Herbs are still smart if you want a flavorful harvest by late summer. Even though early spring has passed, there is still time to grow something fresh and rewarding. These 25 herbs are ideal for planting now, thanks to their ability to thrive in warm conditions and grow quickly. Each one offers a unique benefit, from bold taste to vibrant greenery. You can use them in your kitchen, garden beds, or even containers. They are ready to grow and ready to give back.
1. Basil
Basil loves warm weather and is one of the fastest herbs to grow. It will bush out with regular pinching if it gets plenty of sun and water. Use the fresh leaves in pasta, salads, or sandwiches. You can even make pesto with late-season cuttings. Keep flowers pinched off to promote leaf production. Basil is a summer kitchen favorite for a reason.
2. Cilantro
Cilantro grows quickly and can be ready to harvest in just a few weeks. It tends to bolt in hot weather, so planting in part shade helps. You can also sow seeds every two weeks for a steady crop. Both the leaves and seeds (coriander) are useful. Harvest early and often to keep it going. This herb adds a zesty touch to salsa and salads.
3. Dill
Dill thrives in warm soil and matures fast, making it perfect for summer planting. It produces feathery leaves and tall seed heads for pickling. Give it plenty of sunlight and do not overcrowd it. Once mature, it attracts pollinators as well. Dill’s bright flavor works well with potatoes, fish, and vegetables.
4. Chives
Chives are hardy and easy to grow in warm weather. They produce thin green stalks with a mild onion flavor. Use them fresh or snip them for drying. As a perennial, they often come back each year in many zones. Frequent cutting encourages thicker growth. Chives work well in eggs, soups, and baked potatoes.
5. Oregano
Oregano thrives in heat and can spread quickly once it is established. This low-maintenance herb offers a strong Mediterranean flavor. Harvest sprigs regularly to boost growth. It performs well in containers or dry garden spots. With full sun, it can be harvested late into the season. Oregano pairs well with tomato dishes and grilled meats.
6. Thyme
Thyme is a sun-loving herb that tolerates heat and drought once it is settled. Its tiny leaves have a big flavor that suits a range of dishes. This herb stays low to the ground and makes a good edging plant. It grows well in containers and rocky areas. Clip often to keep it compact. Thyme complements poultry, vegetables, and breads.
7. Lemongrass
Lemongrass thrives in the heat and grows quickly into a tall, tropical-looking clump. You can harvest the stalks for cooking and the leaves for tea. It prefers full sun and moist soil but can handle some drought. Start from stalks or transplants for quicker results. This herb brings a citrusy punch to broths and marinades. It is also decorative in the garden.
8. Mint
Mint grows fast and is nearly unstoppable in warm soil. It is best planted in containers to prevent it from spreading aggressively. Harvest often to enjoy its refreshing flavor in drinks and desserts. It enjoys partial sun and moist conditions. Different varieties offer unique flavors like spearmint and chocolate mint. Mint is a summer staple for cool refreshment.
9. Marjoram
Marjoram is a sweet and gentle cousin of oregano that grows quickly in heat. It produces small, flavorful leaves and a soft aroma. Start from seed or transplant for fast growth. It thrives in dry, sunny areas. Use fresh marjoram to season vegetables and sauces. Regular cutting encourages new development through the season.
10. Parsley
Parsley grows well in warm weather and rebounds quickly after trimming. Choose flat-leaf for a stronger flavor or curly for garnish. It needs consistent moisture to stay lush. Sow directly in the garden or grow in pots. Keep harvesting outer stems to allow more to produce. This herb is excellent for salads, sauces, and smoothies.
11. Summer Savory
Summer savory grows fast and prefers full sun with well-drained soil. Its peppery flavor makes it a substantial addition to summer dishes. It grows as a small bush and can be cut frequently for fresh use. Start from seed for quick results. This herb pairs well with beans and roasted vegetables. Summer savory is a lesser-known but rewarding herb.
12. Tarragon (French)
Tarragon loves warm, sunny spots and has a delicate licorice flavor. French tarragon is usually grown from cuttings or transplants. It prefers dry soil and does not need much fuss. You can snip the leaves fresh or dry them for storage. Tarragon is a compact and attractive herb that adds elegance to dressings and chicken dishes.
