When most people think about fall gardening, they picture root vegetables and leafy greens—but herbs deserve a place in your autumn garden too. Many herbs thrive in cooler weather, and some actually prefer it. Whether you’re growing in garden beds, pots, or on a windowsill, fall is an ideal time to plant flavorful, aromatic herbs that will carry you through the colder months.
These herbs are not only easy to grow but also highly useful in the kitchen and home remedies. Some are perennials that will come back next spring, while others are fast-growing annuals you can enjoy before winter sets in.
Let’s explore the best herbs to grow in the fall, along with practical tips for planting and harvesting them successfully.
1. Parsley
Parsley is a hardy biennial that grows well into late fall and can survive mild winters in many zones.
Why it’s great for fall:
- Cold-tolerant down to the upper 20s (°F)
- Grows well in garden beds or containers
- Offers both flavor and nutrients
How to grow:
Plant from seed or transplant in early fall. It takes about 70–90 days to mature from seed, but if started indoors or from young plants, you can harvest leaves within weeks. Keep the soil moist and pick outer leaves first.
2. Chives
Chives are perennial herbs that thrive in cool conditions. Their mild onion flavor makes them a versatile addition to fall dishes.
Why it’s great for fall:
- Grows quickly and easily
- Withstands frost
- Regrows year after year
How to grow:
Plant in well-drained soil in full sun. Chives grow well in containers, raised beds, or borders. Trim leaves often to encourage fresh growth.
3. Thyme
Thyme is a hardy perennial that stays green through winter in many regions. It tolerates cold and thrives in dry, well-drained soil.
Why it’s great for fall:
- Extremely frost-hardy
- Low-maintenance
- Excellent for cooking and herbal teas
How to grow:
Plant thyme in a sunny location and don’t overwater. It’s drought-resistant and can handle light frosts. You can also grow it in pots and bring it indoors as needed.
4. Oregano
Oregano is another cold-tolerant herb that thrives in fall and grows as a perennial in zones 5 and up. It adds bold flavor to soups, stews, and sauces—perfect for fall cooking.
Why it’s great for fall:
- Withstands chilly temperatures
- Comes back each spring
- Easy to grow in pots or the ground
How to grow:
Plant in full sun with well-drained soil. Let the top inch of soil dry between waterings. Harvest leaves before the first hard frost or bring pots indoors.
5. Sage
Sage thrives in cooler temperatures and becomes even more flavorful in the fall. Its soft, silvery-green leaves are a classic in fall and holiday recipes.
Why it’s great for fall:
- Tolerates frost
- Perennial in many regions
- Enhances roasted veggies and poultry dishes
How to grow:
Plant sage in full sun and well-draining soil. Avoid overwatering. Harvest a few leaves at a time, and don’t cut more than one-third of the plant at once.
6. Cilantro
Cilantro prefers cool weather and bolts quickly in the heat, making fall the ideal time for this herb.
Why it’s great for fall:
- Grows fast (30–45 days to harvest)
- Prefers cool temperatures
- Great for salsas, soups, and curries
How to grow:
Sow seeds directly into the garden or container. Keep soil moist and harvest leaves frequently. Let a few plants flower if you want coriander seeds later.
7. Dill
Dill grows best in the cooler temperatures of spring and fall. It adds flavor to fall soups and pickling projects.
Why it’s great for fall:
- Cold-tolerant
- Grows quickly (ready in about 40–60 days)
- Attractive to pollinators if allowed to flower
How to grow:
Sow seeds directly into soil in early fall. Dill does not transplant well. Choose a sunny location with loose soil and harvest fronds as needed.
8. Lemon Balm
A member of the mint family, lemon balm has a refreshing citrus scent and makes an excellent fall tea herb.
Why it’s great for fall:
- Hardy perennial in most zones
- Tolerates light frost
- Calming properties for herbal tea
How to grow:
Plant in partial to full sun. It can spread easily, so containers help keep it contained. Pinch back leaves to encourage bushy growth.
9. Mint
Mint loves cool weather and often grows more vigorously in fall than summer. There are many varieties like spearmint, peppermint, and chocolate mint.
Why it’s great for fall:
- Cold-hardy
- Spreads fast in cooler temps
- Ideal for teas and desserts
How to grow:
Grow mint in pots to prevent it from taking over. Water regularly and cut stems back to encourage fresh growth.
10. French Sorrel
Less commonly grown but easy in fall, French sorrel adds a tangy lemon flavor to salads and soups.
Why it’s great for fall:
- Tolerates cool weather
- Fast-growing
- Low maintenance
How to grow:
Sow seeds or transplant into moist soil with good drainage. Harvest young leaves for best flavor.
Tips for Growing Fall Herbs
Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned gardener, these tips will help your fall herbs thrive:
✅ Choose the Right Location
Most herbs prefer full sun, even in fall. South-facing spots, windowsills, or sunny decks work well.
✅ Use Containers for Flexibility
Growing herbs in pots lets you move them indoors during frost or bad weather.
✅ Harvest Often
Regular harvesting encourages fresh growth. Just don’t take more than one-third of the plant at a time.
✅ Avoid Overwatering
Cooler weather means less evaporation. Let soil dry slightly between waterings to prevent root rot.
✅ Fertilize Lightly
Use compost or a mild organic fertilizer every few weeks. Too much nitrogen reduces flavor intensity.
FAQs
Q: Can I grow fall herbs indoors?
A: Absolutely. Herbs like parsley, chives, mint, and thyme grow well on sunny windowsills.
Q: What herbs survive frost?
A: Sage, thyme, mint, and oregano are some of the most frost-tolerant. Cilantro and parsley can handle light frost but may need protection in freezing temperatures.
Q: When should I start fall herbs?
A: Ideally, plant them in late summer to early fall—about 6–8 weeks before your first frost.
Q: Can I grow herbs year-round?
A: Yes, especially if you move them indoors. Many herbs will continue to grow on sunny windowsills or under grow lights through winter.
Q: Do herbs need different care in fall?
A: Slightly. You’ll water less, watch for frost, and possibly move plants indoors. Otherwise, care is similar to spring and summer.
Final Thoughts
Fall is a fantastic time to grow herbs—whether you’re refreshing your garden or just starting out. These herbs not only bring flavor and fragrance to your kitchen but also continue to thrive when other plants fade.