blog
Central Florida’s Best Herbs to Grow
Sep
Few things are more rewarding than stepping outside and snipping fresh herbs for your cooking. In Central Florida’s Zone 10A climate, many herbs thrive year-round, while others prefer the cooler months. With a little planning, you can keep your kitchen stocked with fresh flavors all year long.
Cool-Season Herbs (October–May)
When the weather is mild, you can plant a wide variety of flavorful herbs:
-
Basil, dill, fennel, cilantro, parsley, and chervil are easy to start from seed and can be harvested at almost any stage. Their tender leaves bring bright flavor to everything from soups to salads.
-
Leafy herbs like sage, savory, marjoram, and lemon balm grow best in the cooler months. Harvest leaves as needed—many will keep producing for weeks.
-
Rooted favorites like garlic and cumin also do well when planted in fall. Garlic is planted by cloves and can provide both bulbs and flavorful green shoots.
-
Watercress and nasturtium add peppery flavor and even edible flowers to your garden.
Year-Round Favorites
Some herbs don’t mind the Florida heat and can be grown throughout the year:
-
Mint, oregano, rosemary, thyme, and bay laurel are reliable staples. These Mediterranean herbs love sunny spots and good drainage, and they’ll keep coming back season after season.
-
Mexican tarragon is a hardy substitute for French tarragon, thriving in Florida’s climate with young, flavorful leaves.
-
Ginger and horehound are also perennial choices—ginger for its rhizomes and horehound for its medicinal leaves.
Tips for Growing Herbs in Zone 10A (New Smyrna Beach Area)
-
Use well-draining soil mixes like Espoma Organic Potting Mix or FoxFarm Ocean Forest for healthy root development.
-
Plant in decorative pottery from Lindley’s to keep herbs close to your kitchen door.
-
Regularly pinch back herbs like basil and mint to encourage bushier growth.
-
Fertilize lightly with a balanced organic option such as Espoma Garden-Tone—too much fertilizer can reduce flavor.
Fresh Flavor Starts Here
From basil for your caprese salad to rosemary for roasted vegetables, fresh herbs elevate everyday meals. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned gardener, Lindley’s Garden Center has the herbs, soils, and pottery you need to start your own kitchen garden. Stop by today—our friendly staff will help you pick the perfect plants for your garden.