Herbs
104 open-pollinated and heirloom varieties with days to harvest and difficulty. Each links to its full growing record — sowing window, spacing, soil pH and pest notes.
All 104 herbs
104 herbs — 85 heirloom, 13 hybrid and 6 open-pollinated. Days to harvest run from 16-25 days (Cilantro) to 500-550 days (Common Valerian). Germination takes 5–14 days. Herb is insect-pollinated, so seed stays true with 150–800 m (492–2,625 ft) of separation.
| Variety | Harvest | Germinates | Spacing | Height | Size | pH | Seed | Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Allium schoenoprasum 'Purly'Allium schoenoprasum 'Purly' | 60-75days | 10-14days | 0.2–0.3 m8–12 in | 0.3–0.46 m12–18 in | Clumping habit, 12-15 inches tall and wide | 6.0-7.0 | Open-pollinated | Easy |
| AngelicaAngelica archangelica | 365days | 14-21 daysdays | 0.61–0.91 m2–3 ft | 0.91–1.8 m3–6 ft | — | — | Heirloom | Easy |
| Anise HyssopAgastache foeniculum | 75-80days | 14-21days | 0.3–0.46 m12–18 in | 0.91–1.5 m3–5 ft | Leaves 2-3 inches long, flower spikes 3-6 inches | 6.0-8.0 | Heirloom | Easy |
| Apple MintAntirrhinum majus | 120days | 10-15days | 0.46–0.61 m18–24 in | up to 0.91 mup to 3 ft | Oval leaves 1-2 inches long | 6.0-7.5 | Hybrid | Easy |
| AratPetroselinum crispum | 75days | 14-21 daysdays | 0.15–0.2 m6–8 in | up to 0.91 mup to 3 ft | 5-8" | — | Heirloom | Easy |
| ArternerCarum carvi | 400days | —days | — | 0.3–0.61 m12–24 in | — | — | Heirloom | Easy |
| Asia IpPerilla frutescens | 80-85days | —days | — | 0.3–0.91 m1–3 ft | — | — | Heirloom | Easy |
| BorageBorago officinalis | 50-60days | 7-14 daysdays | 0.3–0.46 m12–18 in | 0.3–0.91 m1–3 ft | — | — | Heirloom | Easy |
| Bouquet DillAnethum graveolens | 40-60days | 7-21days | 0.1–0.15 m4–6 in | 0.61–1.5 m2–5 ft | Compact, bushy plant with fine-textured leaves | 6.0-7.5 | Heirloom | Easy |
| BrilliantCucumis melo | 75days | 7-10 daysdays | 0.46–0.61 m18–24 in | 1.8–2.7 m6–9 ft | 5-5 1/2" | — | Hybrid | Easy |
| BrittonPerilla frutescens | 80-85days | 7-10 daysdays | 0.3–0.46 m12–18 in | 0.3–0.91 m1–3 ft | — | — | Heirloom | Easy |
| BronzeFoeniculum vulgare | 50-60days | 7-14 daysdays | 0.3–0.46 m12–18 in | 1.2–1.8 m4–6 ft | 8-12" | — | Heirloom | Easy |
| Cardinal BasilOcimum basilicum 'Cardinal' | 65-75days | 5-10days | 0.2–0.3 m8–12 in | up to 0.91 mup to 3 ft | 1-2 inch oval leaves, 4-6 inch flower spikes | 6.0-7.0 | Hybrid | Easy |
| CatnipNepeta cataria | 75-85days | 7-14 daysdays | 0.46–0.61 m18–24 in | 0.61–0.91 m2–3 ft | — | — | Heirloom | Easy |
| Chocolate BasilHelianthus annuus | 65-75days | 5-10days | 0.3–0.38 m12–15 in | 0.3–3 m1–10 ft | 4-6" | 6.0-7.0 | Heirloom | Easy |
