Directory of Common Herb Varieties
Here is a directory of the most common herb varieties.
Genovese Basil, Ocimum basilicum ‘Genovese’
Annual Italian-type. Requires rich, well-aerated, drained, warm, and sunny soil. Trim flowers regularly. Also suitable for container gardening.
Mammoth Basil, Ocimum basilicum ‘Mammoth’
Annual. Produces very large leaves. Needs rich, moist, slightly acidic soil.
Purple Ruffles Basil, Ocimum basilicum ‘Purple Ruffles’
Annual with purple leaves. Pinch stems regularly for a bushier plant. Thrives well in large pots.
German Chamomile, Matricia recutita
Annual requiring well-drained soil and full sunlight.
Chervil, Anthriscus cereifolium
Annual herb. Sow multiple times throughout the season. Prefers rich, moist soil and partial shade.
Chives, Allium schoenoprasum
Perennial that should be divided often to maintain small clumps and prevent moldy smells.
Garlic Chives, Allium tuberosum
Perennial requiring slightly acidic soil and rich compost.
Coriander, Coriandrum sativum
Annual needing fertile, well-drained, light soil. Keep adequately moist and resow frequently. Prefers some shade in summer to avoid bolting.
Vietnamese Coriander, Polygonum odoratum
Both an annual and a perennial. Thrives in rich, moist, partially shaded soil. More heat-tolerant than regular coriander.
Garden Cress, Lepidium sativum
Annual grown like microgreens. Sow every two weeks for a continuous harvest. Ready to eat once seedlings reach 5 cm (2 in).
French Tarragon, Artemisia dracunculus
Hardy perennial but fragile. May need winter protection. Russian tarragon is more resistant but less flavorful.
Fennel, Foeniculum vulgare
Annual that thrives in deep, organic-rich, alkaline soil. Cut flower heads after blooming to prevent unwanted seeding.
Bay Laurel, Laurus nobilis
Perennial that needs to be brought indoors in autumn, placed near a well-lit window. Can grow 1 to 2 meters over time.
Lavender, Lavandula angustifolia
Perennial that prefers poor, light, alkaline soil and full sun. Benefits from pruning 20-30% of the year's growth annually.
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