Herbs: The Ultimate Annual and Perennial List
Annual and Perennial Herbs: The Definitive List
If you are interested in learning more about growing your own fresh herbs then you are in the right place.
Herbs are some of the easiest things you can grow. If you are new to gardening or maybe a veteran who wants to hone your green thumb, growing herbs is a great addition to your garden.
And the beauty of herbs is that you can grow them indoors or outdoors.
Before you get started growing your own herbs, you need to know about the various types of herbs.
There are three different varieties including annuals, perennials, and the less commonly known biennials.
Before planting your own herbs so you can enjoy them in the kitchen, you will need to know about their life cycle. Once you know an herb’s life cycle, you will know what herb you will need to plant and what will produce results for several seasons.
To make your life easier, I have created a list of the most common herbs that you will grow and have identified if they are annual, perennial, or biennial.
So make sure you save this post for a quick reference guide.
What are Annual Herbs?
Annual herbs are those that have a one-year life cycle. Meaning that you will need to replant them every year.
They start as a seed and will eventually flower. At the end of the season, once the cold creeps in, the plant will lose its leaves and die off.
The good news is that annuals are easy to grow and can be enjoyed all summer long.
Here is the list of annual herbs that are the most popular and that people tend to like to have in their herb gardens:
Annual herbs need to be replanted every year.
Basil
Basil is an annual herb. Basil needs to be planted every year.
It does not tolerate cold very well, so it is an herb that does better in heat and warmer zones.
There are many different types of basil including purple, lemon, Italian, cinnamon, lettuce-leaf, sweet, Thai, American, and Vietnamese. Basil makes for a great companion plant.
Basil is an annual herb.
Cilantro/Coriander
Cilantro is an annual herb. Cilantro is an herb and its seeds are called coriander.
Cilantro must be planted every year in your herb garden. It doesn’t like heat so it is best to plant it earlier in the season in late March or early April.
Here’s a fun fact. You either love cilantro or hate it and this is because some people have a variation in olfactory-receptor genes.
This genetic variation can cause cilantro to taste like dish soap. I am one of those people who thinks cilantro tastes soapy.
So whether you grow cilantro will be up to your personal preference.
Dill
Dill is an annual herb.
Dill is another example of an annual herb.
Dill is part of the celery family. It must be planted every year.
Dill is best when it is used fresh since it loses its flavor rapidly if it is dried.
Chamomile
Chamomile is an annual herb as well.
It is part of the daisy family and usually, the flower is dried to use as tea or make a salve.
Marjoram
Marjoram also referred to as sweet marjoram does not like the cold and can’t tolerate frost which is why it is considered an annual herb.
It does better in warmer climates.
Fennel
I consider fennel to be an annual herb because it does not tolerate the cold and isn’t winter-hardy.
But it does produce seeds that can regrow.
So in the right climate, it could come back but for most areas, I would consider fennel to be an annual.
Summer Savory
Summer Savory must be replanted every year making it an annual herb.
It is related to the mint family.
Chervil
Chervil is a delicate herb. Chervil likes the cooler climates thus making it easier to grow in the spring and early summer months.
It is also a great herb to plant in the fall.
When it gets too hot, it will bolt and go to seed. This is why chervil is considered an annual herb.
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What are Perennial Herbs?
“Perennial herbs can survive multiple years.”
Perennial herbs are plants that can survive multiple years or growing seasons. There is no need to replant them, perennials will grow back.
In order for them to come back, in the Fall you cut them back to the base with pruners. Come next season your herbs will grow back bigger and stronger.
Most of the popular herbs that you can think of and probably want to grow are perennial herbs.
In my opinion, perennials are the easiest to grow and maintain. Grow them once and reap the benefits for many years. That is the type of gardening that I love!
Here is a list of perennial herbs:
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Mint
Mint is a very hardy perennial herb.
In fact, it is extremely aggressive at the root so you need to be thoughtful and careful when growing it.
I highly recommend growing mint in a pot so it doesn’t take over your garden.
There are a number of mint varieties such a true peppermint. Learn more about mint companion plants to enhance your garden.
Oregano
Oregano is extremely hardy and difficult to kill. Making this herb a great perennial to grow in your garden.
The one downfall of oregano is that it loses flavor very quickly.
Sage
Sage is a wonderful perennial herb to plant in your garden.
There are different varieties including green, purple, tricolored, and variegated and it can survive very harsh winters.
Lemon balm
Lemon balm is a relative of mint and grows for several seasons.
This perennial herb can be aggressive at the root but not as aggressive as mint and the seeds can spread a lot.
It is known for its relaxing properties and pairs nicely with chamomile.
Rosemary
Rosemary is a perennial herb.
Rosemary reminds me of a Christmas tree. It can grow tree-like and the leaves look more like pine needles.
Rosemary is a very hardy perennial and it can survive many years.
Though it is best to bring it in the winter, I suggest growing your rosemary in a pot to have it last longer.
Thyme
Thyme is a classic perennial herb that I think should be in every garden.
Thyme has very small leaves but it grows fast. It likes to flower.
Thyme is super easy to grow as it can do well in poor soil.
Thyme can be used in a lot of ways and is very versatile, it is a popular medicinal herb.
Tarragon
Tarragon is a type of perennial herb that has a licorice smell and taste.
This herb might not be for everyone but it is wonderful to cook with.
I love using fresh tarragon with peas.
Lavender
Lavender is a perennial herb.
Lavender is a beautiful perennial herb.
It sprouts blue-purple flowers and smells like heaven.
Just make sure not to over-water it. It doesn’t like to be too wet.
Garlic Chives
Garlic chives have a mild onion flavor.
This popular perennial is easy to grow. Chives like sunlight and to be watered consistently.
They have long green leaves and have flowers at the top.
Winter savory
Winter savory is another type of perennial herb.
It can have purple or blue flowers.
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What are Biennial Herbs?
Biennial herbs are the last type of herb that you should know about. Biennial herbs have a two-year life cycle.
Most people probably have heard of the term annual or perennial but biennial might be a new term to you.
Here is a list of biennial herbs:
Biennial herbs have a two-year lifecycle.
Parsley
Parsley is a biennial herb.
Parsley is the most common biennial herb.
You can plant parsley from seed although it can take a long time. It might be easier to start by buying a small parsley plant.
After a freeze, it will come back huge and that’s when you get the seeds for the second year.
Here are some more tips on harvesting parsley.
RELATED: Parsley Companion Plants: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly
Watercress
Watercress has small, dark leaves and little white flowers.
It can have a peppery taste.
Watercress is considered a biennial herb.
Angelica
Another biennial is Angelica.
Angelica is a member of the parsley family. It likes cooler climates and well-drained soil.
It will flower after the second year.
Caraway
Caraway has feathery leaves and the main stem can produce umbels of small pink or white flowers.
This biennial likes the sun, warmer climates, and well-drained soil.
Clary
Clary or more commonly known as clary sage is a perennial herb that is often harvested for its essential oil.
Clary is a popular biennial in the health and wellness world.
Stevia
Stevia has become a very popular biennial herb.
Its leaves are very sweet. A lot of people will use stevia to sweeten things instead of sugar. Stevia is a diabetic-friendly sweetener.
Stevia thrives in the sun and will die during a freeze.
Are your Herbs Annual, Perennial, or Biennial?
It is important to note that every region has a different climate and growing season. And while this list is a good starting point, some zones are more likely to have success with certain herbs than others.
Certain herbs may act more like an annual or perennial given the temperature and climate.
