Herbs Grown in Minnesota
Annual Herbs
Common Name Botanical name Soil Preparation Culture Uses
Basil Ocimum basillicum Plant out in a sunny, sheltered position in light, rich soil. When the plants are established you can pinch out the centers (use the leaves in the kitchen) to encourage bushy growth Propagation from seed grown in the greenhouse or very warm sheltered place outdoors. Put 2-3 seeds per pot and harden off for planting out in the summer. Plant 2 inches apart and keep well watered but beware of over-watering as the plant can develop damping off disease Add Basil to butter sauces for fish dishes and use in tomato, egg and mushroom dishes. Basil has a very strong flavor which increases with cooking.
Borage Borago officinalis Borage likes a light, poor soil of chalk or sand. It prefers a well-drained, sunny position. Borage is not suitable for container growing as it has a very long tap root. Grown from seed. Sow in rows from March to July. Borage is ready to use after 8 weeks. Cut it back regularly. The plants do not transplant well. When planting, place seedlings 6 inches apart. Use the fresh leaves for salads. Chop the young leaves and flowers and add them to green salads. Also add the leaves to pea or bean soup. Borage leaves make nice hot or cold tea when served with lemon and sugar. The dried flowers are an ideal ingredient for potpourri.
Calendula Calendula officinalis Calendula prefer light rich soil in a sunny position. Sow the seeds in the spring and thin out the seedlings to 45-60cm apart. The plants will spread out and become bushy. An infusion of the flowers will soothe tired, swollen feet and an ointment made from the petals is good for soothing the skin. Calendula tea made from the petals is really good, especially if sweetened with honey. This tea is said to be good for the skin and helpful to the circulation. Fresh petals can be added to rice, cheese and egg dishes.
Chervil Anthriscus cerefolium Chervil likes a well drained soil in partial shade. It can be used when it reaches 2 inches in height. Sow chervil seeds from February to August. The seeds will germinate quickly. Thin the seedlings to 2 inches apart. Chervil makes a good addition to salads. It has more flavor than parsley and can be used to make soup. Add it to butter sauces to go with vegetables and mix it with other herbs to go with egg and cheese dishes. Use it to garnish pork or veal chops and steak. Chopped chervil can be sprinkled over cooked carrots and peas.
Dill Anethum graveolens Dill prefers a good garden soil in a sunny position. Harvest the seed heads when brown and then cut the whole plant down. Sow dill seeds for April to June . Thin seedlings to 10 inches apart. When the flowerheads turn brown the seeds are ripe. Cut the whole plant down and dry the seedheads indoors. Shake the seeds from the seed heads and store in airtight containers. The young flowerheads can be added to salads but be sure to allow some to go to seed. the leaves make an excellent sauce for fish and can be added to salads especially cucumber. Dill leaves chopped finely are and interesting addition to cottage cheese or cream cheese. Dill seeds can be used whole in lamb stew, herb butters, bean soups and pickled cucumbers. Traditionally dill seed tea is said to promote sleep and when chewed they can sweeten the breath.
Summer / Winter Savory Satureja hortensis/Satureja montana Summer-Harvest this herb when it reaches 10 inches and keep cutting it all summer. Cut the tips of the plant. If it does flower you will then need to cut the whole plant down and dry for winter use.Winter-Does best in a light, sandy soil. keep dead wood trimmed off. Propogate by cuttings or raise from seed. Summer-Sow the seeds in late spring, covering them with only a light sprinkling of soil. Thin the seedlings to 2 inches apart and leave to grow. Summer Savory does not like being moved.Winter-Pick young leaves and shoots at anytime. It is best dried for winter use. Summer-It is very good for cooking with meat, fish and eggs. Traditionally it has always been used with beans and in vegetable soups. Put a few sprigs into wine vinegar before making French dressings.Winter-Is a condiment often used as a flavoring in liqueurs. Winter Savory is not as sweet as Summer Savory
Biennial Herbs
Angelica Umbelliferae Prefers light shade. Benefits from a mulch when in full sun.Plant deep and in moist fertile soil. Allow plants to self seed, or sow fresh in early autumn. Angelica seeds lose their viability within 3 months. Seedling should be transplanted in spring before the root becomes established. Leave about a square yard between plants.Collect ripe seeds in late summer. Dig up root in autumn of its first year. Display dried flower seed heads for a striking winter decoration. Long-stemmed leaves look attractive in a vase. Mix seeds with stems to flavor drinks. Make a tea from fresh, or dried leaves as a tonic for colds. Crushed leaves freshen the air in a car and helps prevent travel sickness.
