As the weather warms up, it is a great time to plant herbs that grow well in summer sun. Many of these flavorful choices are easy to care for and provide fresh taste all season. Whether you are adding them to meals or enjoying their scent, summer herbs are a simple way to boost your garden. Even windowsills or balcony planters can become lush with the right picks. This guide highlights 25 top herbs that are practical and flavorful for the warm months ahead.
1. Sweet Basil
Sweet basil is one of the easiest and most popular herbs to grow in summer gardens. It thrives in warm weather with plenty of sunshine and regular watering. The tender green leaves have a classic aroma and add fresh flavor to pasta, salads, and sauces. Basil grows quickly from seed or transplant and can be harvested often. To keep the plant healthy, pinch off flower buds as they appear. This helps the plant focus on producing flavorful leaves.
2. Greek Oregano
Greek oregano is a sun-loving herb known for its strong, earthy flavor. It is a hardy perennial in warmer zones and grows well in containers or garden beds. Oregano prefers dry soil and needs little water once established. The leaves are perfect for seasoning meats, vegetables, and tomato-based dishes. Harvest often to encourage new growth and fuller plants. Greek oregano can also attract pollinators to your garden.
3. Italian Flat-Leaf Parsley
Italian flat-leaf parsley has a bold flavor and grows well in full sun or partial shade. It is more flavorful than the curly type and is often used in soups, sauces, and salads. Parsley prefers rich, well-draining soil and benefits from regular watering. You can harvest leaves as needed throughout the summer. It also attracts beneficial insects like hoverflies and lacewings.
4. French Tarragon
French tarragon has a sweet, licorice-like flavor that pairs well with chicken, fish, and vinaigrettes. It grows best from cuttings or nursery plants, as seeds are usually not true to type. Tarragon prefers full sun and well-drained soil. It is drought-tolerant once established but does best with moderate watering. The plant should be pruned regularly to keep it from getting leggy and to encourage fresh growth.
5. Mint (Spearmint and Peppermint)
Mint is a fast-spreading herb that grows best in containers to keep it from taking over the garden. Both spearmint and peppermint enjoy moist soil and partial shade but can handle full sun with enough water. Their cool, refreshing flavor is ideal for teas, salads, and desserts. Mint leaves are easy to harvest and grow back quickly. Regular trimming helps the plant stay bushy and productive all summer.
6. Chives
Chives are a low-maintenance herb that adds a mild onion flavor to dishes. They grow in small clumps and do well in containers or garden beds. Chives need full sun and moist, well-draining soil. Their purple flowers are edible and attract bees and butterflies. You can snip the leaves with scissors any time during the growing season. Trim often to keep new shoots coming.
7. Garlic Chives
Garlic chives have flat leaves and a light garlic flavor that works well in stir-fries, eggs, and savory dishes. They grow in clumps and prefer full sun to partial shade. Like regular chives, garlic chives bloom with pretty white flowers that pollinators love. These herbs enjoy moist, fertile soil and should be harvested regularly to encourage new growth. They are perennial in many zones and can return each year.
8. Lemon Balm
Lemon balm is a citrus-scented herb in the mint family that thrives in warm weather. It grows quickly in full sun or partial shade and likes moist, well-drained soil. The leaves are used in teas, desserts, and cold drinks. Lemon balm spreads easily, so container growing can help control it. Pinch back flower buds to keep leaves tender and flavorful. This herb also attracts bees and other pollinators.
9. Thai Basil
Thai basil has a spicy, anise-like flavor and sturdy purple stems. It grows well in full sun and needs rich, moist soil. Thai basil adds bold taste to curries, noodles, and grilled meats. Harvest the leaves often to encourage branching and fresh growth. Removing flower buds helps extend the harvest through summer. This herb loves warm weather and grows quickly once established.
10. Dill
Dill grows tall and airy, with feathery leaves that are perfect for seasoning fish, potatoes, and pickles. It prefers full sun and well-draining soil. Dill does not like to be transplanted, so it is best to direct-sow seeds where you want them to grow. The plant bolts quickly in high heat, so harvest leaves early and often. Its flowers attract beneficial insects like ladybugs and hoverflies.
11. Cilantro (Coriander)
Cilantro offers a fresh, citrusy flavor and is popular in salsas, soups, and stir-fries. It grows best in cooler parts of summer or in partial shade in hotter regions. Cilantro prefers well-drained, moist soil and should be watered regularly. It can bolt quickly in heat, but planting in intervals helps extend your harvest. When the plant goes to seed, you can collect coriander seeds for cooking or replanting.
12. Sage
Sage is a hardy herb with soft, gray-green leaves and a rich, savory flavor. It grows well in full sun and prefers dry, well-drained soil. Once established, sage is drought-tolerant and low maintenance. The leaves are commonly used in poultry dishes and stuffing. Prune the plant regularly to keep it bushy and healthy. Sage also attracts pollinators and repels some garden pests.
