11 Perennial Herbs to Grow Once and Harvest Forever

Ok, so maybe not forever, but they are pretty good at growing for a long time. To refresh your memory, perennials are plants that provide a harvest year after year, unlike annual crops that need to be replanted every year. These resilient plants yield a long-term harvest with little maintenance, making them an excellent addition to your herb garden.

In this blog, we will cover the most popular perennial herbs, why they are so easy to grow, their specific needs, and other considerations like whether they are invasive or need to be transplanted. This essential information will help you create a well-planned and productive garden. Here are some of the best perennial herbs and plants to grow for an endless harvest.

11 Perennial Herbs

1. Lemon Balm

Lemon balm is a member of the mint family with a long history of medicinal use and is excellent for making herbal teas. Lemon balm spreads easily under full sun and can be harvested for fresh leaves from early spring to late summer. It's perfect for warmer climates but can also tolerate colder climates with proper care. Remember that low maintenance is still some maintenance.

1. Regular Chives

Regular chives are easy-to-grow perennial plants that thrive in plenty of sun but can tolerate partial shade. To harvest, pluck the young leaves for a mild onion flavor. The purple, pom-pom-looking flowers are also edible, but the stalk is harder, and once the flowers bloom, the harvest gets smaller, so it's a good idea to do continuous pruning and harvesting to keep production in full swing.

1. Garlic Chives

Garlic chives have thicker stems than regular chives and produce beautiful white flowers with petals shaped like six-pointed stars. Garlic chives grow best in nutritious, fertile soil with plenty of sun and can be harvested in small quantities throughout the growing season. In fact, it's best to constantly cut the stems to promote growth. Another plus is that they are hardy and can thrive in both warm and cold weather..

1. Mint 

Mint, in all its varieties, is a perennial herb that grows vigorously, thriving even in the harshest environments. Mint is an aggressive and invasive crop, so it’s a good idea to plant it contained in raised garden beds, planters or rock gardens to prevent it from spreading. Mint is your perfect low-maintenance herb, ideal for harvesting throughout the growing season for herbal teas and to add to your iced teas or margaritas.

1. French Tarragon

French tarragon is a tender perennial herb known for its popularity in French cuisine. This herb is best grown in warm climates, needs full sun, and can be harvested from the second year onward. French tarragon looks a lot like rosemary, but its leaves are longer and softer to the touch, and the smell is very different—a bit more like anise.

1. Common Sorrel

Common sorrel is a perennial plant that thrives in plenty of sun and hardy climates. It looks a lot like spinach, except its leaves are thinner and longer. This herb is a powerhouse of vitamins and nutrients, but it's often overlooked and mostly used in Europe and northern Asia to add a tangy flavor to foods like soups and salads.

1. Sage 

Sage is a hardy herb that thrives in a sunny location in the garden, preferably in colder climates. It grows vigorously and produces leaves that are ready for harvesting from the beginning of the growing season until the first frost. Sage is perfect for creating amazing tea blends and pairs wonderfully with meat and butter!

1. German Chamomile

German chamomile is an annual herb often grown as a perennial in warmer climates. Chamomile, in all its varieties, is used in many cultures for aromatherapy, skincare products, and natural remedies for common ailments. Chamomile wastes nothing from stalk to flower, and is great for harvesting throughout the growing season.

1. Green Onions

Green onions, also known as scallions, are perennial, low-maintenance, and easy-to-grow herbs. They thrive in well-drained, sandy soil and are well-suited for mild winters, continuing to grow and provide harvests even during cooler seasons. Green onions can be harvested at any stage of growth, and their foliage serves as shelter for beneficial insects, such as ladybugs and lacewings, which help control pest populations.

1. Basil

These tender perennials need plenty of sun to become aggressive growers. Basil has popular varieties like African Blue Basil and Thai Basil, and each one has very distinctive flavors. Like regular basil, they thrive in warmer climates year after year, coming back stronger. The best part is that you can harvest throughout the growing season; in fact, it's best for the herb if you do! Once you grow basil at home, you'll have a never-ending supply of pesto and pizza toppings.

1. English Thyme

English thyme is a staple in many kitchens worldwide, perfect for meats, soups, and stews. It's also an ornamental plant with small, fragrant leaves and pretty pink or purple flowers. Thyme can handle mild winters and will grow back each spring, giving you a long-term harvest. Plus, it's easy to dry and store, so you'll have plenty on hand if it grows like crazy.

 Quick Tips for Growing Perennial Herbs

Choose the Right Plants

Choose herbs that are suitable for your USDA hardiness zone and climate.

Prepare the Soil

Use fertile, well-drained soil with plenty of organic compost to make sure they grow healthy.

Provide Adequate Sunlight

Most perennial herbs need plenty of sun, although some can tolerate partial shade.

Water Wisely

Pay attention to the soil remaining moist but not waterlogged.  While herbs like mint prefer moist soil, there still need to be proper drainage to prevent rot.

Mulch and Fertilize

Mulching helps retain moisture and control weeds, while organic fertilizers enrich the soil. For a highly recommended organic fertilizer, check out Vego Garden Soil Amendment and Slow Release Fertilizer. This soil amendment is packed with minerals, vitamins, and nutrients to feed your plants and support growth, while the gentle fertilizer encourages plants to wake up and reach their full potential!

Final Thoughts

Growing perennial herbs is the best way to have a continuous supply of fresh herbs with minimal effort. However, minimal effort and low maintenance do not mean complete neglect! All plants need some level of care and attention to thrive.

With the right care and conditions, perennial herbs will flourish and yield a bountiful harvest for years to come!