| Chocolate MintHelianthus annuus | 65-75days | 14-21days | 0.46–0.61 m18–24 in | 0.3–3 m1–10 ft | 4-6" | 6.0-7.5 | Heirloom | Easy |
| CilantroCoriandrum sativum | 16-25days | 7-20days | 0.1–0.15 m4–6 in | 0.3–0.61 m12–24 in | 26 g | 6.2-6.8 | Heirloom | Easy |
| Cinnamon BasilOcimum basilicum | 65days | 5-10days | 0.3–0.46 m12–18 in | up to 0.91 mup to 3 ft | 2" | 6.0-7.0 | Heirloom | Easy |
| Common ChamomileMatricaria recutita | 60-65days | 7-14 daysdays | 0.3–0.46 m12–18 in | 0.33–0.76 m13–30 in | — | — | Heirloom | Easy |
| Common MintMentha spp. | 70-80days | 7-14 daysdays | 0.3–0.46 m12–18 in | 0.3–0.61 m12–24 in | — | — | Heirloom | Easy |
| Common ThymeThymus vulgaris | 90-95days | 14-28days | 0.23–0.3 m9–12 in | 0.15–0.3 m6–12 in | Tiny leaves, 0.25-0.5 inch long | 6.0-8.0 | Heirloom | Easy |
| Common ValerianValeriana officinalis | 500-550days | 14–21 daysdays | 0.46–0.61 m18–24 in | 0.91–1.5 m3–5 ft | — | — | Heirloom | Easy |
| CreepingThymus serpyllum | 90-95days | 10-14 daysdays | 0.3–0.46 m12–18 in | 0.05–0.08 m2–3 in | — | — | Heirloom | Easy |
| Cuban OreganoPlectranthus amboinicus | 60-90days | 14-21days | 0.3–0.46 m12–18 in | 0.3–0.46 m12–18 in | Rounded succulent leaves 1-3 inches across | 6.0-7.5 | Open-pollinated | Very Easy |
| CuminCuminum cyminum | 100-115days | 7-14 daysdays | 0.15–0.3 m6–12 in | 0.3–0.61 m12–24 in | — | — | Heirloom | Easy |
| Curly ParsleyBrassica oleracea | 55days | 14-28days | 0.15–0.2 m6–8 in | 0.25–0.61 m10–24 in | 12-18". | 6.0-7.0 | Hybrid | Easy |
| Cutting CeleryApium graveolens var. secalinum | 80-85days | 7-14 daysdays | 0.3–0.46 m12–18 in | 0.3–0.91 m1–3 ft | — | — | Heirloom | Easy |
| DandelionTaraxacum officinale | 95days | 7-21 daysdays | 0.15–0.3 m6–12 in | 0.05–0.15 m2–6 in | — | — | Heirloom | Easy |
| Darki GreenPetroselinum crispum | 75days | 7-14 daysdays | 0.3–0.46 m12–18 in | up to 0.91 mup to 3 ft | 12-16". | — | Heirloom | Easy |
| DragonDaucus carota var. sativus | 75days | 7-14 daysdays | 0.05–0.08 m2–3 in | 1.2–1.8 m4–6 ft | 5-7" | — | Heirloom | Easy |
| Ellagance PurpleLavandula angustifolia | 100-110days | 7-14 daysdays | 0.46–0.61 m18–24 in | 0.3–0.61 m12–24 in | — | — | Heirloom | Easy |
| English LavenderLavandula angustifolia 'Munstead' | 90-120days | 14-21days | 0.46–0.61 m18–24 in | 0.3–0.61 m12–24 in | 4-6 inch flower spikes | 6.5-7.5 | Heirloom | Easy |
| Fennel BronzeFoeniculum vulgare | 16-25days | 7-14days | 0.3–0.46 m12–18 in | 1.2–1.8 m4–6 ft | Fine, thread-like leaves, flowers in 4-6 inch umbels | 6.0-8.0 | Heirloom | Easy |
| Fernleaf DillAnethum graveolens | 40-50days | 7-14days | 0.15–0.3 m6–12 in | 0.61–1.5 m2–5 ft | 6-8". | 6.0-7.5 | Heirloom | Easy |
| Flat-Leaf ParsleyPetroselinum crispum var. neapolitanum | 70-90days | 14-28days | 0.15–0.2 m6–8 in | up to 0.91 mup to 3 ft | 2-4 inch leaves | 6.0-7.0 | Heirloom | Easy |