Caraway Carum carvi Caraway can be easily raised from seed. Plants do not usually bear seed the first year they are planted, but if planted in the fall, they will bear seed the following year. Caraway is not easily transplanted. If sown in rows, space 8 to 12 inches apart in rows 3 feet apart. Protect roots with mulch in winter. Caraway is a biennial plant that grows about 30 inches tall. The flowers appear in flat, white clusters and, like the finely cut leaves, resemble those of carrots. Caraway seeds have a warm, aromatic odor and flavor and are popular in cooking. The oil of caraway seeds is an important ingredient in liqueurs. Use to flavor soups, cakes, breads, biscuits, apple pie, baked apples, and cheese.
Milk Thistle Silybum marianum Prefers full sun. Grows well in average to humus-rich, well-drained soil. Space about 2 inches apart. Seed sown in spring or autumn. Remove flowers to prolong attractive appearance. Harvest flowers after they have opened for dried flower arrangements. Flower heads are eaten like artichokes. Use young leaves in salads or as cooked greens. Roots may be boiled as a vegetable. Use dried flowers in wreaths or crafts. Seed infusion aids liver function,helping the liver to renew cells and fights against damage done by drugs or chemicals. Historically was used as a poison antidote.
Perennial Herbs
Arnica Arnica montana Plant in full sun in humus-rich, sandy, well-drained soil. Plant about 8 to 12 inches apart. Sow seed outdoors in Autumn, germination can take up to 2 years. Grows best in areas that have cold summers. Protect from slugs. Harvest flowers just as they become fully open for a beautiful dried arrangement. Arnica does not have very many uses, but has been used before in oils and ointments for sprains, bruises and muscle pain. Caution:Do not take this herb internally or apply to broken skin.
Artemisia Artemisia ludoviciana Prefers full sun, sandy, well-drained soil. Difficult to grow from seed. Trim new growth in spring to help shape plants. Cut plants back to 6 inches in the fall. Dig out wandering roots to stop invasive tendency. Use dried branches of any species of Artemisia in wreaths and other crafts. Use fresh leaves in bouquets.
Bergamot Monarda didyma Prefers full sun to partial shade. Plant in humus-rich, moist, well-drained soil. Space about 2 feet apart. Divide plants in spring, preferrably every 3 years. Control powdery mildew with good circulation and by cutting plants back to the ground after flowering. Use flowers and leaves in fruit and/or salads. Use leaves and flowers in potpourri. Dried flowers and leaves for crafts, and fresh flowers for bouquets.
Black Cohosh Cimicifuga racemosa Prefers partial shade in deep, humus-rich, moist, well-drained soil. Seed sown outdoors in autumn. Divide in spring or autumn. Does take several years to become established. Harvest roots in autumn and preserve for drying. Use fresh or dried flowers or the seed spikes in bouquets. Root tincture has been used for muscle and joint pain, headaches, cramps, and coughs.
Catnip Nepeta cataria Plant catnip in sun or light shade.Requires well drained soil. Sow or divide whole plant in spring. Take softwood cuttings in late spring. Thin or transplant to 12 inches apart. Cut back in the fall.Gather leaves when young and flowering tops. Makes a good garden edging plant.Use in salads when young. Contain vitamin C. Infuse to relieve colds and fevers, restlessness and colic in children, headaches, upset stomach, and as a mild sedative. Apply infusion externally to soothe scalp irritations. Mash leaves and flowering tops for a poultice for external bruises.Dry and stuff into toys for cats. Catnip scent repels rats. Plant near vegetables to deter flea beatles.
Chamomile Chamaemelum nobile Chamomile prefers full sun and light, well drained soil. Sow in spring and divide in spring or autumn. Take 3" cuttings from side shoots on summer.Gather leaves any time. Pick flowers when fully open. Whole plant - Grow this "physician" plant near a failing tree to revive it. Infuse and spray on seedling to prevent "damping off" and on compost to activate decomposition. Use flower and leaves in potpourri and other crafts. Caution:People allergic to ragweed may react to Chamomile.
Chives Allium schoenoprasum Plant chives in sunny location, does tolerates partial shade. Prefers rich, moist, and well drained soil. Transplant, or thin to 9 inches apart. Water during dry spells and enrich soil annually (or monthly when cutting chives). Remove flowers for better flavor. Divide and replant clumps every 3-4 years. Plant in containers in autumn for fall supply. Sprinkle florets on salads. Use fresh leaves in salads, sandwiches, and soups, and use as a garnish. Make butter or cream cheese (allow 1 hour for flavor to infuse).
Coneflower,Purple Echinacea purpurea Grows well in full sun to partial shade in humus-rich, moist, well-drained soil. Space about 1 1/2 to 2 feet apart. Seeds sown in spring(self-sows). Divide in spring or autumn about every 4 years. Cut off any faded flowers and watch for Japanese beetles. Harvest 3 year old roots after several hard frosts in autumn as the plants begin to die back. Replant crown after cutting off the main root. Use flowers in bouquets. Properly prepared roots can be used for colds, flus, allergies and fevers. Use externally for wounds and can be used as a gargle for sore throats.
