Perennial herbs are a fantastic choice for any garden, especially when planted in November. These herbs come back year after year with minimal maintenance, making them both cost-effective and rewarding for home gardeners. Let’s explore the top 10 perennial herbs you can plant in November to ensure a plentiful harvest season after season.
Benefits of Growing Perennial Herbs
Perennial herbs offer the convenience of reappearing every growing season without the need for replanting. They’re resilient, often drought-tolerant, and well-suited for various climates. Most can thrive in containers, raised beds, and even small garden spaces, making them accessible for gardeners of all levels.
1. Mint
- Hardiness: Mint is incredibly hardy and can survive down to zero degrees Fahrenheit.
- Planting Tips: Mint is very invasive, so it’s best grown in containers to prevent it from overtaking other plants.
- Uses: Mint is great for flavoring water, tea, and cocktails. It’s easy to propagate—simply place cuttings in water on a windowsill, and roots will sprout within a week.
2. Sage
- Hardiness: This herb is highly resilient and can be pruned back multiple times a year.
- Planting Tips: Sage can be grown from cuttings; choose a softer, non-woody stem for propagation.
- Uses: Ideal for seasoning poultry and savory dishes, sage is also aromatic and a lovely addition to Thanksgiving recipes.
3. Oregano
- Hardiness: Oregano can withstand temperatures as low as -20°F, making it one of the hardiest herbs.
- Planting Tips: Oregano is best planted in containers or beds where it can dry easily; it’s also easy to harvest and dry for storage.
- Uses: A staple in Italian cooking, oregano is delicious in sauces, pizzas, and roasted dishes.
4. Chives
- Hardiness: Chives are cold-tolerant and easy to grow, surviving temperatures as low as 20°F.
- Planting Tips: Chives grow in clumps, so they can be divided and replanted to encourage growth or to gift to friends.
- Uses: With a mild onion flavor, chives add a fresh taste to soups, salads, and garnishes.
5. Lavender
- Hardiness: Lavender is both drought-tolerant and cold-resistant, thriving in hot sun and moderate cold.
- Planting Tips: For the strongest fragrance, harvest flowers before they dry completely.
- Uses: Lavender’s aroma is calming; it’s often used in teas, sachets, and as an insect deterrent in drawers and closets.
6. Thyme
- Hardiness: Thyme can handle cold weather and is often used in fall and winter comfort foods.
- Planting Tips: Use cuttings from soft, non-woody sections of thyme stems to propagate.
- Uses: Thyme is popular in roasted meats, soups, and stews, and it’s excellent for seasoning potatoes and vegetables.
7. Rosemary
- Hardiness: Rosemary is highly resilient, surviving both intense summer heat and moderate winter cold.
- Planting Tips: Grow rosemary in well-drained soil to prevent root rot; it thrives in containers and raised beds.
- Uses: Rosemary’s piney flavor is ideal for grilled meats, focaccia, and marinades.
8. Parsley
- Hardiness: Parsley is a biennial herb that can handle cold weather and grows well in shaded areas during summer.
- Planting Tips: Though it takes a couple of weeks to germinate, parsley self-seeds easily.
- Uses: Parsley is more than a garnish; it’s rich in flavor and perfect for salads, pasta, and sandwiches.
9. Chamomile
- Hardiness: Chamomile can tolerate colder temperatures but may start to fade as winter deepens.
- Planting Tips: Chamomile spreads quickly, so it’s ideal for containers or small garden plots.
- Uses: Chamomile is soothing in teas and makes a beautiful garnish for desserts.
10. Fennel
- Hardiness: Fennel can withstand temperatures as low as 10°F, and it’s ideal for culinary use and landscaping.
- Planting Tips: Fennel seeds are easy to grow indoors or outdoors, especially in spring.
- Uses: Known for its mild anise flavor, fennel is delicious in salads, on pizza, or as a garnish in savory dishes.
Growing and Caring for Perennial Herbs
- Choose the Right Location: Most perennial herbs prefer full sun but can tolerate partial shade, especially in hot climates.
- Mulch for Winter Protection: In cold regions, apply a thick layer of mulch around the base of each plant to protect roots from freezing.
- Prune Regularly: Regular pruning encourages new growth and helps maintain plant health.
- Container Gardening: If space is limited, plant herbs in containers. This also helps manage invasive plants like mint and oregano.
- Watering Needs: Most herbs are drought-tolerant once established, but they benefit from occasional watering during dry periods.
Conclusion
By planting these perennial herbs in November, you’re setting yourself up for a garden that yields year after year. Each herb offers unique flavors and benefits, from fresh seasoning for your meals to calming teas and delightful aromas. Whether you have a large garden or a small patio, these hardy herbs are a low-maintenance, high-reward addition to your growing space.
