If you are looking for heat-resistant herbs that thrive when the temperature climbs, this list will be your summer growing guide. From Mediterranean staples to tropical standouts, these 25 herbs handle full sun and high heat like champs. They do not just survive, they flourish, offering fragrance, flavor, and visual appeal throughout the hottest months.
1. Sweet Basil
This popular herb loves summer and rewards you with flavorful leaves all season. Sweet basil thrives in full sun and needs regular pinching to prevent flowering. With steady harvesting, the plant becomes fuller and more productive. It pairs well with tomatoes, making it a must-have in summer dishes. Sweet basil grows best in warm, well-drained soil. Keep it watered to prevent wilting during extra hot spells.
2. Thai Basil
Unlike sweet basil, Thai basil has a spicier, more anise-like flavor. It tolerates higher heat and has sturdier stems that stand up better in humid climates. The purple flowers and stems give it ornamental value in gardens. It is a key ingredient in Southeast Asian cooking. Thai basil also resists bolting longer than other basil types. Once established, it produces leaves consistently throughout summer.
3. Holy Basil
Also known as tulsi, holy basil is a sacred herb in many cultures. It grows best in hot, sunny conditions and does not mind drought once mature. This variety has a more peppery and clove-like flavor than culinary basil. It is most often used in teas or traditional remedies. The plant benefits from frequent pruning to encourage bushiness. Holy basil flourishes when it has room to spread.
4. Oregano
A hardy Mediterranean herb, oregano thrives in dry, hot climates. Once established, it prefers well-drained soil and does not need much water. Its intense flavor intensifies in the heat, making it ideal for seasoning grilled foods. Oregano spreads easily and can be harvested throughout the season. Trim it often to encourage fresh growth. This herb also attracts pollinators when it flowers.
5. Marjoram
Often confused with oregano, marjoram is milder and slightly sweeter. It prefers similar warm and dry conditions, making it equally heat-resistant. Marjoram works well in fresh or dried form and complements many dishes. Regular trimming is needed to prevent woody stems. This herb stays compact, making it great for containers. It also gives off a pleasant aroma when brushed.
6. Rosemary
Rosemary is exceptionally tolerant of heat and drought. Its needle-like leaves release a bold, piney aroma, especially in hot weather. The plant thrives in full sun and well-drained soil and needs little watering once established. Its woody stems make it perfect for skewers or marinades. Trim lightly through the season to keep it from becoming leggy. Rosemary is also deer- and pest-resistant.
7. Thyme
Thyme is a heat-loving perennial that easily handles full sun. Its low, spreading habit makes it ideal as a groundcover or edging plant. The small leaves are packed with flavor and continue to grow steadily in the heat. You can harvest thyme frequently without stressing the plant. It requires minimal watering and resists most garden pests. It comes in several flavors and scents.
8. Lemon Thyme
A citrus-scented twist on common thyme, lemon thyme thrives under the same warm conditions. It adds a fresh, lemony aroma to dishes and garden borders. The flavor works well with fish, chicken, and summer vegetables. This variety is also drought-tolerant and easy to manage. It makes a decorative and culinary addition to herb gardens. Lemon thyme benefits from light pruning to stay tidy.
9. Sage
Sage is known for its silvery leaves and ability to thrive in heat. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil and dislikes overwatering. The bold, earthy flavor pairs well with meats and roasted vegetables. Sage is perennial in warmer zones and annual elsewhere. Harvest leaves before the plant flowers for the best taste. It is also highly attractive to pollinators.
10. Lemon Balm
Lemon balm has a sweet lemon scent and tolerates summer heat with proper watering. It prefers some afternoon shade in extremely hot climates. The leaves are great in teas, desserts, and herbal remedies. This herb can become invasive, so grow it in containers if space is limited. Pruning regularly keeps the plant productive and bushy. Lemon balm also attracts bees and butterflies.
11. Spearmint
Spearmint grows fast and loves warm weather, but benefits from some shade in peak heat. It is more tolerant of high temperatures than many people expect. With its sweet, refreshing flavor, it is perfect for drinks and salads. Spearmint spreads aggressively, so containers are best. Frequent trimming keeps it lush and under control. It bounces back quickly even after heavy harvests.
12. Peppermint
Peppermint thrives in heat with consistent moisture and some afternoon shade. Its higher menthol content gives it a stronger, cooler flavor than spearmint. Like other mints, it spreads rapidly, making it better suited for pots. When pruned often, the plant produces fragrant leaves all summer. Peppermint repels pests like ants and mosquitoes, and its flowers attract pollinators.
