Herbs are the heart of every kitchen garden — adding freshness, aroma, and nutrition to your meals. From basil’s sweet perfume to rosemary’s woody scent, these plants turn ordinary dishes into memorable ones. Whether you grow herbs in a sunny windowsill, balcony pots, or outdoor beds, they’re among the easiest and most rewarding plants to cultivate.
Here we explore 11 of the most beloved culinary herbs — including their best varieties, growing requirements, watering and soil tips, and classic recipes. Each section also includes a short Herb History for a touch of cultural flavor.
1. Basil (Ocimum basilicum)
A sun-loving Mediterranean favorite known for its sweet aroma and bold flavor. Basil pairs beautifully with tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, one our favourite culinary herbs.
Varieties
- Sweet Basil (Genovese) – classic Italian pesto basil.
- Thai Basil – spicy, anise-like flavor.
- Lemon Basil – citrusy flavor for salads and fish.
- Holy Basil (Tulsi) – sacred in India; used in teas and curries.
Growing Conditions Full sun to afternoon shade in warmer climates, warm (20–30°C). Protect from frost.
Soil Rich, well-drained, slightly acidic (pH 6–7).
Water Needs Keep soil moist but not waterlogged.
Garden or Pots Perfect in pots or garden beds; thrives indoors in sunlight.
Growing Season – Spring to late summer.
Classic Uses
- Pesto Genovese
- Caprese Salad
- Thai Green Curry
- Lemon Basil Vinaigrette
- Tomato & Basil Soup
Herb History
Basil means “king” in Greek. Sacred in India and a Roman love symbol, it represents purity and passion across cultures.
2. Cilantro / Corriander (Coriandrum sativum)
Bright, citrusy leaves used in Latin American, Middle Eastern, and Asian dishes. Both leaves (cilantro) and seeds (coriander) are edible.
Varieties
- Standard Cilantro – classic global variety.
- Vietnamese Cilantro – similar use, stronger flavor.
Growing Conditions Full sun to partial shade; prefers cool weather.
Soil Light, fertile, well-drained loam (pH 6.5–7.5).
Water Needs Moderate, water evenly.
Garden or Pots Grows easily in containers; best succession planted.
Growing Season Spring and autumn.
Classic Uses
- Salsa Fresca
- Guacamole
- Cilantro-Lime Rice
- Vietnamese Pho
- Indian Green Chutney
Herb History
Coriander seeds were found in Tutankhamun’s tomb — cherished in ancient Egypt for flavor and ritual significance.
3. Chives (Allium schoenoprasum)
A mild onion-flavored perennial perfect for garnishes and sauces.
Varieties
- Common Chives – onion flavor.
- Garlic Chives – flat leaves, garlicky taste.
Growing Conditions Full sun or partial shade; hardy perennial.
Soil Moist, rich, well-drained.
Water Needs Regular watering.
Garden or Pots Excellent in pots and borders.
Growing Season Spring through autumn.
Classic Uses
- Baked Potatoes with Chives
- Chive Butter
- Scrambled Eggs
- Garlic Chive Dumplings
- Herb Cream Cheese
Herb History
Romans believed chives boosted courage; medieval Europeans hung them to ward off evil spirits.
4. Dill (Anethum graveolens)
Feathery, aromatic herb that enhances fish, pickles, and salads.
Varieties
- Bouquet – common pickling dill.
- Fernleaf – compact, pot-friendly.
- Mammoth – large, strong flavor.
Growing Conditions Full sun; dislikes transplanting.
Soil Light, fertile, well-drained.
Water Needs Moderate.
Garden or Pots Best outdoors; Fernleaf suits pots.
Growing Season Spring to early summer.
Classic Uses
- Dill Pickles
- Gravlax
- Potato Salad
- Tzatziki Sauce
- Egg Mayonnaise
Herb History
From Norse dylla, “to soothe.” Used by Greeks for medicine and protection charms.
5. Greek Oregano (Origanum vulgare)
Earthy, aromatic herb central to Mediterranean cuisine.
Varieties
- Greek Oregano – strong flavor.
- Italian Oregano – milder hybrid.
- Turkish Oregano – earthy, pungent.
Growing Conditions Full sun; drought-tolerant.
Soil Light, well-drained.
Water Needs Low.
Garden or Pots Best grown in pots as it can be a vigourous grower. or sunny beds.
Growing Season Spring–autumn.
Classic Uses
- Greek Salad
- Pizza Margherita
- Roast Lamb
- Tomato Sauce
- Herb Vinaigrette
Herb History
From Greek oros ganos, “joy of the mountain.” Linked to Aphrodite as a symbol of love and happiness.
ALT: “Greek oregano growing on sunny hillside – Mediterranean cooking herb.”
6. French Tarragon (Artemisia dracunculus)
Refined, anise-scented herb essential in French cuisine.
Varieties
- French Tarragon – best flavor.
- Russian Tarragon – less aromatic.
