Herbs Planting Calendar
Planting & Setup
Herbs are among the easiest and most rewarding plants to grow. Many are highly adaptable and can thrive in a variety of conditions. Basil is especially valuable in the garden as a companion plant for tomatoes, helping with pest management and improving overall growth. Dill and cilantro benefit from staggered planting to maintain a continuous supply. Many herbs, such as oregano and sage, are perennial and will return year after year with proper care. Others, like basil, thrive in warm weather and need to be replanted each season.
HOW TO PLANT guide for the column below:
Direct = Directly sow your seeds in your outdoor soil at the correct depth
Transplant = Plant seedlings ("transplants") that were grown indoors
Either = Direct sow seeds or plant seedlings
| Crop Name | How To Plant | Spring Planting | Fall Planting | Germinate Indoors |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Basil | Either | 5/15–6/30 | None | Yes (4–6 wks before) |
| Cilantro | Direct | 3/25–5/15 | 8/15–9/30 | No |
| Dill | Direct | 4/1–6/15 | 8/1–9/15 | No |
| Oregano | Transplant | 5/15–6/30 | None | Yes (6–8 wks before) |
| Sage | Transplant | 5/15–6/30 | None | Yes (6–8 wks before) |
| Parsley | Either | 4/1–5/30 | 8/1–9/15 | Yes (4–6 wks before) |
| Lavender | Transplant | 5/15–6/30 | None | Yes (8–10 wks before) |
| Chives | Either | 4/1–6/1 | 8/1–9/15 | Yes (4–6 wks before) |
Growing Conditions
| Crop Name | Sunlight | Temperature Tolerances | Ideal Soil Temperature | Seed Depth | Days to Harvest |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Basil | Full sun | 50°F–95°F | 70–85°F | 0.25 in. | 50–70 |
| Cilantro | Full–part | 25°F–75°F | 55–70°F | 0.25 in. | 40–60 |
| Dill | Full sun | 30°F–85°F | 60–75°F | 0.25 in. | 40–60 |
| Oregano | Full sun | 40°F–90°F | 65–80°F | 0.25 in. | 80–100 |
| Sage | Full sun | 40°F–90°F | 65–80°F | 0.25 in. | 75–90 |
| Parsley | Full–part | 30°F–80°F | 55–70°F | 0.25 in. | 60–80 |
| Lavender | Full sun | 40°F–95°F | 65–85°F | 0.125 in. | 90–120 |
| Chives | Full–part | 20°F–85°F | 55–75°F | 0.25 in. | 50–80 |
Perennial Herbs (Plant Once, Return Yearly): These can be planted in early spring (as soon as the ground can be worked) or in the fall.
Chives: Plant in early spring. They are very hardy and return bigger each year.
Oregano: Thrives in full sun. Plant in spring.
Sage: Hardy perennial, best planted in spring. Does well with Mediterranean herbs.
Lavender: In Zone 6, select English or French varieties. Plant in a spot with fast-draining soil in early spring.
Rosemary: Note: Often dies over winter in Zone 6. Treat as an annual or plant in a pot to bring indoors over winter.
Annual & Tender Herbs (Replant Yearly): Plant these after all danger of frost has passed (late May is safest).
Basil: Very tender. Plant after the soil warms up, typically late May or early June. Basil loves heat.
Cilantro: Prefers cool weather. Direct sow seeds in mid-April (early spring) and again in early September for fall. It bolts (goes to seed) in hot summer weather.
Dill: Direct sow in the garden in mid-April through mid-May. Re-seed every few weeks for continuous harvest.
Parsley: Although technically a biennial, it is usually treated as an annual. Can be planted in early spring (April).
Succession Planting: To keep fresh Cilantro and Dill all season, sow new seeds every 2–3 weeks.