13. Epazote
Epazote is a bold-flavored herb used in traditional Mexican cooking. It thrives in heat and grows quickly with minimal care. This herb is often added to beans to reduce their aftereffects. It has jagged leaves and a pungent scent. Use fresh leaves in moderation. Epazote is best grown in a dedicated space or pot.
14. Vietnamese Coriander
This tropical herb loves heat and humidity, making it perfect for summer gardens. It tastes similar to cilantro but is more tolerant of hot weather. Often used in Southeast Asian cooking, it grows well in moist soil. Keep it in part sun for best results. Vietnamese coriander is a great cilantro substitute for summer.
15. Fenugreek
Fenugreek is easy to grow in warm weather and matures quickly. Both its seeds and leaves are edible and flavorful. It grows best in full sun and rich soil. Harvest the leaves young or let them flower for seed pods. Fenugreek has a mild maple scent when fresh. Use it in curries, flatbreads, or salads.
16. Perilla (Shiso)
Perilla grows well in heat and is known for its beautiful leaves and unique flavor. It is used in Korean and Japanese cuisine. The leaves come in green or purple varieties. Sow seeds in full sun and thin out young plants. Use the leaves fresh in wraps or pickled. Perilla is also attractive in garden beds.
17. Culantro
Culantro tastes like cilantro but is more heat-tolerant and slower to bolt. It produces long, serrated leaves and grows well in part shade. Keep the soil moist for best results. Use it in salsa, soups, and stews. Harvest leaves before the plant flowers. Culantro is a great cilantro alternative for summer dishes.
18. Borage
Borage grows fast in sunny spaces and offers edible leaves and flowers. The leaves taste like cucumber, and the flowers attract bees. Direct sowing is easiest, as borage does not like transplanting. Keep it watered during dry spells. Borage is useful and ornamental and can be used in salads, drinks, and garnishes.
19. Sorrel
Sorrel grows quickly and gives a tangy, lemon-like flavor. It does best in partial shade with moist soil. Harvest the young leaves for the best taste. Sorrel is often used in soups, sauces, and omelets. It regrows quickly after cutting. This leafy herb brings bright flavor to warm-season cooking.
20. Anise Hyssop
Anise hyssop is a heat-loving herb that attracts bees and butterflies. Its soft leaves smell like licorice and are great for tea. It grows well in full sun and dry soil. Let it flower or cut it often for more leaves. This herb looks beautiful in garden beds, too. Anise hyssop blends wellness and beauty in one plant.
21. Fennel (Leafy/Herb Type)
Fennel grows tall and quickly in summer warmth. The fronds can be used to flavor salads, sauces, and seafood. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil. Keep the soil moist to avoid stress. This herb is airy and light with a mild anise taste. Let it bolt if you want to collect fennel seeds later.
22. Mexican Mint Marigold
This herb is a summer-friendly substitute for French tarragon. It grows as a tidy bush with golden flowers and aromatic leaves. Plant in full sun with good drainage. Its leaves are perfect for fish, egg dishes, or herbal tea. Trim often to keep it full. Mexican mint marigold is a cheerful and productive plant.
23. Holy Basil (Tulsi)
Holy basil thrives in warm climates and grows quickly from seed. It has a sweet, clove-like scent and is commonly used in teas. Plant it in full sun and water regularly. It flowers easily, so pinch tips to keep it bushy. Tulsi has spiritual significance in many cultures. This herb is both fragrant and functional.
24. Sage
Sage is a classic culinary herb that loves the heat. It grows into a hardy shrub with velvety, gray-green leaves. Start from transplant or seed now for harvest by late summer. Sage does well in dry, sunny spots. Use leaves fresh or dried. This herb brings savory flavor to stuffing, meats, and butter.
25. Lemon Balm
Lemon balm grows fast and gives off a citrusy aroma. It prefers partial sun and moist soil but adapts well to various conditions. Harvest the leaves for tea, desserts, or herbal remedies. Trim it often to prevent flowering. Lemon balm is calming and useful well into late summer. It also attracts pollinators and beneficial insects.
Keep Your Garden Flavorful Into Fall
Starting herbs now gives your garden new life and flavor even after spring has passed. With the right picks and a little care, you can enjoy late-summer harvests that brighten your meals and support pollinators. Whether you are filling a raised bed or adding to a sunny patio container, these herbs are ready to thrive. Keep watering, harvesting, and enjoying the rewards of a vibrant herb garden.
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