Pick a sunny spot for your pots, then add these aromatic plants.
You’ll soon be snipping sprigs whenever you need them.
you might even try experimenting with several different varieties of one favorite herb, like basil.
Credit: Peter Krumhardt
Once the root system is established, about six weeks after sowing, ittolerates short periods of drought.
Depending on the variety, it can grow up to 2 feet tall.
For small containers, choose a compact variety such as ‘Spicy Bush’.
Credit: Marty Baldwin
Chives
Chivesare grassy, clump-forming perennials with hollow leaves.
Essentially tiny onions, chives are grown for their leaves and blooms rather than their bulbs.
Their fragrantpink-purple spring flowers are also edible.
Credit: Marty Baldwin
Plant them in well-drained potting soil that’s rich with organic matter.
They can tolerate light shade but do best in full sun.
Chives grow well in container gardens and can reach up to 20 inches tall.
Credit: Scott Little
Because they’re hardy in Zones 3-10, you’re able to leave them outdoors year-round.
Plant this annual herb in well-drained soil.
Cilantro grows best in sun, although it tolerates some shade.
Credit: Dean Schoeppner
Some varieties can grow up to 2 feet tall.
Tarragon
Tarragon is a classic French herb used to season fish and many other foods.
Its name is derived from the French word for little dragon, referring to the herb’s bold flavor.
Credit: Laurie Black
Plant it in full sun and well-drained potting mix, and it can reach up to 3 feet tall.
It tolerates drought well and should not be overwatered.
Tarragon can grow in partial shade but does best in full sun.
Credit: Peter Krumhardt
It can also be grown as a perennial and is hardy in Zones 5-9.
Lavender
Lavenderis a bushy perennial shrub that does best in full sun and well-drained potting mix.
Lavender hardiness depends on the variety; the toughest are hardy in Zones 5-10.
Credit: Holly Shimizu
Plant in partial shade or full sun and in moist, rich, well-drained potting mix.
As a perennial, it’s hardy in Zones 3-10 and can grow up to 2 feet tall.
Plant nursery-grown plants in pots filled with well-drained potting mix.
Credit: Edward Gohlich
This herb prefers full sun and can grow up to 3 feet tall.
Marjoram
An oregano relative, marjoram has a sweeter, milder flavor and aroma than its cousin.
Mint
Mintis such a vigorous plant that itwill become invasiveunless it’s confined in a pot.
Credit: Denny Schrock
Grow it in full sun or partial shade.
Its size can also vary, but some plants can stretch up to 2 feet tall.
Oregano
Oreganois an essential ingredient inMediterranean cuisines.
Credit: Denny Schrock
The more sun oregano receives, the stronger the flavor of the leaves.
It doesn’t tolerate wet soil and will grow up to 2 feet tall.
Quick-draining soil is the key to good growth, but it’s also drought-tolerant.
Credit: Dean Schoeppner
Keep the soil moist but never wet when grown indoors.
Sage
Sageis a favorite for seasoning poultry.
Most varieties are hardy in Zones 4-10 and can grow up to 2 feet tall.
Credit: Andy Lyons
Thyme
Thymecomes in many varieties, but all grow best in full sun and well-drained soil.
Use plastic pots if you keep them outdoors year-round; ceramic or clay containers can crack from freeze-thaw cycles.
Credit: Marty Baldwin
