How to Grow Lavender

Perennial Herbs

  • Lavender seeds do not need to be soaked before planting, but they do require cold stratification.
  • Lavender seeds require light for germination, so do not cover them with soil. Instead, press them lightly into the soil surface.
  • Lavender seeds germinate best at temperatures between 60-70°F (15-21°C).
  • Lavender seeds typically germinate within 14-21 days.
  • Lavender can be started either indoors or outdoors, depending on your preference.
  • For outdoor planting, start lavender seeds in the spring after the last frost date in your area.
  • Lavender is hardy in USDA zones 5-9.
  • Lavender is frost hardy and can survive light frosts.
  • Lavender is a perennial herb.
  • Space lavender seeds at least 12-18 inches (30-45 cm) apart.
  • Thin seedlings to one plant every 12-18 inches (30-45 cm) when they have developed their first true leaves.
  • Space lavender plants at least 18-24 inches (45-60 cm) apart.
  • Lavender requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day to grow properly.
  • Mature lavender plants can grow up to 2-3 feet (60-90 cm) tall.
  • Transplant lavender seedlings outdoors after the last expected frost date in your area.
  • Lavender produces small, fragrant flowers that bloom in the summer. The flowers are typically shades of purple or blue, but can also be pink or white depending on the variety.

How to Grow Fennel

Perennial Herbs

  • Fennel seeds do not need to be soaked before planting.
  • Fennel seeds require light for germination, so do not cover them with soil. Instead, press them lightly into the soil surface.
  • Fennel seeds germinate best at temperatures between 60-70°F (15-21°C).
  • Fennel seeds typically germinate within 7-14 days.
  • Fennel can be started either indoors or outdoors, depending on your preference.
  • For outdoor planting, start fennel seeds in the spring after the last frost date in your area.
  • Fennel is hardy in USDA zones 5-10.
  • Fennel is frost hardy and can survive light frosts.
  • Fennel is a perennial herb.
  • Space fennel seeds at least 12-18 inches (30-45 cm) apart.
  • Thin seedlings to one plant every 12-18 inches (30-45 cm) when they have developed their first true leaves.
  • Space fennel plants at least 18-24 inches (45-60 cm) apart.
  • Fennel requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day to grow properly.
  • Mature fennel plants can grow up to 3-5 feet (90-150 cm) tall.
  • Transplant fennel seedlings outdoors after the last expected frost date in your area.
  • Fennel produces small, yellow flowers that are arranged in large, flat-topped clusters. The flowers bloom in the summer and are followed by seeds that are commonly used in cooking and baking.

How to Grow Chamomile

Short-lived Perennial Herbs

  • Soak chamomile seeds in water for 8-12 hours prior to planting to improve germination rates.
  • Chamomile seeds require light for germination, so do not cover them with soil. Instead, press them lightly into the soil surface.
  • Chamomile seeds germinate best at temperatures between 60-68°F (15-20°C).
  • Chamomile seeds typically germinate within 7-14 days.
  • Chamomile can be started either indoors or outdoors, depending on your preference.
  • For outdoor planting, start chamomile seeds in the spring after the last frost date in your area.
  • Chamomile is hardy in USDA zones 3-9.
  • Chamomile is frost hardy and can survive light frosts.
  • Chamomile is an annual herb, although it can sometimes self-seed and reappear the following year.
  • Space chamomile seeds at least 6-8 inches (15-20 cm) apart.
  • Thin seedlings to one plant every 6-8 inches (15-20 cm) when they have developed their first true leaves.
  • Space chamomile plants at least 12-18 inches (30-45 cm) apart.
  • Chamomile requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day to grow properly.
  • Mature chamomile plants can grow up to 12-24 inches (30-60 cm) tall.
  • Transplant chamomile seedlings outdoors after the last expected frost date in your area.
  • Chamomile produces small, daisy-like flowers with white petals and yellow centers. The flowers have a sweet, apple-like fragrance and are often used for tea and other herbal remedies.

Once you have transplanted chamomile into your garden, it’s important to provide it with the right conditions to encourage healthy growth. Chamomile thrives in full sun and well-draining soil, so make sure to plant it in a location that receives at least six hours of sunlight per day and has soil that allows for adequate drainage. Water your chamomile regularly, but be careful not to overwater, as this can lead to root rot. Chamomile also benefits from regular fertilization with a balanced fertilizer to promote healthy growth and blooming. Deadheading spent flowers will encourage new growth and prevent self-seeding. Finally, keep an eye out for pests and diseases, such as aphids and powdery mildew, and take appropriate measures to control them if necessary. With proper care, your chamomile plants will thrive and provide you with beautiful, fragrant blooms to enjoy.