Growing Conditions Full sun, sheltered spot.
Soil Well-drained, sandy or loamy.
Water Needs Moderate.
Garden or Pots Excellent in pots.
Growing Season Spring–autumn.
Classic Uses
- Béarnaise Sauce
- Chicken Tarragon
- Tarragon Vinegar
- Herb Butter
- French Omelette
Herb History
Latin dracunculus means “little dragon.” Once thought to cure snake bites and prized by French monks.
7. Mint (Mentha)
Refreshing and versatile, used in drinks, desserts, and savory dishes.
Varieties
- Spearmint – classic flavor.
- Peppermint – stronger, menthol note.
- Apple Mint – mild, fruity.
- Chocolate Mint – dessert favorite.
Growing Conditions Partial shade to full sun.
Soil Rich, moist, well-drained.
Water Needs High.
Garden or Pots Best in pots — spreads vigorously.
Growing Season Spring–autumn.
Classic Uses
- Mojito
- Mint Sauce
- Tabbouleh
- Mint Tea
- Fruit Salad
Herb History
Named after nymph Minthe, transformed by Persephone; Romans used mint in wine, perfumes, and baths.
ALT: “Spearmint leaves – aromatic herb used for tea and desserts.”
8. Parsley (Petroselinum crispum)
Bright, fresh herb that enhances nearly any dish.
Varieties
- Curly Leaf – garnish and salads.
- Flat Leaf – strong flavor.
- Hamburg – edible root variety.
Growing Conditions
Full sun to partial shade.
Soil Moist, rich, well-drained.
Water Needs Moderate.
Garden or Pots Excellent in both.
Growing Season Biennial; best spring–autumn.
Classic Uses
- Persillade
- Tabbouleh
- Gremolata
- Chimichurri
- Herb Butter
Herb History
Greeks crowned victors with parsley but also used it in funerals — symbolizing both triumph and death.
9. Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)
Fragrant evergreen herb used in Mediterranean cooking.
Varieties
- Tuscan Blue
- Arp
- Salem
- Spice Island
Growing Conditions Full sun.
Soil Sandy, well-drained.
Water Needs Low.
Garden or Pots Ideal for both; great patio plant.
Growing Season Evergreen, year-round.
Classic Uses
- Roast Chicken
- Focaccia Bread
- Lamb with Garlic
- Rosemary Oil
- Roasted Potatoes
Herb History
“Dew of the sea” in Latin; symbol of memory and fidelity for centuries.
10. Sage (Salvia officinalis)
Earthy, aromatic herb essential in Mediterranean and British cuisine.
Varieties
- Common Sage
- Berggarten
- Purple
- Tricolor
Growing Conditions Full sun; sheltered.
Soil Well-drained, sandy or loamy.
Water Needs Low.
Garden or Pots Excellent in both.
Growing Season Spring–autumn.
Classic Uses
- Sage & Onion Stuffing
- Sage Butter Pasta
- Saltimbocca
- Pumpkin Ravioli
- Herb Sausages
Herb History
From Latin salvare, “to heal.” Romans saw sage as sacred and life-preserving.
11. Thyme (Thymus)
Tiny leaves with bold flavor — a staple in Mediterranean and French dishes and one of the important culinary herbs in a range of cuisines.
Varieties
- Common Thyme – Thymus vulgaris
- Lemon Thyme
- Caraway Thyme
- Orange Thyme
Growing Conditions – Full sun, warm and dry.
Soil Light, well-drained, slightly alkaline.
Water Needs Low.
Garden or Pots deal in pots or borders.
Growing Season Spring–autumn; perennial.
Classic Uses
- Bouquet Garni
- Lemon Thyme Chicken
- Herb Vinaigrette
- Thyme & Honey Carrots
- Roasted Fish
Herb History
From Greek thymon, “courage.” Worn by warriors for bravery and burned in temples for purification.
Standout favourite culinary herbs used in cooking around the world
So for Indian cooking we would be looking at favourite culinary herbs such as : Coriander, Dill, Parsley, Spearmint, Rosemary, Sage and Thyme and of course, spices such as saffron, cumin, coriander seeds, cardamon, pepper and turmeric.
In France the list of favourite culinary herbs is similar
Bay Leaf, Dill. Basil, Chives, Chervil, Majoram, Pepper, Mint, Parsley, Tarragon and Thyme being major players.
We could look at some of the more ‘exotic’ cooking herbs and here we move to Australia where Mountain Pepper (Tasmannia lanceolata), Wattleseed (Acacia victoriae) Lemon Myrtle (Backhousia citriodora) and Dorrigo Pepper (Tasmannia stipitata) are finding uses in restraints around the country as well as being used in cheeses and herb rubs for meat. And of course the Native citrus (Citrus australasica) is also widely used.
Other Useful Plants for the Kitchen Garden.
And as for other useful plants for the kitchen garden, a Lemon tree would be our number one, and maybe a bay tree, we do us the leaves often when cooking.