13. Rosemary
Rosemary is a woody herb that thrives in hot, dry conditions with lots of sun. It has needle-like leaves with a strong pine-like aroma and is used to flavor meats, potatoes, and breads. Rosemary grows well in the ground or containers and prefers soil that drains well. Once established, it needs little water. Regular pruning helps keep the plant from becoming woody and encourages fresh growth.
14. Thyme
Thyme is a compact herb with small, fragrant leaves that add depth to soups, sauces, and roasted vegetables. It thrives in full sun and well-drained soil and is drought-tolerant once mature. Thyme can grow between stepping stones or in garden beds and pots. Harvest sprigs as needed, and trim regularly to promote a fuller plant. Its tiny flowers attract bees and butterflies.
15. Lemon Thyme
Lemon thyme offers the same easy-growing benefits as common thyme but adds a fresh citrus aroma. It thrives in sunny spots and prefers dry, sandy soil. The leaves work well in fish dishes, marinades, and teas. Lemon thyme is also attractive as a groundcover or edging plant. Regular trimming keeps it tidy and flavorful throughout the summer.
16. Marjoram
Marjoram is a close relative of oregano but has a milder, sweeter taste. It grows best in full sun with well-drained soil and does well in both containers and garden beds. Marjoram pairs nicely with vegetables, meats, and soups. It can be used fresh or dried. To promote lush growth, pinch back the tips regularly and remove flowers when they appear.
17. Summer Savory
Summer savory is a fast-growing herb with a peppery flavor that complements beans, meats, and sauces. It prefers full sun and well-draining soil. This herb grows quickly from seed and is ready to harvest in just a few weeks. Regular picking helps extend the growing season. Summer savory also supports pollinators and is an easy addition to any summer garden.
18. Stevia
Stevia is a natural sweetener that can be used fresh or dried in drinks and desserts. It grows best in warm weather with full sun and moist, well-draining soil. Stevia plants are easy to grow in containers and can be brought indoors in cooler climates. Pinch back the tips often to encourage bushy growth. Harvest leaves before the plant flowers for the best sweetness.
19. Lavender
Lavender is a fragrant herb that adds floral flavor to teas, desserts, and syrups. It thrives in hot, sunny locations with dry, well-drained soil. Lavender grows well in garden borders and containers and is drought-tolerant once mature. Prune it regularly to shape the plant and encourage more blooms. Lavender also attracts bees and repels certain pests.
20. Chamomile
Chamomile is known for its soothing flowers, often used in herbal teas. It prefers full sun and light, sandy soil. Chamomile grows easily from seed and produces small white flowers with a sweet scent. Harvest blooms regularly to dry for later use. The plant is also beneficial in gardens, helping improve the health of nearby plants.
21. Anise Hyssop
Anise hyssop is a pollinator-friendly herb with fragrant leaves and purple flowers. It has a mild licorice flavor and is often used in teas and desserts. This herb enjoys full sun and well-drained soil. It grows tall and can make a striking addition to flower or herb gardens. Anise hyssop is drought-tolerant once established and blooms all summer long.
22. Lemon Verbena
Lemon verbena has long, narrow leaves with a strong lemon scent and flavor. It thrives in full sun and well-drained soil and prefers regular watering. The leaves are great for teas, desserts, and marinades. In colder zones, grow it in a container and bring it indoors for winter. Pinch back stems to promote branching and fuller growth.
23. Fennel (Herb Type)
Herb fennel has feathery leaves with a mild anise flavor that pairs well with seafood, salads, and roasted vegetables. It grows best in full sun with rich, well-draining soil. Fennel herb can grow quite tall and should be spaced well in the garden. Regular harvesting of the leaves encourages new growth. The flowers also attract beneficial insects.
24. Nasturtium (Edible Leaves and Flowers)
Nasturtium is a colorful, easy-to-grow herb with edible leaves and flowers. The leaves have a peppery taste, and the blooms add beauty and spice to salads. Nasturtiums grow well in full sun and poor to average soil. They need little care and can spill beautifully from containers or raised beds. The plant also helps repel certain garden pests.
25. Shiso (Perilla)
Shiso, also known as perilla, is a leafy herb popular in Asian cuisines. It has a slightly spicy, minty flavor and comes in green or red varieties. Shiso grows well in full sun or partial shade with moist, well-drained soil. The plant grows quickly from seed and does best when harvested often. Its bold flavor works well in salads, wraps, and pickled dishes.
A Garden Full of Flavor
Growing your own herbs during the summer is a simple way to enjoy fresh ingredients and bring life to your outdoor space. With so many flavorful choices, you can mix and match based on your cooking style and growing conditions. From sunny patios to small garden beds, these easy herbs provide a steady supply of taste and scent throughout the season. They also support pollinators and bring beauty to your yard or balcony. Whether you are new to gardening or looking to expand, these herbs offer a rewarding and practical place to start.