Best Herbs for Containers
61 herb varieties well-suited for container gardening. Grow in pots, balconies, and small spaces.
Allium schoenoprasum 'Purly'
A stunning ornamental chive variety that produces vibrant purple-pink flower globes above slender, hollow green stems throughout the growing season. Unlike common chives, Purly offers exceptional flower production and color intensity, making it perfect for edible landscaping, cut flower arrangements, and pollinator gardens. The edible flowers and mild onion-flavored leaves provide both culinary value and garden beauty in one reliable perennial package.
Anise Hyssop
Very aromatic with a sweet, licorice-mint flavor. Vigorous plants produce abundant blooms, attracting bees and other pollinators. Anise hyssop is also known as giant hyssop, blue giant hyssop, fennel giant hyssop, and fragrant giant hyssop.Edible Flowers: Leaves and flowers can be used fresh or dried to flavor drinks, salads, soups, pasta, and desserts.
Apple Mint
Apple Mint is a hybrid mint variety prized for its distinctive sweet, mild flavor combined with a crisp apple fragrance and taste. This herbaceous perennial reaches maturity in approximately 120 days and produces tender green leaves ideal for fresh use in beverages, desserts, and culinary applications. Unlike common spearmint or peppermint, Apple Mint's unique apple-forward profile makes it a standout choice for tea blends and fruit-infused dishes. It thrives in rich, moist, well-drained soil under full sun to partial shade, making it relatively easy to cultivate.
Bouquet Dill
Early flowering plants produce large blooms, seed umbels, and foliage on long stems, making Bouquet the preferred dill for cut-flower use and pickling. Also an economical, fast-growing choice for baby-leaf production. Edible seeds, flowers, and greens flavor many foods. Popular addition to sauces, salads, and soup. Foliage known as dill weed. Edible Flowers: The flowers are used to garnish potato salad, green salads, and pickles. When broken into florets, they can be mixed into a cheese spread or omelet.Also available in organic seed.
Cardinal Basil
A spectacular ornamental basil variety that produces vibrant red-purple flower spikes rising above green foliage, creating a stunning display that attracts pollinators while providing excellent basil flavor. This unique variety was bred specifically for its dramatic flowering display and long-lasting blooms, making it perfect for edible landscaping. The flowers are edible with intense basil flavor, while leaves maintain classic sweet basil taste.
Chocolate Basil
Chocolate Basil is a heirloom herb variety known for its distinctive dark purple-tinged leaves and rich, complex flavor profile. Maturing in 65-75 days, this basil combines traditional sweet basil character with pronounced chocolate, cinnamon, and warm spice notes that become more pronounced as the plant matures. The foliage is dense and aromatic, ideal for culinary applications where its unique flavor complexity elevates dishes, teas, and infusions. Best grown in full sun with rich, well-drained soil, this easy-to-grow variety is prized by gardeners seeking distinctive flavor experiences beyond standard basil varieties.
Chocolate Mint
Chocolate Mint is a distinctive heirloom herb variety that matures in 65-75 days, featuring aromatic green foliage with soft, velvety texture. This unique mint hybrid stands out for its exceptional flavor profile: a refreshing cool mint taste with prominent chocolate undertones and a subtle sweet finish, making it ideal for both culinary applications and specialty beverages. Despite its rich flavor complexity, Chocolate Mint remains easy to grow, thriving in full sun with well-drained, moist soil. The plant tolerates heavy clay conditions well, making it adaptable to various garden settings.
Cilantro
Cilantro is a delicate leafy herb with feathery, triangular green foliage that reaches harvest maturity in 16-25 days. The plant produces thin, lacy stems bearing distinctive serrated leaves with a bright, citrusy flavor profile that carries subtle soapy notes and fresh herbal undertones. Cilantro thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers well-drained, fertile soil. As a quick-maturing heirloom variety, it's ideal for succession planting throughout the growing season. Widely used in Latin American, Asian, and Mediterranean cuisines as a fresh garnish and flavor component in salsas, curries, and chutneys.
Cinnamon Basil
Tall, fast-growing plants have distinctive violet stems, veining, and flower bracts with lavender blooms and 2" long leaves. Beautiful in casual flower bouquets. Ht. 26-30".Edible Flowers: Use the flowers in any recipe that calls for basil, or to garnish drinks, salads, soups, pasta, and desserts. Flavor is of intense basil with a note of mint, anise, and cinnamon.
