlic. Specialised Mail order nursery.