| French LavenderLavandula dentata | 90-120days | 14-21days | 0.61–0.76 m24–30 in | 0.3–0.91 m1–3 ft | Medium-sized compact shrub | 6.5-7.5 | Open-pollinated | Easy to moderate |
| French TarragonArtemisia dracunculus var. sativa | 60-90days | N/A - grown from cuttings onlydays | 0.46–0.61 m18–24 in | 0.3–0.91 m1–3 ft | 2-3 inch narrow leaves | 6.5-7.5 | Heirloom | Moderate |
| Garden SageSalvia officinalis | 80-90days | 10-21days | 0.46–0.61 m18–24 in | 0.3–0.61 m12–24 in | 2-4 inch oblong leaves | 6.0-7.0 | Heirloom | Easy |
| Garland ChrysanthemumGlebionis coronaria | 30-50days | 7-14days | 0.1–0.15 m4–6 in | 0.3–0.61 m12–24 in | 4-8" | 6.0-7.0 | Heirloom | Easy |
| Genovese BasilOcimum basilicum | 68days | 5-10days | 0.3–0.46 m12–18 in | up to 0.91 mup to 3 ft | 3" | 6.0-7.0 | Heirloom | Easy |
| German ChamomileMatricaria chamomilla | 60-75days | 7-14days | 0.15–0.2 m6–8 in | 0.33–0.76 m13–30 in | Small daisy-like flowers, 0.5-0.75 inches across | 5.6-7.5 | Heirloom | Easy |
| German ThymeThymus vulgaris | 90-95days | 14-21days | 0.2–0.3 m8–12 in | 0.15–0.3 m6–12 in | Leaves 1/4 inch long | 6.0-8.0 | Heirloom | Easy |
| Giant of ItalyPetroselinum crispum | 75days | 7-14 daysdays | 0.23–0.3 m9–12 in | up to 0.91 mup to 3 ft | 18-20". | — | Heirloom | Easy |
| Gourmet Gold DillAnethum graveolens 'Gourmet Gold' | 40-50days | 7-21days | 0.3–0.46 m12–18 in | 0.61–1.5 m2–5 ft | Feathery leaves 4-8 inches long | 6.0-7.5 | Hybrid | Easy |
| Gourmet Gold OreganoOriganum vulgare 'Aureum' | 80-90days | 10-14days | 0.25–0.3 m10–12 in | — | Small oval leaves 1/2 to 3/4 inch long | 6.5-8.0 | Hybrid | Easy |
| Greek OreganoOriganum vulgare hirtum | 80-90days | 7-14days | 0.3–0.38 m12–15 in | — | Small oval leaves, 0.5-1 inch long | 6.0-8.0 | Heirloom | Easy |
| Green ShisoPerilla frutescens | 80-85days | 7-14 daysdays | 0.3–0.46 m12–18 in | 0.3–0.91 m1–3 ft | — | — | Heirloom | Easy |
| GrosfruchtigerFoeniculum vulgare | 50-60days | 7-14 daysdays | 0.3–0.46 m12–18 in | 1.2–1.8 m4–6 ft | 8-12" | — | Heirloom | Easy |
| Holy BasilOcimum tenuiflorum | 90-100days | 10-15days | 0.2–0.3 m8–12 in | — | 1 1/2" | 6.0-7.5 | Heirloom | Easy |
| HyssopHyssopus officinalis | 85-90days | 7-14 daysdays | 0.3–0.46 m12–18 in | 0.46–0.61 m18–24 in | — | — | Heirloom | Easy |
| Italian Large Leaf BasilOcimum basilicum | 74days | 5-10days | 0.3–0.46 m12–18 in | up to 0.91 mup to 3 ft | 2-3" | 6.0-7.0 | Heirloom | Easy |
| Italian Large Leaf OreganoOcimum basilicum | 74days | 7-14days | 0.2–0.3 m8–12 in | up to 0.91 mup to 3 ft | 2-3" | 6.0-8.0 | Heirloom | Easy |