Common Thyme
Common Thyme is a compact, woody perennial herb with tiny, narrow green leaves and delicate pink or purple flowers. Reaching maturity in 90-95 days, it becomes a robust ground cover perfect for edging and containers. This Mediterranean native thrives in poor, well-drained soil and is remarkably cold-hardy. Its earthy, minty flavor with warm, pungent undertones makes it essential for cooking—particularly valued in French cuisine and Mediterranean dishes. More cold-tolerant than most culinary herbs, Common Thyme delivers consistent flavor year-round and rarely suffers from serious pest issues.
Cuban Oregano
Despite its name, this isn't a true oregano but a succulent herb with thick, fuzzy leaves that pack an intense oregano-thyme flavor punch. Popular in Caribbean, Mexican, and Indian cuisines, this heat-loving perennial is perfect for hot climates where traditional oregano struggles. Its robust flavor means a little goes a long way, and it's incredibly easy to propagate from cuttings.
Curly Parsley
The finely curled dark blue-green leaves can be harvested with one cut. The compact plants produce leaves that are very uniform, resist yellowing, and have good flavor. Short internodes allow for high yields despite compact habit. Perfect for harvesting the whole plant at 12-18".
English Lavender
A compact, hardy lavender variety that's perfect for beginners and produces fragrant purple flower spikes beloved by bees and butterflies. This drought-tolerant perennial offers the classic lavender fragrance that's perfect for sachets, cooking, and aromatherapy while forming neat, silvery-green mounds in the garden. Munstead is one of the most cold-hardy lavender varieties, making it suitable for northern climates.
Fennel Bronze
Bronze-colored leaves and stems. Add sweet, fennel flavor to desserts, and color to light-colored fish. NOTE: Fennel flavor develops and intensifies as plants mature. Fennel at the micro stage can be quite mild in flavor. Adding a few days to crop time (after the first true leaf appears) can intensify the flavor.
Fernleaf Dill
Abundant dark blue-green foliage. Great in containers or in small spaces. AAS Winner. Ht. 6-8".
Flat-Leaf Parsley
Also known as Italian parsley, this variety offers superior flavor compared to curly parsley with its clean, bright taste that doesn't overpower dishes. The flat, deeply-cut leaves are easier to chop and provide a fresh, grassy flavor that's essential in Mediterranean cooking. This hardy biennial is incredibly productive and continues growing through light frosts, making it a kitchen garden staple.
French Lavender
Distinguished by its unique serrated leaves and topped flower spikes crowned with purple bracts, French lavender brings year-round beauty to warm climate gardens. This aromatic herb blooms almost continuously in mild climates and offers a slightly camphor-like fragrance that's perfect for crafts and cooking. More heat and humidity tolerant than English lavender, making it ideal for challenging growing conditions.
French Tarragon
The aristocrat of culinary herbs, true French tarragon is essential for classic French cuisine with its distinctive anise-like flavor and sophisticated aroma. Unlike Russian tarragon, this sterile variety must be grown from cuttings and offers incomparably superior flavor. A must-have for serious cooks who want to create authentic béarnaise sauce and fine herb blends.
Garden Sage
High essential oil content of 1.5-2.0%. Robust, uniform plant. Also known as garden sage. Edible flowers: Use as garnish, or as an ingredient in rice, egg, or cheese dishes.
Garland Chrysanthemum
Garland Chrysanthemum is a tender, leafy herb with finely divided, feathery foliage that reaches maturity in 30-50 days. Also known as shungiku or edible chrysanthemum, this heirloom variety produces delicate, deeply lobed leaves with a distinctive mild, slightly bitter flavor. The fresh, herbal notes carry subtle hints of chrysanthemum flowers, making it prized in East Asian cuisines for both raw salads and cooked applications. This versatile herb thrives in cool seasons and is remarkably easy to grow, tolerating partial shade while preferring rich, well-draining soil enriched with organic matter.
