Herbs
Grow Fresh Herbs in Your Arizona Garden
Fresh herbs bring flavor, fragrance and plenty of possibilities to an Arizona garden. Grow them alongside your vegetables, create a dedicated herb garden or keep a few favorites close at hand in containers.
With herbs for both cool and warm seasons, plus perennial favorites, there are fresh herbs to enjoy throughout much of the year in the Valley of the Sun.
Selection varies by season and location. Stop by your favorite SummerWinds Nursery to see what's currently growing on.
When to Grow Herbs in Arizona
Arizona's long growing season provides opportunities to grow different herbs throughout much of the year. Some herbs prefer the cooler temperatures of fall through spring, while others perform best as temperatures warm.
Cool-Season Herbs
Many herbs perform best during the cooler months in the Valley. Favorites include:
- Borage
- Chamomile
- Chives
- Cilantro/Coriander
- Dill
- Fennel
- Garlic
- Parsley
Warm-Season Herbs
As temperatures warm, heat-loving herbs take center stage. Favorites include:
- Basil
- Epazote
- Stevia
Perennial Herbs
Many perennial herbs can provide fresh flavor and fragrance for more than one season. Favorites include:
- Lavender
- Lemon Balm
- Lemon Verbena
- Mint
- Oregano
- Rosemary
- Sage
- Thyme
Wondering what you can plant right now? Explore our monthly Arizona Gardening Calendars for timely planting information and seasonal garden ideas.
View Our Monthly Gardening Calendars
Popular Herbs for Arizona Gardens
Whether you're interested in fresh ingredients for the kitchen, fragrant foliage or flowers that help support garden wildlife, there are plenty of herbs to explore.
Basil
A warm-season favorite available in a wide range of flavors and varieties. Delicious in everything from pesto and pasta to salads and summer drinks.
Cilantro
A cool-season favorite that's popular in salsas, sauces and Southwestern dishes. Its flavorful leaves are known as cilantro, while the seeds are known as coriander.
Dill
A cool-season culinary herb with distinctive feathery foliage. Its flowers can also provide food for pollinators and other beneficial insects.
Mint
Refreshing and aromatic, mint comes in many different flavors and varieties. Because it can spread aggressively, growing mint in containers can make it easier to manage.
Oregano
A flavorful Mediterranean herb that appreciates plenty of sun and well-draining soil, and is well suited to culinary and Mediterranean-inspired gardens.
Parsley
A versatile culinary herb that's also a host plant for swallowtail butterflies.
Rosemary
Fragrant, flavorful and well suited to our dry climate, rosemary can be enjoyed as both a culinary herb and an attractive perennial in the landscape.
Thyme
A compact Mediterranean herb with fragrant foliage, thyme is well suited to containers, raised beds and sunny garden spaces.
Discover Different Varieties
Part of the fun of growing herbs is discovering just how many different varieties there are. Depending on the season, you may find different types of basil, mint, oregano, thyme and other culinary herbs at SummerWinds.
Basil Varieties
Look for classic favorites like Sweet and Genovese basil, along with Thai, purple, cinnamon and other specialty varieties.
Mint Varieties
Explore familiar favorites like spearmint and peppermint along with specialty varieties such as chocolate, mojito, orange and pineapple mint.
Tip for Growing Mint – Mint can spread aggressively and quickly take over a garden bed, so we recommend growing it in a container to help keep it contained. If you're growing more than one variety, consider giving each mint its own container to keep the plants from growing together and competing for space.
Oregano Varieties
Explore flavorful favorites like Greek and Italian oregano, along with specialty varieties such as Hot & Spicy and more.
Thyme Varieties
Explore classic culinary thymes along with flavorful varieties such as lemon and silver thyme. You may also find creeping thyme varieties, which are typically grown as ornamental groundcovers.
Selection changes throughout the season. Visit your favorite SummerWinds Nursery to explore what's currently available.
Create an Herb Garden Around What You Love
Love to cook? Want to support pollinators? Looking for fragrant plants to enjoy outdoors? Explore herb garden ideas inspired by cooking, Mediterranean flavors, pollinators, tea and more.
Tips for Growing Herbs in Arizona
A few basics can help you grow herbs successfully in garden beds, raised beds and containers.
Sunlight
Many herbs appreciate plenty of sunlight during Arizona's cooler months, while some benefit from protection from the hottest afternoon sun as temperatures rise. Growing in Containers: Containers make it easier to adjust sun exposure as conditions change.
Soil & Drainage
Good drainage is important, particularly for Mediterranean herbs such as rosemary, oregano and thyme. Growing in Containers: Choose containers with drainage holes and use a quality potting soil formulated for container gardening.
Water
Water needs vary by herb, season and growing location. Check the soil regularly and adjust watering as conditions change. Growing in Containers: Containers generally dry more quickly than in-ground gardens, especially as temperatures rise.
Harvesting
Regular harvesting can encourage many culinary herbs to continue producing fresh growth. For the best flavor, harvest while the foliage is fresh and healthy.
Not Sure Which Soil to Use?
Whether you're growing herbs in the ground, raised beds or containers, choosing a soil that's suited to how you're growing can help give your garden a strong start.
Herbs for Pollinators & Garden Wildlife
Herbs can offer more than fresh flavor and fragrance. When allowed to flower, herbs such as basil, dill, fennel and cilantro can provide nectar and pollen for bees, butterflies and other beneficial insects. Parsley, dill and fennel can also serve as host plants for swallowtail butterflies.
Find Fresh Herbs at SummerWinds Nursery
Ready to explore? Stop by your favorite SummerWinds Nursery in Glendale, Mesa or Phoenix to see our current selection of herbs. Our Trusted Garden Advisors are always happy to help answer your questions about growing herbs in the Valley of the Sun.
Selection varies by season and location.
