14 Cold hardy herbs to grow in your garden.
Perennial herbs go dormant during the winter season and regrow during the spring. These perennial herbs are cold hardy and some can tolerate very low temperatures. In this article, we discuss the best cold hardy herbs to grow in your garden.
Here are some cold hardy herbs to grow:
1. Lemon balm
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Lemon balm can grow up to 36 inches tall and 24 inches wide. This herb grows best in rich moist well-draining soil and the soil pH should be between 6.5 to 7.0. Lemon balm can grow best when temperatures are between 10 to 27°C(50 to 81°F). It can tolerate temperatures up to -30°C(-20°F).
2. Thyme
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Thyme can tolerate temperatures up to -34°C(-30°F). It can grow up to 12 inches tall and 16 inches wide. This herb grows best in well-draining average soil conditions and the soil pH should be between 6 to 8. Thyme can grow best when temperatures are between 20 to 30°C(68 to 86°F).
3.Mint
Mint is another cold hardy herb that grows best in fertile well-draining soil conditions. The soil pH should be between 6 to 7.5. They can grow up to 48 inches tall and spread throughout. Mint can grow best when temperatures are between 18 to 24°C (65 to 75°F). Mint can tolerate temperatures up to -30°C (-20°F).
4. Wintergreen
Wintergreen can grow best when temperatures are between 0 to 32°C (32 to 90°F). This shrub grows up to 8 inches tall and 12 inches wide. This herb grows best in well-draining acidic soil conditions. The soil pH should be between 4 to 6. This herb can tolerate temperatures up to -30°C (-20°F).
5.Tarragon
Tarragon grows best in dry and well-aerated acidic soil conditions. The soil pH should be between 6.3 to 7.5. Tarragon can grow up to 36 inches tall and 15 inches wide. Tarragon can grow best when temperatures are between 5 to 35°C (41 to 95°F). It can tolerate temperatures up to -6°C(20°F).
6.Sage
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Sage can grow up to 36 inches tall and wide. It grows best in well-draining sandy loam soil. The soil pH should be between 6 to 7. Sage grows best when temperatures are between 15 to 25°C(59 to 77°F). It can tolerate temperatures up to -15°C (5°F).
7. Lavender
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Lavender is a cold hardy herb that grows up to 24 inches tall and wide. It grows best in well-draining alkaline soil conditions. The soil pH should be between 6 to 7.5. Lavender grows best when temperatures are between 15 to 29°C (60 to 85°F). It can tolerate temperatures up to -15°C (5°F).
8. Rosemary
Rosemary can grow up to 3 feet tall and 5 feet wide. This herb grows best in rich moist well-draining soil that is slightly acidic. The soil pH should be between 6 to 8. Rosemary can grow best when temperatures are between 20 to 30°C (68 to 86°F). Rosemary can tolerate temperatures up to -12°C (10°F).
9.Chives
Chives can grow up to 18 inches tall and 12 inches wide. It grows best in well-draining fertile sandy loam soil. The soil pH should be between 6 to 7. Chives grow best when temperatures are between 15 to 30°C (59 to 86°F). It can tolerate temperatures up to -20°C (-4°F).
10. Dill
Dill grows best in well-draining slightly acidic soil conditions. Dill can grow best when temperatures are between 15 to 24°C (59 to 75°F). The soil pH should be between 5.5 to 6.5. It can grow up to 18 inches tall and inches wide. It can tolerate temperatures up to -4°C (25°F).
11. Oregano
Oregano is another cold hardy herb that grows best in fertile well-draining sandy loam soil conditions. The soil pH should be between 6 to 7.5. They can grow up to 36 inches tall and 24 inches wide. Oregano can grow best when temperatures are between 15 to 27°C (59 to 81°F). It is cold hardy and can tolerate temperatures up to -30°C(-20°F).
12. Fennel
Fennel grows best in sandy loam soil rich in organic matter. Fennel can grow best when temperatures are between 15 to 30°C (59 to 86°F). Fennel can grow up to 72 inches tall and 24 inches wide. It can tolerate temperatures up to -27°C (-17°F). The soil Ph should be between 6.5 to 8
13. Motherwort
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Motherwort grows best in loose well-draining soil conditions. Motherwort can grow best when temperatures are between 18 to 27°C ( 64 to 80 °F). The soil pH should be between 7 and 8.5. They can grow up to 100cm in height. It can tolerate temperatures up to -10°C (14 °F).
14. Comfrey
Photo by EVGEN SLAVIN on Unsplash
Comfrey grows best in well-draining sandy loam soil. Comfrey can grow best when temperatures are between 15 to 24°C (60 to 75°F). It can grow up to 5 feet tall. It can tolerate temperatures up to -35°C (-31°F). The soil pH should be between 6 and 7.
Although these herbs are cold hardy, Preparing them for the winter season can protect them from severe winters. Find out how to winterize your herb garden here.