Elecampane Inula helenium Plant in full sun to partial shade in humus-rich, moist, clay-based soil. Space about 3 to 5 feet apart and be sure to protect from wind. Seeds sown in spring(self-sows). Divide in spring or autumn about every 3 years. Cut off any faded flowers. Harvest 2 year old roots after hard frosts in autumn as the plants begin to die back. Roots can be used as a vegetable or a traditional flavoring for sweets. Use fresh flowers in bouquets and dried flowers in potpourri and crafts. Dried roots can be used as incense-has a strong smell of violets.
Feverfew Tanacetum parthenium Prefers full sun to partial shade in average, well-drained soil. Space about 1 foot apart. Plant away from other plants because Feverfew is invasive. Seeds sown in spring. Divide plants in spring or autumn.Remove any faded flowers. Feverfew repels bees so do not plant them near other plants that need bees for pollination. Use fresh flowers in bouquets and dried flowers in potpourri and crafts. Leaves can be used as moth repellent. Dried flower heads can be crushed up and used as a safe insecticide for your lawn
Garlic Allium sativum Plant garlic in full sun to partial shade in humus-rich, moist, well-drained soil. Space about 6 inches apart and about 2 inches deep. Pull cloves apart from bulb and plant in early autumn. Requires winter mulch in areas that drop below 5°. Harvest bulbs when top growth starts to yellow. Refrigeration encourages mold. Use cloves in salads, stews, soups, beef, and many other dishes. Can be eaten raw to help with colds, flu, respiratory infections and coughs. Is used externally for insect bites and cuts; although it may irritate the skin.
Ginseng Panax quinquefolius Ginseng grows well in partial shade in humus-rich, moist, well-drained soil. Good drainage is critical to prevent rot.Space about 2 feet apart. Sow ripe seeds in autumn; a cold period of 4 months is necessary for germination. Requires mulch in winter and warmth and humidity during the growing season. Ginseng has been valued for it therapeutic benefits for more then 7000 years. Research suggests Ginseng may protect against mental and physical stress, increase physical indurance, and assist in maintaining vitality.
Goldenseal Hydrastis canadensis Plant Goldenseal in partial shade to full shade in humus-rich, moist soil. Space about 8 inches apart. Is difficult to grow from seed and germination may take up to 2 years. Sow outdoors in the fall, and divide in late fall once the plants have gone dormant. Mulch in summer and winter and protect from the wind. Root decoction has been taken internally for stress and anxiety, and to help soothe the digestive system. Is also used as a gargle for sore throats or infected gums. Can be used externally as an eye wash.
Horehound Marrubium vulgare Plant in full sun. Horehound grows well in light soil and can withstand intense heat and dry soils. Space about 1 foot apart. It is a hardy plant but needs protection where winters are very cold. Horehound can be propagated from seed, cuttings, or by division. Cut off any faded flowers and divide in the spring. Horehound is a somewhat coarse perennial plant that is covered with a whitish down. The leaves are crinkled and tend to turn downward. Leaves and small stems can be cut in May before plants bloom. Because of its weedy growth habits, it is best to place this plant in the background. Leaves and seeds can be used in teas, lemonade, or for flavoring beer.Leaf infusion has been used to help sore throats and coughs.Use flowers in dried bouquets and crafts.
Lemon Balm Melissa officinalis Plant in full sun with midday shade. Does well in any average, well-drained soil. Space about 2 feet apart. Sow plants in spring, slow to germinate. Divide plant, or take stem cuttings in spring or autumn. Space or transplant to 2 feet apart. Small plants can be grown indoors. Finely chop fresh leaves into salads, white sauces for fish, mayonnaise, sauerkraut, pickled herrings, poultry and pork. Add to fruit salads, jellies, custards, fruit drinks and wine cups.
Lovage Levisticum officinale Lovage does best in a rich, fairly moist soil and can be propagated from seed planted in late summer. Lovage is a hardy perennial with large, rich green leaves that resemble those of celery. The leaves are stronger tasting, but sweeter than celery. Use the leaves fresh, or dry them at any time. The leaves and stems of lovage give a celery flavor to soups and salads. Blanch stem bases before eating.
Meadowsweet Filipendula ulmaria Meadowsweet grows very well in full sun to partial shade in humus-rich, moist, well-drained soil.Space about 2 feet apart and will grow to 2 feet tall. Has leaves with a wintergreen fragrance and flowers with an almond scent. Preserve flowers for dried arrangements. Uses the fresh flowers in bouquets and dried flowers in potpourri or sachets. Flower infusions can be used internally for headaches, colds, fevers, heartburn, and many other ailments.