| Japanese Shiso GreenPerilla frutescens var. crispa | 60-85days | 7-14days | 0.3–0.46 m12–18 in | 0.3–0.91 m1–3 ft | Heart-shaped leaves 3-5 inches across | 6.0-7.5 | Heirloom | Easy |
| Japanese Shiso PurplePerilla frutescens var. crispa | 60-70days | 7-14days | 0.3–0.46 m12–18 in | 0.3–0.91 m1–3 ft | Leaves 3-5 inches long and wide | 6.0-7.5 | Heirloom | Easy to Moderate |
| Kapoor Tulsi (Holy Basil)Ocimum africanum | 60days | 7-14 daysdays | 0.3–0.46 m12–18 in | 0.1–0.91 m0.3–3 ft | 12-18". | — | Heirloom | Easy |
| KatinkaPetroselinum crispum | 75days | 7-14 daysdays | 0.46–0.61 m18–24 in | up to 0.91 mup to 3 ft | 14-20". | — | Heirloom | Easy |
| KelvinApium graveolens | 80days | 7-14 daysdays | 0.15–0.2 m6–8 in | 0.3–0.91 m1–3 ft | — | — | Hybrid | Easy |
| Lavandula angustifolia 'Hidcote'Lavandula angustifolia 'Hidcote' | 90-120days | 14-28days | 0.46–0.61 m18–24 in | 0.3–0.61 m12–24 in | 12-18 inch spread, compact growth habit | 6.5-7.5 | Open-pollinated | Easy |
| Lemon BalmMelissa officinalis | 70days | 10-14days | 0.46–0.61 m18–24 in | 0.61–0.91 m2–3 ft | 2-3 inch heart-shaped leaves | 6.0-7.5 | Heirloom | Very easy |
| Lemon GrassCymbopogon flexuosus | 75-85days | 14-21days | 0.61–0.91 m2–3 ft | 0.61–1.2 m2–4 ft | Large clumping grass with thick stems | 6.0-7.0 | Heirloom | Easy to moderate |
| Lemon ThymeCucumis sativus | 65days | 14-28days | 0.2–0.3 m8–12 in | 0.2–0.46 m8–18 in | Tiny leaves, less than 1/2 inch long | 6.0-8.0 | Heirloom | Moderate |
| Lemon VerbenaAloysia citriodora | 90-120days | 14-21days | 0.61–0.91 m2–3 ft | 1.8–2.4 m6–8 ft | 3-4 inches long, 0.5 inch wide | 6.0-7.5 | Heirloom | Moderate |
| Lime BasilOcimum x citriodorum | 60days | 5-10days | 0.2–0.3 m8–12 in | 0.3–0.46 m12–18 in | 2" | 6.0-7.5 | Heirloom | Easy |
| LovageLevisticum officinale | 90days | 7-14 daysdays | 0.46–0.61 m18–24 in | 0.91–1.8 m3–6 ft | — | — | Heirloom | Easy |
| Mammoth DillLathyrus odoratus | 90days | 7-21days | 0.15–0.3 m6–12 in | 0.91–2.4 m3–8 ft | 2" | 5.5-6.5 | Heirloom | Easy |
| MenuettePetroselinum crispum | 75days | 7-14 daysdays | 0.3–0.46 m12–18 in | up to 0.91 mup to 3 ft | 12-18". | — | Heirloom | Easy |
| Mexican Mint MarigoldTagetes lucida | 80-90days | 7-14days | 0.3–0.38 m12–15 in | 0.15–0.76 m6–30 in | 2-3 inch narrow leaves, 0.5 inch flowers | 6.0-7.5 | Heirloom | Easy |
| Mexican TarragonTagetes lucida | 80-90days | 7-14days | 0.3–0.46 m12–18 in | 0.15–0.76 m6–30 in | 2-3 inch leaves | 6.0-8.0 | Heirloom | Easy |
| Moroccan MintMentha spicata 'Moroccan' | 60-90days | 10-16days | 0.3–0.46 m12–18 in | 0.3–0.61 m12–24 in | Leaves 1-2 inches long | 6.0-7.0 | Heirloom | Easy |
| Mrs. Burns' LemonOcimum basilicum var. citriodora | 60days | 7-14 daysdays | 0.3–0.46 m12–18 in | up to 0.91 mup to 3 ft | 2 1/2" | — | Heirloom | Easy |