Genovese Basil
Authentic flavor and appearance. Tall and relatively slow to bolt with large dark green leaves about 3" long. This common strain of Genovese basil can present some variability in leaf shape and plant size. While quite suitable for field and garden, we recommend using a more modern and more uniform variety for greenhouse, container, or hydroponic production, such as Genovese Compact Improved, Aroma 2, Nufar, Dolly, or the Prospera® series. Ht. 24-30".Edible Flowers: Use the flowers in any recipe that calls for basil, or to garnish drinks, salads, soups, pasta, and desserts. Flavor is of intense basil.Also available in organic raw and pelleted seed.
German Chamomile
The classic tea herb beloved for its apple-scented flowers and gentle, soothing properties that have been treasured for centuries. This delicate annual produces masses of small, daisy-like flowers with white petals and bright yellow centers that can be harvested continuously throughout the growing season. Easy to grow and self-seeds readily, creating a charming cottage garden atmosphere while providing homegrown herbal tea.
German Thyme
German Thyme is a classic heirloom herb variety prized for its robust, earthy flavor profile with subtle hints of mint, clove, and camphor. This hardy perennial produces fine, needle-like foliage on compact woody stems and reaches maturity in 90-95 days. A defining characteristic is its exceptional cold hardiness and ability to thrive in poor, sandy, or rocky soils with minimal care. Its strong, complex flavor makes it particularly valuable for culinary applications in soups, stews, roasted vegetables, and herbal tea blends. Generally pest-resistant, though spider mites may appear in intense heat.
Gourmet Gold Dill
A stunning ornamental dill variety with bright golden-yellow foliage that adds both culinary value and visual drama to herb gardens. The vibrant color intensifies in cool weather while maintaining the classic dill flavor profile. Perfect for gardeners who want their herb garden to double as landscape decoration.
Gourmet Gold Oregano
A beautiful golden-leaved oregano variety that brings both ornamental beauty and culinary excellence to the herb garden. The bright chartreuse foliage provides stunning color contrast while delivering the classic oregano flavor that's essential for Mediterranean cooking, making it both a feast for the eyes and the palate.
Greek Oregano
Strong oregano aroma and flavor - great for pizza and Italian cooking. Characteristic dark green leaves with white flowers. Attracts Beneficial Insects: provides pollen and nectar for beneficial insects such as bees, hoverflies, lacewing larva, parasitic wasps, and tachinid flies. Edible Flowers: The flowers have an oregano flavor and can be used in the same manner as the herb. They are especially good in pasta salads, green salads, and as a fresh pizza topping.
Holy Basil
1 1/2" long green leaves, with purple stems. Known for its use in Hindu culture and Ayurveda. Also known as Tulsi. A common ingredient in Thai cuisine and in teas. Used medicinally for digestion and immune system support. Ht. 16-22".
Italian Large Leaf Basil
Italian Large Leaf Basil is a classic heirloom herb prized for its broad, tender leaves and intensely aromatic, sweet basil flavor with subtle hints of anise and pepper. Reaching maturity in approximately 74 days, this variety produces robust plants suited for full sun to partial shade conditions. The large leaves make it exceptionally practical for culinary applications—ideal for fresh use in pesto, Italian dishes, and salads. Unlike compact basil varieties, its generous leaf size reduces preparation time while delivering the authentic, complex flavor profile that defines traditional Italian cooking.
Italian Large Leaf Oregano
Italian Large Leaf Oregano is a heirloom herb prized for its substantial, broad foliage and intense aromatic quality. Reaching harvest maturity in approximately 74 days, this variety thrives in full sun to partial shade with minimal soil requirements. Its defining characteristic is the larger leaf size compared to common oregano varieties, making harvesting easier. The flavor profile is intensely aromatic with warm, slightly bitter notes and distinctive pine undertones, making it ideal for Mediterranean cooking, especially Italian cuisine. Hardy and easy to grow, it's equally suited to herb gardens and containers.
Japanese Shiso Green
An essential Asian herb with distinctive serrated leaves that provide a unique flavor combining mint, basil, and anise notes with a slight cinnamon finish. Widely used in Japanese, Korean, and Vietnamese cuisines, this fast-growing annual is prized for wrapping sushi, pickling, and adding aromatic complexity to Asian dishes. Both the leaves and flower spikes are edible and highly flavorful.
Japanese Shiso Purple
An exotic and stunning herb that's essential in Japanese cuisine, featuring deeply serrated purple leaves with a complex flavor profile. This beautiful annual combines the appearance of an ornamental plant with incredible culinary versatility. Shiso adds both visual drama and unique taste to gardens and dishes alike.
