From Ashitaba to Zuta Levena the A – Z list of Herbs and Spices have is long. We look at some hundreds or varieties that are offered for sale online and by mail order.
We guide you how to select herbs that can be grown from seedlings or seeds in the home garden.
Growing your own herbs and spices provides a fantastic source of ingredients that are fresh and full of flavour.
The range of herb plants and seeds that you can buy online is wide, many culinary herbs and aromatic herb plants not readily available can be grown from seeds or seedlings for sale online.
A – Z List of Herbs and Spices – Growing Notes
- Helichrysum italicum
- Herb Robert
- Herb Seeds
- Holy Basil Ocinium sanctum
- Hoodia gordonii
- Horseradish
- How to grow Basil
- How to Grow French Tarragon
- How To Grow Lemongrass Plants
- How to grow Mint (Complete Guide)
- How to Grow Parsley from Seed
- How to Grow Turmeric
- How to Grow Vietnamese Mint (Vietnamese Coriander Plant Care Guide)
- How To Plant a Culinary Herb Garden
Best Herbs for Beginners: Easy-to-Grow Kitchen Essentials
Starting an herb garden? These 6 foolproof choices thrive in pots, garden beds, or balconies across Australian climates. All tolerate beginner mistakes like irregular watering and deliver fresh flavours fast. Choose the ones you know you will use and start with them.
| Herb | Difficulty | Sun/Water Needs | Best Uses | Propagation | Aussie Growing Tips |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rosemary Rosmarinus officinalis | Super Easy | Full sun Very low water | Roast lamb, potatoes, BBQ Drought-proof shrub | Cuttings or buy plants | Mediterranean native — perfect for hot, dry Aussie summers. Grows 1-2m as hedge. |
| Basil Ocimum basilicum | Easy | Full sun Regular water | Pesto, caprese, Thai curries | Seeds (germinates 7 days) | Sow in warm soil (spring). Pinch tops for bushy growth. Italian or Thai varieties. |
| Thyme Thymus vulgaris | Very Easy | Full sun Low water | Roast chicken, soups, biscuits | Seeds or divisions | Groundcover or pots. Lemon thyme adds citrus zing. Tolerates poor soil, foot traffic. |
| Mint Mentha spp. | Easy (in pots) | Part shade Regular water | Mojitos, salads, peas | Runners/division | Invasive — always pot-bound. Corsican mint for groundcover. Refreshing iced tea herb. |
| Chives Allium schoenoprasum | Super Easy | Full sun/part shade Moderate water | Eggs, potatoes, garnishes | Division or seed | Clump-forming perennial. Cut leaves to 2cm above ground. Flowers edible + bee magnet. |
| Parsley Petroselinum crispum | Easy | Part shade Regular water | Tabouleh, stocks, gremolata | Seeds (slow, 3 weeks) | Biennial — self-seeds. Flat-leaf (Italian) has superior flavour vs curly. Biennial. |
Quick Start Guide:
- Pots: Use 30cm+ terracotta for drainage (rosemary, thyme, basil).
- Soil: Premium potting mix + perlite for herbs.
- Climate: All suit Melbourne/Victoria conditions; rosemary/thyme for drier inland.
- Harvest: Regular picking = more growth.
Pro Tip: Group sun-lovers (rosemary, basil, thyme) together, moisture-lovers (mint, parsley) in shadier spots. Start with potted plants from local nurseries for instant success.
The Difference between Herbs and Spices
The difference depends on which part of the plant you are using, the leaves or other parts. Some plants can be regarded as both a herb and a spice, and some can also be regarded as a leafy green. Wasabi is commonly used for its roots to make Wasabi paste, however the leaves can also be used as a leafy green.
What are herbs?
Put simply, herbs are the leafy green part of the plant. Used fresh, or picked and dried.
They have been used for centuries, cooking herbs (culinary herbs) , medicinal herbs and aromatic herbs.
They are also used as insect repellents as dyes and in soaps shampoos and cosmetics.
What are Spices?
These are plants that are used for the seeds, roots, bark or flowers. This can be fresh, dried and ground.
Herb Plants and Seed, Online Suppliers
470 Monbulk-Silvan Road Monbulk VIC 3793
"Guaranteed mail order flowering bulbs, perennials, roses, trees, landscaping plants, garden accessories and community fundraising Austra lia-wide."
www.gardenexpress.com.au
52 Rodd St Canowindra NSW 2804
An online nursery specialising in drought and frost tolerant perennials and fragrant, edible and herbs.
www.perennialle.com.au
357 Monbulk Road SILVAN VIC 3795
Guaranteed "garden worthy" bulbs, plants and perennials. Visit the website to browse our large range of daffodils or request the latest free catalogue.
www.tesselaar.net.au
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