10 Herbs to Plant This Fall
It’s not even fall yet and some of us may not even have our summer garden planted yet. But it’s actually time to start planning your fall garden. Fall will be here sooner than we know and cooler temperatures will eventually sweep in. So it’s the perfect time to plan your fall herb garden. Fall planting offers a head start for many herb plants, allowing their roots to establish before the winter months. Whether you’re a beginner gardener or an experienced gardener, the fall season is an excellent season to grow fresh herbs for culinary use or medicinal purposes. In this post, we’ll explore what herbs to plant in fall, focusing on perennial herbs, annual herbs, and biennial herbs that thrive in cool weather, along with tips for success in your home garden.
This post is all about what herbs to plant in fall.
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Why Fall is the Ideal Time for Planting Herbs
Fall is a great time to plant herbs because cooler months provide cool temperatures that reduce stress on new plants. For example, cilantro actually doesn’t do well in hot temperatures even though it’s often associated with warmer weather. It likes cooler temps. At least in my planting zone, it can still be pretty hot during the fall and may not cool down until about November. The fall garden benefits from milder climates, allowing herb seeds and young plants to develop strong roots before the first frost. According to Jekka’s Guide to herb gardening, early fall is a prime time for establishing perennial plants, as the soil remains warm from late summer, promoting new growth. This sets your herbs up for a robust start in the following spring.
In mild winters or warmer zones, such as parts of a Florida garden, herbs can continue growing through the colder months. Even in regions with cool winters, hardy herbs can survive with proper care, making autumn herbs an excellent choice for extending your growing season.
Top Herbs to Plant in Fall
Here’s a curated list of common herbs to plant in early fall, including perennial herbs, annual herbs, and biennial herbs, suited for various hardiness zones and soil conditions.
Perennial Herbs for Fall Planting
Perennial herbs return year after year, making them a hardy perennial choice for your fall herb garden. These also make your planting time that much easier. Once you plant them, they’ll come back year after year. So it’s one less thing to have to plant. Plant these in early fall for a strong second year.
Lemon Balm
This hardy herb thrives in cool weather and establishes well before early winter. Its lemony scent is perfect for teas and savory dishes. Plant in well draining soil in full sun or partial shade. Lemon balm’s low-growing habit makes it ideal for a small space or container herb garden. This plant does well in most hardiness zones (4–9), even through hard freezes with mulch.
Oregano
Oregano is a great herb to plant in the fall. It has a strong flavor and it’s a hardy perennial that benefits from fall planting to establish roots before next spring. Since it’s an herb originating from the Mediterranean, it’s going to really love the heat and do well in it. Thus it thrives in zones 5–9 and is the perfect addition for milder climates. Make sure to put it in a spot so it gets full sun and has good drainage. Since oregano isn’t invasive and doesn’t spread everywhere, it’s ideal in either garden beds or containers.
Anise Hyssop
Known for its blue, fragrant flowers and licorice-like flavor, anise hyssop attracts pollinators and is a host plant for bees. Fall planting ensures blooms by early summer. It usually grows 2 to 4 feet tall and 1 to 3 feet wide so it’s definitely possible to grow in garden beds or large containers, as it’s adaptable to small spaces..Be sure to plant it in well-draining soil with full sun. This herb grows well in zones 4 to 8 and is resilient in cool winters.
Sage
Sage is a hardy herb with soft, gray-green leaves and a savory, earthy flavor, ideal for savory dishes like roasts or stuffing. It often produces purple flowers in its second year, attracting pollinators. Choose a spot with full sun (6+ hours daily) and well-drained soil. Sage thrives in good drainage to prevent root rot. Enrich with the soil with organic matter like compost to support growth. Avoid planting this herb in heavy, clay soils. Plant herb seeds or seedlings in early fall to establish roots before cold weather. This herb thrives in zones 5–9 and survives cool winters with mulch for protection against hard freezes. I love the fact that this herb comes back each year and is loved by the bees. Space plants 18–24 inches apart in garden beds or use large containers for a container herb garden.
thyme
Thyme is a low-growing hardy perennial with tiny, aromatic leaves, ideal for savory dishes like stews or roasted vegetables. Its low-growing habit makes it a great host plant for ground cover or borders. It’s one of my favorite herbs to grow!