Lavandula angustifolia 'Hidcote'
A compact, award-winning English lavender variety prized for its deep purple flower spikes and intensely fragrant oil content. This hardy perennial forms neat, silvery-green mounds that bloom profusely from early summer through fall, making it perfect for borders, containers, and herb gardens. Hidcote's exceptional fragrance and rich color have made it a favorite among gardeners and commercial growers alike.
Lemon Balm
Lemon Balm is a vigorous perennial herb with soft, crinkled green leaves and small white or pale pink flowers. Reaching full maturity in 70 days, this heirloom variety thrives in full sun to partial shade and adapts well to most soil types. Distinguished by its intensely aromatic foliage releasing a powerful lemon scent when brushed, Lemon Balm delivers a refreshing citrus flavor with subtle minty undertones. Its strong essential oils naturally repel common pests like aphids and spider mites, making it exceptionally pest-resistant. Ideal for teas, cocktails, desserts, and fresh culinary applications.
Lemon Grass
Our seeds have been carefully cleaned to remove the chaff (seed coat material), resulting in a higher germination rate. A delicious addition to soups, curries, teas, and any other dish calling for lemon grass. Essential oil distilled from this variety contains large amounts of citral and geraniol and can be used for flavorings, perfumes, and insect repellent. 6-12 stalks per plant, depending on growing climate.
Lemon Thyme
Lemon Thyme is a fragrant heirloom herb variety that grows as a low, spreading perennial with fine, narrow green leaves and delicate pink flowers. Reaching maturity in approximately 65 days, it produces harvestable foliage suitable for continuous picking. This variety distinguishes itself through its distinctive bright citrus aroma and flavor—a harmonious blend of classic thyme earthiness with zesty lemon notes. The herb thrives in full sun with excellent drainage and performs best in sandy or rocky soil. Its unique flavor profile makes it ideal for culinary applications in fish dishes, beverages, desserts, and Mediterranean cooking, while also serving ornamental and medicinal purposes.
Lemon Verbena
No herb delivers a more intense, pure lemon fragrance than Lemon Verbena, making it indispensable for teas, desserts, and potpourri. This South American native produces narrow, lance-shaped leaves that release their incredible citrus scent at the slightest touch. While it requires protection from frost, its unmatched lemon flavor and aroma make it worth the extra care for any serious herb gardener.
Lime Basil
Adds a unique flair to cocktails, fish, and salads. Compact plant has 2" long bright-green leaves. Ht. 16-20".Edible Flowers: Use the flowers in any recipe that calls for basil, or to garnish drinks, salads, soups, pasta, and desserts. Flavor is of intense basil and citrus.
Mammoth Dill
Mammoth Dill is a vigorous heirloom herb variety known for its tall, robust growth and abundant foliage. Plants reach full maturity in approximately 90 days, producing large, feathery fronds that tower above standard dill varieties. The distinctive flavor combines fresh, tangy notes with subtle caraway undertones and a hint of sweetness, making it exceptional for pickling, dill weed, and culinary applications. Mammoth Dill thrives in full sun with rich, well-drained soil and is remarkably easy to grow, making it ideal for both experienced and novice gardeners seeking impressive yields.
Mexican Mint Marigold
Mexican Mint Marigold is a tender perennial herb with delicate, feathery foliage and small golden-yellow flowers. Reaching maturity in 80-90 days, this heirloom variety is prized for its distinctive sweet anise-tarragon flavor with licorice notes that intensify when flowers bloom. The taste makes it an excellent fresh herb for desserts, beverages, and culinary garnishes. Extremely easy to grow, it thrives in full sun with well-draining soil and tolerates poor soil conditions. Naturally pest-resistant and low-maintenance, it's ideal for both novice and experienced gardeners seeking a unique, flavorful herb with ornamental appeal.
Mexican Tarragon
Mexican Tarragon is an easy-to-grow heirloom herb that reaches maturity in 80-90 days. This tender perennial features delicate, feathery foliage with small yellow flowers and grows well in full sun with well-draining soil, tolerating poor soils and clay. Unlike French tarragon, Mexican Tarragon offers a distinctive sweet anise flavor complemented by subtle marigold notes, making it ideal for culinary applications requiring tarragon's licorice character with added complexity. The plant is notably pest-resistant and deer-proof, requiring minimal maintenance once established.