13. Lemongrass
Lemongrass is a tropical herb that loves full sun and high humidity. Its tall, grassy stalks are used in cooking, teas, and even bug repellents. Lemongrass thrives in containers or in-ground beds with good drainage. Regular trimming keeps the plant from getting too large. It benefits from warm nights and consistent watering. It is both ornamental and edible.
14. Chives
Chives tolerate summer heat with moderate watering. Their mild onion flavor works well in salads, eggs, and soups. The hollow, green stalks grow back quickly after cutting. Chives produce attractive purple flowers that are also edible. They do best with full sun but can tolerate partial shade. Trim frequently to keep them from going to seed.
15. Garlic Chives
Garlic chives differ from regular chives because they have flat leaves and a garlicky taste. They handle heat well and thrive in containers or garden beds. The white flowers bloom in late summer and attract beneficial insects. Like other alliums, they are low maintenance and regrow quickly. Use them in stir-fries or dumplings for an extra punch, and water regularly for best growth.
16. Cilantro (Slow-Bolt Varieties)
Cilantro typically dislikes heat, but slow-bolt types like Calypso and Delfino are bred for summer. These varieties delay flowering, giving you more leaf harvests. They still prefer some shade in the hottest part of the day. Regular harvesting and watering help prolong the season. Plant in succession for a continuous supply.
17. Flat-Leaf Parsley
Flat-leaf parsley tolerates heat better than curly types with steady watering. It offers a stronger flavor and is easier to chop for cooking. Parsley grows well in sun to partial shade and appreciates rich soil. Regular picking encourages fresh leaves. It works well in salads, tabbouleh, and sauces. Flat-leaf parsley is biennial but often grown as an annual.
18. Dill (Heat-Tolerant Varieties)
Dill generally prefers cooler weather, but heat-tolerant types like 'Bouquet' and 'Fernleaf' can handle summer. These varieties resist bolting and keep producing usable foliage. Dill needs consistent moisture and sun to thrive. The feathery leaves and seeds are both useful in the kitchen. Use dill in pickles, sauces, and seafood. It also attracts beneficial insects.
19. Summer Savory
Summer savory is an annual herb that enjoys heat and grows quickly in full sun. Its peppery, thyme-like flavor pairs well with beans and meats. The plant stays compact and is ideal for containers or herb borders. It flowers later in the season but is best used before blooming. Harvest often for the best flavor. Summer savory also deters some pests.
20. Epazote
Native to Central America, epazote is built for hot weather and poor soils. It has a strong, unique flavor often used in Mexican dishes. The plant grows tall and bushy, so give it space. It helps reduce gas in bean-based meals. Epazote should be harvested before flowering for the best taste. It is best used sparingly due to its potent aroma.
21. Mexican Tarragon
Unlike French tarragon, Mexican tarragon loves heat and does not require cold winters. It produces yellow flowers and licorice-flavored leaves. Once established, the plant thrives in full sun and is drought-tolerant. Use it in the same way as traditional tarragon. It grows well in both beds and containers. This herb is a favorite in Southwestern gardens.
22. Bay Laurel
Bay laurel is a slow-growing shrub that thrives in warm climates. Its aromatic leaves are used in soups, stews, and sauces. The plant needs well-drained soil and full sun to flourish. You can harvest leaves year-round, but summer growth is strongest. It does best with occasional pruning. Bay laurel also makes an attractive patio plant.
23. Curry Leaf Plant
The curry leaf plant thrives in tropical heat and full sun. Its leaves are essential in many Indian dishes and offer a rich, savory flavor. The plant grows as a small tree or large shrub and needs space to mature. Keep it watered regularly during dry spells. Harvest leaves frequently to encourage bushier growth. It is also well-suited for container growing.
24. Shiso (Perilla)
Shiso handles heat well and grows quickly in warm weather. Its jagged leaves, which come in green or purple, add a bold, herbal flavor to salads and sushi. Shiso prefers full sun and rich, moist soil. Pinch the growing tips to encourage branching. It is best used fresh, as the flavor fades when dried. Shiso reseeds easily in the right conditions.
25. Malabar Spinach
Though technically not an herb, Malabar spinach is used like one in many warm-season dishes. It thrives in hot, humid conditions where other greens wilt. The vining habit makes it ideal for trellises or hanging baskets. The thick, glossy leaves have a mild, slightly mucilaginous texture. Use them raw or cooked in soups and stir-fries. Harvest continuously through summer.
Herbs That Love the Heat and Give Back
With these herbs in your garden, summer heat becomes an asset instead of a challenge. Each one is chosen for its ability to grow and produce through long, hot days. They bring flavor to your meals, fragrance to your yard, and flowers for pollinators. Whether you are an experienced gardener or just starting out, these heat-resistant picks will keep your herb patch productive all season.
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