Soapwort Saponaria officnalis Full sun to partial shade in average, well-drained soil.Space about 2 feet apart. Seeds sown in spring(self-sows). Divide in the fall. Cut back plants after flowering to encourage a second flowering and to prevent self-sowing. Soapwort can become invasive. Fresh flowers are used in bouquets. Boil the leaves and stems for 30 minutes to be used as a mild cleanser for fabrics and other delicates. Cleanser is also used for washing hair and face and is said to help control acne. Caution:The root is poisonous; so do not ingest. Do not grow near fish ponds, because the roots can poison fish.
Stinging Nettle Urtica dioica Plant in full sun to partial shade in humus-rich, moist, well-drained soil. Space about 2 feet apart. Seeds sown outdoors in spring. Divide in early spring. Cut plants to ground in autumn. Harvest young leaves in early spring and preserve by drying. Young leaves can be fully cooked and used in salads, soups, and teas. Has been used internally for hay fever, asthma, and anemia. Can be used externally in a bath to improve circulation, and in lotions or creams for itching, eczema, or insect bites. Caution:Wear rubber gloves and long sleeves when handling plants.
Sweet Cicely Myrrhis odorata Sweet Cicely thrives when planted in partial shade in humus-rich, moist, well-drained soil. Plant about 2 feet apart Seeds are sown outdoors in the fall(self-sows). Divide plants in spring to early summer. Does not grow well in warm climates. Leaves are used in salads, fish, eggs, soups, stews, butters and many other foods. Use chopped or crushed seeds in fruit dishes and ice cream. Crushed leaves have also been used as furniture polish.
Tansy Tanacetum vulgare Plant Tansy in full sun to partial shade in average, well-drained soil. Space about 3 feet apart. Seeds are sown in the spring and divided in either spring or fall. Cut back after flowering to help maintain shape. Grow near fruit trees to repel insects. Added to compost for its potassium content.Use fresh flowers in bouquets and dried flowers in crafts. Leave dried leaves and plants around the house to help repel flies, ants, and mice.Caution:Do not use Tansy internally.
Tarragon Artemisia dracunculus Tarragon will grow in full sun but seems to do better in semishade. It can be propagated from root cuttings or by division. It needs protection in winter in cold climates. Make new plantings every 3 to 4 years. Tarragon is an herbaceous perennial that grows to about 2 feet tall. It has multibranched growth with narrow, somewhat twisted, green leaves. Tarragon leaves have a distinctive flavor similar to anise and are used in salads, marinades, and sauces. Leaves yield flavor to vinegar when steeped.
Thyme Thymus vulgaris This plant grows best in light, well-drained soil. Space plants 8 to 12 inches apart. It is best to renew the plants every few years. Propagate with cuttings, divisions, or by direct seeding. Thyme is an attractive edging plant or a spreading plant among and over rocks. Thyme is a low-growing, wiry-stemmed perennial that reaches about 6 to 10 inches in height. The lilac flowers grow in small clusters and the leaves are very aromatic. Thyme is widely used as a seasoning. Oil of thyme is used in medicines and perfumes. It goes well in clam chowder, poultry stuffings, and slow-cooking beef dishes.
Valerian Valeriana officinalis Plant Valerian in full sun to partial shade in humus-rich, moist, well-drained soil. Space plants about 2 feet apart. Sow seeds in the spring and remove faded flowers to prevent self-sowing. Divide plants about every 3 years to help prevent crowding. Can be added to compost to increase the composts mineral content. Valerian has been known since Roman times for having a calming and sleep-inducing effect.
Violet Viola odorata Violet prefers partial shade in humus-rich, moist, well-drained soil. Space about 6 inches apart. Seeds sown in spring, will self sow and naturalize. Remove faded flowers to prolong flowering. Grows best in cool weather. Use flowers in salads, desserts, jellies, and butters. Fresh flowers can be used in bouquets and dried flowers make a wonderful addition to potpourri.
Woodruff,Sweet Asperula odorata Sweet Woodruff does very well in ordinary soil as long as there is good drainage and has at least half day sun. Will actually be more fragrant if grown in poor nutrient soil. Harvest in the spring when fragrance is the strongest. Can be grown as a perennial if protected in cold winters. It will thrive in semishade and makes a beautiful groundcover under taller plants. Is often used in flavoring German wine and other drinks.
Yarrow Achillea millefolium Plant in full sun in humus-rich, moist, well-drained soil. Space about 1 foot apart. Seeds sown in spring(self-sows). Divide plants in spring or autumn Remove faded flowers to extend blooming. Harvest leaves and flowers when fully bloomed. Makes beautiful dried flower arrangements. Use young leaves in salads, butters, and cheeses. Dried flowers and leaves can be used in making wreaths and other crafts. Leaf infusion can be used internally for colds, flu, fevers, arthritis, and many other ailments.Caution:Yarrow can cause allergic reactions in some rare cases when used internally.