Thyme needs full sun or partial shade and well-drained soil. Thyme tolerates poor soil but benefits from a little bit of organic matter. Be sure that it has good drainage to avoid waterlogging, especially if you’re container gardening. Containers should have weep holes so that water can drain from the container. Sow herb seeds or plant seedlings in early fall for a strong start by next year. It’s honestly so easy to grow you may be better off just buying some seeds and putting them in a pot. It thrives in ones 5–9 and does well through cool winters with minimal protection. Space plants 12–18 inches apart or use in container herb gardens for small spaces.
rosemary
Rosemary is a woody perennial herb with fragrant, needle-like leaves, perfect for culinary use in soups, breads, or grilled meats. It may bloom with white flowers or blue flowers in early summer. Since rosemary is originally from the Mediterranean, it prefers full sun and well-drained soil. In milder climates, it grows as a shrub; in colder zones, grow in large containers to move indoors during winter months. Use sandy or loamy soil with good drainage. Add organic matter for nutrients. Plant in early fall to allow root development before the first frost. It does well in zones 7–10 but protect it from hard freezes in cooler zones by mulching or bringing indoors.Allow 24–36 inches between plants for air circulation.
Annual and Biennial Herbs for Fall
Annual herbs complete their lifecycle in one growing season, while biennial herbs take two years. Both can be planted in late summer or early fall in milder climates.
Parsley (Biennial)
Parsley has a slight peppery taste enhances savory dishes. Actually, I think it tastes even better when it’s been exposed to a light frost. It has a crisp and clean taste that is totally different than eating during the summer months. In fact, parsley doesn’t even like the heat. It’s a cool weather crop! Fall planting allows it to overwinter and thrive in the following spring. Sow herb seeds in well-drained soil with partial shade. It’s a great addition to container gardens, raised bed gardens, vertical gardening, and even in ground garden beds. Parsley thrives in zones 5–9, survives mild winters with protection.
In my area (zone 7), I’ve never protected my parsley during the winter time because we usually have mild winters. Each year the parsley has come back.
Cilantro (Annual)
A cool season herb, cilantro thrives in cooler temperatures and bolts in heat. It’s very difficult to grow during the summer time because it definitely doesn’t like any heat. Fall is the best time for a steady supply. Plant in well-drained soil with full sun or light shade. It can grow in zones 3–8 and is ideal for early fall in warmer zones.
Tender Herbs to Consider
Tender herbs like lemon verbena, lemon grass, and bay laurel are less cold-hardy but can be planted in milder climates or grown in large containers to bring indoors during cold weather.
Lemon Verbena
Its citrusy leaves are perfect for teas and desserts. Fall planting in warmer zones ensures growth before late fall. Lemon verbena needs full sun and good drainage. Consider using containers for mobility. It’s best grown in zones 8–10 and require protection from hard freezes. In other zones, like in mine, lemon verbena won’t survive the winter. Plan on planting it in containers so it can be moved indoors later in the year. This herb needs to be moved inside before the temperatures drop below 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
Bay Laurel
A culinary herb for soups and stews, bay laurel establishes well in early fall. This herbaceous plant originated from the Mediterranean. Although it’s from the Mediterranean, it doesn’t fair well in the heat, which is why it might be a good idea to plant it in the fall, depending on your zone. In fact, it can from heat stress and even have stunted growth due to the heat. Plant in well-drained soil with partial shade. It can be planted in containers in order to move it indoors later in the year. It does well in zones 8–10 and is ideal for mild winters.
Tips for Successful Fall Herb Planting
- Prepare Your Soil
Ensure well-drained soil by adding organic matter like compost. Herbs thrive in good drainage, especially in garden beds or large containers. Test soil conditions to avoid waterlogging. - Timing is Key
The ideal time for fall planting is 6–8 weeks before the first frost, typically in early fall or late summer. Check weather forecasts for your hardiness zone to avoid late fall frosts. - Choose the Right Location
Most herb plants need full sun (6+ hours daily), though some, like lemon balm, tolerate partial shade. Plan your garden bed or container herb garden accordingly. - Water and Mulch
Water new plants regularly to establish roots in cooler months. Add mulch to protect perennial herbs from hard freezes during the winter months. - Consider Containers for Small Spaces
For a small space or Florida garden, use large containers to grow fall herbs. This allows flexibility to move tender herbs indoors during early winter.
Why Fall Herbs Are Worth It
Planting autumn herbs gives your home garden a head start for the next year. Perennial herbs like hardy oregano and anise hyssop will bloom with purple flowers or white flowers by early summer, while biennial herbs like parsley provide fresh herbs into the following spring. Even tender herbs can thrive in milder climates or large containers, ensuring a supply of culinary herbs for savory dishes.
For inspiration, check out Jekka’s Blog or Jekka’s Herb resources from South Gloucestershire, which offer master classes and open days for herb enthusiasts. Their general mail order service can provide herb seeds or plants for your fall garden.
Get Started with Your Fall Herb Garden
Fall is the right time to plant herbs and enjoy new growth in the next spring. Whether you’re growing hardy herbs in a garden bed or tender herbs in a container herb garden, the cool season offers a good time to establish your home garden. Start with lemon balm, hardy oregano, or cilantro, and watch your fall herb garden thrive through the season changes.
Ready to grow your own fresh herbs? Comment below what types of herbs you’ll be growing this fall.
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