Moroccan Mint
The traditional mint of North African tea culture, prized for its intensely sweet flavor and exceptional fragrance. This spearmint variety produces vibrant green leaves with a refreshing, clean taste that's less aggressive than peppermint. Perfect for the classic Moroccan mint tea and a beautiful, aromatic addition to any herb garden.
Orange Mint
Orange Mint is a vibrant heirloom herb variety that matures in 85-95 days, producing lush green foliage with aromatic leaves. This distinctive mint variety stands apart with its unique flavor profile—fresh mint paired with bright citrus notes reminiscent of orange and subtle bergamot undertones, making it exceptional for teas, cocktails, and culinary garnishes. Best grown in full sun (6+ hours daily) with rich, moist, well-drained soil, it thrives easily in most conditions. Watch for common mint pests including aphids, spider mites, and flea beetles.
Origanum vulgare 'Hot & Spicy'
An intensely flavorful oregano variety that delivers exceptional heat and pungency, perfect for pizza sauces, Mediterranean dishes, and spicy cuisine. This vigorous perennial produces abundant small leaves packed with essential oils that far exceed common oregano in both flavor intensity and aromatic qualities. The compact, spreading habit makes it ideal for containers and herb garden borders where its potent fragrance can be easily accessed.
Peppermint
Peppermint is a vigorous herbaceous perennial reaching 24-36 inches tall with dark green, lance-shaped leaves and purple-tinged stems. Mature leaves are ready to harvest at 60-90 days, though plants produce continuously through the growing season. The defining characteristic is its intense, cooling menthol profile with pronounced sweet undertones, making it ideal for tea, culinary applications, and medicinal preparations. More potent than spearmint, peppermint thrives in moist, rich soil and tolerates partial shade, though it prefers 4-6 hours of sun daily. This heirloom variety is notably easy to grow and propagate.
Pesto Perpetuo Basil
A spectacular variegated basil that never flowers, providing continuous harvest of cream and green striped leaves throughout the season. This sterile hybrid focuses all its energy on leaf production, making it the ultimate pesto-making machine. The striking variegation makes it as ornamental as it is functional.
Petroselinum crispum 'Forest Green'
The ultimate curly parsley variety featuring exceptionally dark green, tightly curled leaves that maintain their vibrant color and crisp texture longer than standard varieties. This uniform, compact plant produces abundant harvests of premium-quality leaves perfect for garnishing and cooking, with superior bolt resistance extending the harvest season. Forest Green's attractive appearance and reliable performance make it a favorite among both home gardeners and commercial growers.
Pineapple Sage
A spectacular perennial herb with heart-shaped leaves that smell exactly like fresh pineapple when crushed, followed by brilliant red tubular flowers that hummingbirds absolutely adore. This fast-growing sage variety brings tropical fragrance to temperate gardens and offers a unique fruity flavor unlike any other herb. The stunning late-season blooms make it a standout in both herb and ornamental gardens.
Purple Ruffles Basil
An award-winning ornamental basil that combines stunning deep purple, frilly leaves with the classic sweet basil flavor gardeners love. This All-America Selections winner creates dramatic visual impact in both herb gardens and flower beds while providing excellent culinary value. Purple Ruffles transforms ordinary dishes into restaurant-quality presentations with its striking color and exceptional taste.
Purple Ruffles Oregano
A stunning ornamental oregano that doubles as a culinary herb with its deeply ruffled purple-bronze leaves and cascading habit. The dramatic foliage color intensifies in cool weather, making it a standout in both herb gardens and decorative containers. While milder than Greek oregano, it still provides good flavor for cooking along with exceptional beauty.
Rosemary
Native to the Mediterranean region, rosemary has silvery needle-like foliage and delicate flowers. Popular for potted plant sales and with chefs. NOTE: Germination is naturally low and variable. Edible Flowers: Although the flowers are small, they have a bold rosemary flavor. They should be used fresh as a garnish for savory dishes and salads, and pairs well with roasted vegetables, fruits, or whipped cream.
