Best Herbs to Grow in South Carolina
South Carolina spans USDA Zones 7–9, typically Zone 8. We've broken out 93 herb varieties by zone — pick your zone below or find the right varieties for your specific part of the state.
Varieties
93
for South Carolina
USDA
Zones 7–9
210–290 days season
Beginner
82
easy to grow
Heirloom
78
heritage varieties
South Carolina in USDA Zones 7–9
South Carolina spans Zones 7–9. Variety lists below are organized by zone — start with your zone for the most accurate recommendations.
Growing Herbs in South Carolina
Zone 8 gardeners hit the sweet spot for herb cultivation, enjoying a generous 240-day growing season that allows both cool-season favorites and heat-loving varieties to thrive. Your March 15 average last frost date means you can get tender herbs like basil and cilantro established early, while the November 15 first frost gives you months of continuous harvests well into fall. The key challenge in Zone 8 isn't the cold—it's managing the intense summer heat and humidity that can stress Mediterranean herbs and cause quick-bolting annuals like cilantro to go to seed prematurely.
The best Zone 8 herb varieties combine heat tolerance with extended harvest potential. Look for basil varieties that resist bolting in summer heat, parsley that won't bitter up in July, and perennials like thyme and oregano that can handle both your mild winters and scorching summers. The herbs I've selected below have proven themselves in Zone 8 gardens, offering reliable performance through temperature swings and the region's variable weather patterns.
Zone 8 Herbs for South Carolina★ Most of SC
88 varieties · Last frost March 15 · 240-day season
Zone 7 Herbs for South Carolina
84 varieties · Last frost April 1 · 210-day season
Zone 9 Herbs for South Carolina
84 varieties · Last frost February 15 · 290-day season
Zone 8 Growing Tips for South Carolina
Start your herb seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before your last frost date (early to mid-January for Zone 8), focusing on slow-growing perennials like oregano and thyme. Tender annuals like basil should wait until soil temperatures consistently reach 60°F—typically by early April in Zone 8. Don't rush basil outdoors; even a brief dip into the 40s will stunt growth for weeks. For heat-sensitive herbs like cilantro and parsley, plan succession plantings every 3-4 weeks through spring and resume in late August for fall harvests.
Your biggest Zone 8 challenge comes in mid-summer when temperatures soar and humidity spikes. Provide afternoon shade for Mediterranean herbs like thyme and oregano during July and August—they prefer morning sun but need protection from blazing afternoon heat. Mulch heavily around all herbs to keep roots cool and maintain consistent soil moisture. Consider shade cloth (30-40%) for your entire herb garden during peak summer, and always have fall plantings of cilantro, parsley, and dill ready to go as temperatures moderate in September.