Holiday recipes brewing in the kitchen? Here are the Best Herbs to Plant for Christmas so your feasts and festivities burst with flavor!
What do succulent roasts, char-grilled vegetables, zesty dressings, spiced punches, and fruity desserts—all the stars of your Christmas menu—have in common? They rely on herbs to attain flavorful perfection! Plant these now to make your holiday recipes unforgettable!
Herbs to Plant for Christmas
1. Rosemary
Botanical Name: Salvia rosmarinus
A classic crusted rosemary scalloped potato recipe is incomplete without rosemary, wouldn’t you agree? Well, many of your Christmas feast recipes—roasted meats, stuffing, etc—would be bare without this perennial herb’s deep, earthy flavors.
You can also cut a 6-8-inch rosemary branch and design a dainty wreath for aromatic Christmas decor. So, if you grow rosemary in pots, plant it 10-12 weeks before Christmas for perfect timing. Cold-hardy and drought-tolerant, ensure that the soil stays dry!
2. Thyme
Botanical Name: Thymus vulgaris
Thyme is known for its thin stems and small leaves—ideal for seasoning Christmas classics like roasted turkey with onion stuffing. Like rosemary, you can use stems of thyme to make small wreaths, napkin ring holders, or candle rings.
This herb grows best in well-draining soil and needs at least six hours of sunlight daily. To ensure perfect sunlight, place the pot in a south-facing window, and follow these unique thyme growing tips for best results.
3. Sage
Botanical Name: Salvia officinalis
You can start sage indoors 8-10 weeks before Christmas and use its aromatic leaves to give your holiday favorites a peppery hit. Check out this slow-cooked pork, cider, and sage hotpot recipe to warm you up in the cold!
With woody stems and blue and purple blooms that complement your festive decor, this evergreen shrub prefers a well-draining potting mix with sandy soil. Give your sage a sunny spot and regularly prune to keep your Christmas herb tender, fresh, and delicious!
4. Mint
Botanical Name: Mentha
What’s a wintry celebration without that yummy mojito or this delicious grape and melon mint starter? Mint is the ingredient of your imagination—you can uplift any recipe with this refreshing herb. And it thrives in pots!
Start seeds indoors 8-10 weeks before the last frost date for a lush harvest into the season. Choose a 6-8-inch container to grow your mint in. Fill it with a well-draining soil mix low on fertilizer, and place the plant where it will get 4-6 hours of daily sunlight.
5. Parsley
Botanical Name: Petroselinum crispum
Parsley can be added to sauces and dressings or even used as a fresh garnish for meats, salads, and more. We recommend giving this Christmas Tabbouleh a shot; it pairs beautifully with a spiced cinnamon, apple, and pumpkin pie!
This herb grows 8-14 inches tall and forms dense clumps in garden borders and indoor containers. Parsley takes longer to grow; start it 10-12 weeks before Christmas. Nourish it with coffee grounds mixed in mulch for a slow-release nitrogen boost for lush growth.
6. Bay Leaves
Botanical Name: Laurus nobilis
Bay leaves are a common Christmas decoration used in wreaths and garlands. And its aromatic leaves can be used dried or fresh to enhance the flavors of holiday broths, soups, and stews.
If you grow bay leaves indoors, use a well-draining potting mix and give plenty of sunshine. Start your bay plants indoors early in the year as they grow slowly.
7. Chives
Botanical Name: Allium schoenoprasum
Chives are one of the easiest plants to grow at home, and if you are new to herb gardening, this one should be your pick. Chives are the most flavorful in the onion family and are the perfect addition to baked, creamy dishes.
This green herb has shallow roots, so you need containers about 6-8 inches deep to plant it. Chives thrive in well-draining soil with plenty of sunlight. And supplement with a diluted organic liquid fertilizer like fish emulsion to boost nutrients every three weeks.
8. Oregano
Botanical Name: Origanum vulgare
Oregano is that soul-soothing earthy herb that makes a dish whole! Christmas casseroles, roasted meats, flavored cheese and dips, and even homemade baked oregano bread are just a few ways to use this versatile, bold herb these holidays.
Its evergreen appeal can make charming Christmas decorations if you tie it into mini herb bundles for your guests. Oregano grows quickly with 6-8 hours of daily sunshine.