Russian Tarragon
A hardy perennial herb that thrives in cold climates where French Tarragon struggles, though with a milder anise flavor. Russian Tarragon is incredibly easy to grow from seed and forms robust clumps that return year after year, making it perfect for beginning herb gardeners seeking a reliable tarragon experience.
Silver Thyme
Silver Thyme is a classic heirloom herb prized for its distinctive silvery-green foliage and aromatic intensity. This easy-to-grow perennial reaches maturity in 120-150 days, producing delicate flowers that attract pollinators. The leaves deliver authentic thyme flavor—earthy, minty, and subtly floral—making it ideal for culinary applications, particularly Mediterranean dishes and herbal infusions. Hardy and drought-tolerant, Silver Thyme thrives in well-drained, sandy, or rocky soil with minimal care, distinguishing it through superior flavor complexity compared to common thyme varieties.
Spearmint
The classic mint variety beloved for its bright, refreshing flavor and vigorous spreading habit that makes it perfect for beginning gardeners. Unlike peppermint, spearmint has a sweeter, less intense flavor that's perfect for teas, cocktails, and Middle Eastern cuisine. This hardy perennial spreads rapidly through underground runners, making it ideal for contained growing or naturalizing in moist areas.
Spicy Globe Basil
A charming miniature basil that forms perfect little mounds of tiny, intensely flavored leaves - ideal for container gardens and small spaces. Despite its diminutive size, this variety packs a powerful basil punch and naturally stays compact without constant pruning. The globe shape and small leaves make it as ornamental as it is useful, perfect for edging herb gardens or windowsill growing.
Stevia
Use fresh, dried, powdered, or as a liquid to sweeten a variety of foods and beverages. Bushy, high-yielding plants. Perennial in Zones 9-11.
Summer Savory
Pepper flavor adds spice to dishes. For flavoring fresh and dry beans, cabbage, and sauerkraut. Long internodes create a tall, somewhat lanky plant.
Sweet Basil
Sweet Basil is a tender annual herb prized for its vibrant green leaves and distinctive aromatic flavor. This heirloom variety reaches harvest maturity in approximately 74 days, producing compact, bushy plants ideal for containers or garden beds. Its sweet, clove-forward taste with subtle anise undertones makes it the quintessential choice for Italian cuisine, fresh pestos, and culinary applications. Unlike spicier basil varieties, Sweet Basil's delicate, complex flavor profile and ease of cultivation have made it a kitchen garden staple for centuries.
Sweet Marjoram
Aroma is similar to oregano, but sweeter and more balsam-like. Compact plant. Edible Flowers: Use the flowers, which have a mild and marjoram-like flavor, as you would the herb to garnish salads, soups, stews, sauces, and stuffing. Also pairs well with citrus, mushrooms, and fish.
Thai Basil
Thai Basil is a distinctive Southeast Asian herb prized for its striking purple-tinged stems and narrow, dark green leaves. Reaching maturity in approximately 74 days, this heirloom variety delivers an intensely aromatic profile—a bold combination of anise-licorice sweetness with spicy, clove-like undertones that sets it apart from sweet basil. Essential in Thai and Vietnamese cuisines, it adds authentic depth to curries, stir-fries, and aromatic broths. The plant thrives in full sun to partial shade with rich, well-drained soil enriched with organic matter. Easy to moderate difficulty makes it accessible for most gardeners, though watch for common pests like aphids and Japanese beetles.
Variegated Sage
A stunning ornamental sage variety featuring leaves splashed with cream, green, and purple-pink variegation that creates a beautiful tapestry effect in the garden. This compact, slower-growing sage maintains all the culinary qualities of common sage while adding exceptional visual appeal to herb gardens and containers. The colorful foliage is especially vibrant in cooler weather.
Winter Savory
A hardy Mediterranean perennial with needle-like leaves that provide intense, peppery flavor reminiscent of thyme and oregano combined. This drought-tolerant herb forms attractive low mounds of evergreen foliage topped with delicate white or pink flowers that attract beneficial insects. Known as the 'bean herb' for its traditional pairing with legumes, winter savory is more potent and longer-lasting than its summer cousin.
Why These Herbs Work for Containers
Container gardening lets you grow vegetables, herbs, and flowers in pots, raised beds, balconies, and small urban spaces. The varieties below stay compact, produce reliably in restricted root zones, and thrive in potting mix.