| Munstead-TypeLavandula angustifolia | 100-110days | 7-14 daysdays | 0.46–0.61 m18–24 in | 0.3–0.61 m12–24 in | — | — | Heirloom | Easy |
| Orange MintHelianthus annuus | 85-95days | 10-16days | 0.46–0.61 m18–24 in | 0.3–3 m1–10 ft | 35-48" | 6.0-7.0 | Heirloom | Easy |
| Orange ThymeThymus fragrantissimus | 90-95days | 7-14 daysdays | 0.3–0.46 m12–18 in | 0.15–0.3 m6–12 in | — | — | Heirloom | Easy |
| OrazioFoeniculum vulgare | 50days | 7-14 daysdays | 0.3–0.46 m12–18 in | 1.2–1.8 m4–6 ft | — | — | Hybrid | Easy |
| Origanum vulgare 'Hot & Spicy'Origanum vulgare 'Hot & Spicy' | 60-80days | 10-14days | 0.3–0.46 m12–18 in | — | Small, oval leaves 0.5-1 inch long | 6.0-8.0 | Open-pollinated | Easy |
| PeppermintBeta vulgaris | 60-90days | 10-21days | 0.3–0.46 m12–18 in | 0.3–0.61 m12–24 in | 2-4 inch serrated leaves | 6.0-7.5 | Heirloom | Easy |
| Pesto Perpetuo BasilOcimum basilicum 'Pesto Perpetuo' | 60-75days | 5-10days | 0.3–0.46 m12–18 in | up to 0.91 mup to 3 ft | Leaves 2-3 inches long | 6.0-7.5 | Hybrid | Easy to moderate |
| Petroselinum crispum 'Forest Green'Petroselinum crispum 'Forest Green' | 70-85days | 14-21days | 0.15–0.2 m6–8 in | up to 0.91 mup to 3 ft | Compact 10-12 inch plants with densely curled leaves | 6.0-7.0 | Hybrid | Easy |
| Pineapple SageSalvia elegans | 70-90days | 10-21days | 0.61–0.91 m2–3 ft | 0.91–1.5 m3–5 ft | Large leaves, 3-4 inches long | 6.0-8.0 | Heirloom | Easy |
| Porto SpinelessCynara cardunculus | 100days | 7-14 daysdays | 0.61–0.91 m2–3 ft | 0.91–1.8 m3–6 ft | — | — | Heirloom | Easy |
| Purple Ruffles BasilOcimum basilicum 'Purple Ruffles' | 75-85days | 7-14days | 0.3–0.46 m12–18 in | up to 0.91 mup to 3 ft | Leaves 2-4 inches long | 6.0-7.5 | Hybrid | Moderate |
| Purple Ruffles OreganoOriganum vulgare 'Purple Ruffles' | 60-70days | 14-21days | 0.2–0.3 m8–12 in | — | 0.5-1 inch ruffled leaves | 6.5-8.0 | Open-pollinated | Easy |
| Red ShisoPerilla frutescens | 80-85days | 7-14 daysdays | 0.46–0.61 m18–24 in | 0.3–0.91 m1–3 ft | — | — | Heirloom | Easy |
| Roman ChamomileChamaemelum nobile | 60-65days | 7-14 daysdays | 0.3–0.46 m12–18 in | 0.3–0.61 m12–24 in | — | — | Heirloom | Easy |
| RosemaryRosmarinus officinalis | 90-120days | 14-21days | 0.46–0.61 m18–24 in | 1.5 m5 ft | 1-2 inch needle-like leaves | 6.0-7.0 | Heirloom | Easy |
| RueRuta graveolens | 100-125days | 14–21 daysdays | 0.46–0.61 m18–24 in | 0.61–0.91 m2–3 ft | — | — | Heirloom | Easy |
| Russian TarragonArtemisia dracunculoides | 60-90days | 14-21days | 0.46–0.61 m18–24 in | 0.3–1.2 m1–4 ft | Narrow leaves 2-4 inches long | 6.0-8.0 | Heirloom | Very easy |
| Silver ThymeEucalyptus gunnii | 120-150days | 14-21days | 0.3–0.38 m12–15 in | 0.15–0.3 m6–12 in | 0.25 inch small, narrow leaves | 6.0-8.0 | Heirloom | Easy |