The best time to harvest the flowers for tea is in the middle of the day, and when the flower petals are sticking straight out or slightly down, like a skirt. This will ensure the most oils. You can harvest chamomile throughout the growing season, but the best time to harvest is usually in the late spring or early summer when the flowers are at their most abundant. Once you have harvested the flowers, you can use them fresh or dry them for later use. To dry the flowers, simply spread them out in a single layer on a clean, dry surface and allow them to air dry completely. With proper harvesting techniques, your chamomile will provide you with a delicious and fragrant herb to enjoy for years to come.

How to Grow Bee Balm

Perennial Herbs

  • Soak bee balm seeds in water for 24 hours prior to planting to improve germination rates.
  • Bee balm seeds require light for germination, so do not cover them with soil. Instead, press them lightly into the soil surface.
  • Plant the seeds at a depth of 1/8 inch (3 mm).
  • Bee balm seeds germinate best at temperatures between 60-70°F (15-21°C).
  • Bee balm seeds typically germinate within 7-21 days.
  • Bee balm can be started either indoors or outdoors, depending on your preference.
  • For outdoor planting, start bee balm seeds in the spring after the last frost date in your area.
  • Bee balm is hardy in USDA zones 3-9.
  • Bee balm is frost hardy and can survive light frosts.
  • Bee balm is a perennial herb.
  • Space bee balm seeds at least 12-18 inches (30-45 cm) apart.
  • Thin seedlings to one plant every 12-18 inches (30-45 cm) when they have developed their first true leaves.
  • Space bee balm plants at least 18-24 inches (45-60 cm) apart.
  • Bee balm requires at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day to grow properly.
  • Mature bee balm plants can grow up to 2-4 feet (60-120 cm) tall.
  • Transplant bee balm seedlings outdoors after the last expected frost date in your area.
  • Bee balm produces showy flowers in shades of red, pink, purple, and white. The flowers are tubular and arranged in dense clusters at the top of tall stems.

How to Grow Thyme

Perennial Herbs

  • Soak the seeds in water for 24 hours prior to planting to improve germination rates.
  • Thyme seeds require light for germination, so do not cover them with soil. Instead, press them lightly into the soil surface.
  • Plant the seeds at a depth of 1/4 inch (6 mm).
  • Thyme seeds germinate best at temperatures between 60-70°F (15-21°C).
  • Thyme seeds typically germinate within 7-14 days.
  • Thyme can be started either indoors or outdoors, depending on your preference.
  • For outdoor planting, start thyme seeds 2-4 weeks before the last expected frost date in your area.
  • Thyme is hardy in USDA zones 5-9.
  • Thyme is frost hardy and can survive light frosts.
  • Thyme is a perennial herb.
  • Space thyme seeds at least 8-10 inches (20-25 cm) apart.
  • Thin seedlings to one plant every 8-10 inches (20-25 cm) when they have developed their first true leaves.
  • Space thyme plants at least 12-18 inches (30-45 cm) apart.
  • Thyme requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day to grow properly.
  • Mature thyme plants can grow up to 6-12 inches (15-30 cm) tall.
  • Transplant thyme seedlings outdoors after the last expected frost date in your area.
  • Thyme produces small pink or purple flowers in the summer.

How to Grow Garden Sage

Perennial Herbs

  • Sage seeds do not require soaking before planting.
  • Sage seeds require light for germination, so do not cover them with soil.
  • Sage seeds should be sown on the surface of the soil or lightly pressed into the soil, as they require light to germinate.
  • The ideal temperature range for germinating sage seeds is between 60°F and 70°F (15°C to 21°C).
  • Sage seeds typically germinate within 14 to 21 days.
  • Sage can be started indoors 6 to 8 weeks before the last frost date in your area, or sown directly in the garden after the danger of frost has passed.
  • Sage can be grown in USDA hardiness zones 5 to 9.
  • Sage is frost hardy and can tolerate light frosts.
  • Sage is a perennial plant, which means it can live for many years with the right care.
  • Sage seeds should be spaced 12 to 18 inches apart.
  • Sage seedlings should be thinned to one plant every 12 to 18 inches.
  • Sage plants should be spaced 18 to 24 inches apart.
  • Sage prefers full sun to partial shade, with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
  • Mature sage plants can grow up to 2 to 3 feet tall.
  • Sage can be transplanted outside once the seedlings have 3 to 4 true leaves and the danger of frost has passed.
  • Sage produces small, blue to purple flowers arranged in clusters that bloom in mid to late summer.