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  List of Common Herbs - Herb Gardening - University of Illinois Extension
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List of Common Herbs

Angelica

Light Shade
Height 5 feet
Spacing 2-3 feet
Type Biennial
Uses Drinks, jellies, candy, fragrance
Other Sow seed yearly. Prefers cool & moist conditions

Basil: Details

Light Sun
Height 2 feet
Spacing 1 foot
Type Annual
Uses Casseroles, eggs, fish, sauces, salads, fragrance
Other Keep flowers removed to last longer. Plants may be purple or green.

Bay Laurel

Light Light shade
Type Treat as annual
Uses Seafood, soups, sauces, decorations
Other Native to Mediterranean climate.

Chives: Details

Light Sun
Height 8-12 inches
Spacing Close in a row or bunches
Type Perennial
Uses Soups, salads, eggs, cheese, fragrance
Other Cut often to keep vigorous. Flowers are edible garnishes.

Dill: Details

Light Sun
Height 3 - 3 1/2 feet
Spacing 9 inches
Type Annual
Uses Flavoring pickles, salads, omelets, herb blends
Other Easily grown from seed.

Catnip

Light Sun to part-shade
Height 2 feet
Spacing 9 inches
Type Perennial
Uses Used to stuff cat toys
Other Protect small new planted transplants from possible cat attack.

Fennel

Light Sun
Height 18-24 inches
Spacing 1 foot
Type Treat as an annual
Uses Seeds used in tea, cheeses, Italian sausage.
Leaves used in salads and for fish.
Other Strong anise aroma & flavor.

Lavender: Details

Light Light shade to sun
Height Depends on variety
Spacing Averages 1-2 feet Depends on variety
Type Perennial
Uses Fragrance, landscaping
Other Well-drained, dry soil.

Lemon Balm

Light Sun, part-shade
Height 1 foot
Spacing 2 feet
Type Perennial
Uses Tea, meat sauces, salads
Other Aggressive. Strong soapy lemon fragrance.

Marjoram

Light Sun
Height 1 foot
Spacing 6-12 inches
Type Treat as annual
Uses Soups, meat stuffings, eggs, vegetables
Other Slow growing

Mints: Details

Light Light shade to sun
Height Depends on variety
Spacing Depends on variety
Type Annuals and perennials
Uses Jellies, teas, fragrance
Other Many types. Invasive. Many may be propagated by seed. Peppermint seed is sterile and must be propagated vegetatively.

Oregano: Details

Light Sun
Height 1 foot
Spacing 1-2 feet
Type Semi-hardy perennial
Uses Spanish, Mexican & Italian cooking; stuffings
Other Seed grown plants best for everlastings. Use vegetatively propagated plants for culinary uses.

Parsley: Details

Light Sun or Shade
Height 8-12 inches
Spacing 8 inches
Type Treat as an annual
Uses Garnish soups, salads, casseroles, vegetables, etc. Blends well with other herbs & is used as a flavor base.
Other Cut outer leaves first.

Rosemary: Details

Light Sun
Height 1-3 feet
Spacing 12-18 inches
Type Treat as an annual
Uses Meat, punches, jellies, etc. Fragrance
Other Keep soil moist but not wet.

Rue

Light Sun
Height 10-12 inches
Spacing 10 inches
Type Perennial
Uses Landscaping
Other May cause redness, swelling or blistering skin if overexposed to plant.

Sage: Details

Light Sun
Height 18-24 inches
Spacing 15-18 inches
Type Perennial
Uses Cheese, sausages, meats, fish, salads, drinks, casseroles, landscaping
Other Colored varieties not as hardy as green varieties. Typically hardy to Zone 5b.

Savory (winter)

Light Sun
Height 12-24 inches
Spacing 6-12 inches
Type Perennial to zone 5b
Uses Canning, stuffing
Other Needs well-drained soil. Treat as annual in colder zones.

Tarragon (true)

Light Sun, but tolerates light shade
Height 2 feet
Spacing 1 foot
Type Perennial
Uses Fish, meat, salads, vinegar (Use sparingly)
Other Licorice-like flavor. Likes dry soil. Use root cuttings or stem cuttings.

Thyme: Details

Light Sun
Height 4-8 inches
Spacing 3-10 inches
Type Perennial
Uses Soups, stuffings, meats (Use sparingly)
Other Needs good drainage. Cut back each year. Divide old plants.

Verbena (lemon)

Light Sun to light shade
Height 3 feet
Spacing 18-24 inches
Type Treat as annual
Uses Tea, stir fry, fragrance, landscaping
Other Spider mites a problem.