| SpearmintMentha spicata | 60-90days | 10-16days | 0.3–0.46 m12–18 in | 0.3–0.61 m12–24 in | 1-3 inch oval leaves | 6.0-7.5 | Heirloom | Very Easy |
| Spicy BushOcimum basilicum var. minimum | 50-55days | 7-14 daysdays | 0.3–0.46 m12–18 in | up to 0.91 mup to 3 ft | 1" | — | Heirloom | Easy |
| Spicy Globe BasilOcimum basilicum 'Spicy Globe' | 60-70days | 5-10days | 0.15–0.2 m6–8 in | up to 0.91 mup to 3 ft | 0.5 inch small, dense leaves | 6.0-7.0 | Hybrid | Easy |
| SteviaStevia rebaudiana | 100-120days | 7-21days | 0.3–0.46 m12–18 in | 0.3–0.61 m12–24 in | Small to medium leaves, 1-2 inches long | 6.7-7.2 | Heirloom | Moderate |
| Summer SavorySatureja hortensis | 60-70days | 10-15days | 0.1–0.15 m4–6 in | 0.46 m18 in | Small linear leaves, ½ to ¾ inch long | 6.0-7.5 | Heirloom | Easy |
| Sweet AnnieArtemisia annua | 120days | 7-14 daysdays | 0.3–0.46 m12–18 in | 0.3–1.2 m1–4 ft | — | — | Heirloom | Easy |
| Sweet BasilOcimum basilicum | 74days | 5-10days | 0.3–0.46 m12–18 in | up to 0.91 mup to 3 ft | 2-3" | 6.0-7.0 | Heirloom | Easy |
| Sweet MarjoramOriganum majorana | 80-95days | 7-14days | 0.15–0.2 m6–8 in | 0.2–0.61 m8–24 in | Small oval leaves, ¼ to ½ inch long | 6.5-7.5 | Heirloom | Easy |
| Thai BasilOcimum basilicum | 74days | 5-10days | 0.2–0.3 m8–12 in | up to 0.91 mup to 3 ft | 2-3" | 6.0-7.5 | Heirloom | Easy to moderate |
| TopitPetroselinum crispum | 75days | 10-21 daysdays | 0.23–0.3 m9–12 in | up to 0.91 mup to 3 ft | 18-20". | — | Heirloom | Easy |
| Variegated SageSalvia officinalis 'Tricolor' | 75-90days | 10-21days | 0.46–0.61 m18–24 in | 0.3–0.61 m12–24 in | Oval leaves 2-3 inches long | 6.0-7.5 | Hybrid | Easy to moderate |
| VertissimoAnthriscus cerefolium | 60days | 7-14 daysdays | 0.15–0.23 m6–9 in | 0.3–0.61 m12–24 in | — | — | Heirloom | Easy |
| WegaPetroselinum crispum | 75days | 14-21 daysdays | 0.15–0.2 m6–8 in | up to 0.91 mup to 3 ft | 12-18". | — | Heirloom | Easy |
| Wild MarjoramOriganum vulgare | 85-90days | 7-14 daysdays | 0.3–0.46 m12–18 in | 0.3–0.61 m12–24 in | — | — | Heirloom | Easy |
| Winter SavorySatureja montana | 75-90days | 10-15days | 0.2–0.3 m8–12 in | 0.15–0.46 m6–18 in | Small, compact perennial subshrub | 6.0-8.0 | Heirloom | Easy |
| ZaatarOriganum syriacum | 85-90days | 10-14 daysdays | 0.3–0.46 m12–18 in | up to 0.91 mup to 3 ft | 4-6". | — | Heirloom | Easy |
Spacing and height are given in metres with feet or inches beneath. Click a column heading to sort; harvest and germination are the lowest figure in each published range. Working out how far apart two varieties must be to save seed true · download the whole dataset.
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