When I talk about herbs with fellow gardeners, their first thought is “basil,” followed by parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme—like the Simon & Garfunkel song. For many, culinary herbs are synonymous with Mediterranean plants. My herb books list the same options: basil, mint, oregano, thyme, sage, rosemary, parsley, dill and chives. I grow all of these, which are great, if not essential, for use in the kitchen.
However, the more I explore diverse cuisines, the more I discover a broader range of herbs. Many “tropical” herbs can be grown in my USDA Zone 7 Virginia garden. They may not overwinter, and some are only available as seeds. But they thrive in the warm summers. This year, try growing these plants and discover their fantastic flavors.
SOUTH AMERICA
Originally from South America, lemon verbena (Aloysia citriodora) is hardy to Zone 8 and it can be grown as a perennial in the South. I grow it as an annual because it is relatively easy to find now. Each spring, I purchase a small plant, which I can expect to grow to about two feet tall and wide by season's end. I use the leaves in the kitchen, mincing tender young foliage to add to dishes, baked goods and beverages for an intense lemon flavor. Adding fresh leaves to whipping cream creates a lemon-infused accompaniment for berries. Dried leaves retain the flavor, making them perfect for hot tea.
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der May - June 2024-Ausgabe von Horticulture.
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Diese Geschichte stammt aus der May - June 2024-Ausgabe von Horticulture.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
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Around the World With Herbs
Looking beyond familiar mediterranean favorites, we can find flavor in the tropics
RIBWORT PLANTAIN
Before you call it a weed, consider its many talents
JARED BARNES - Propagating gardeners
JARED BARNES is an award-winning professor of horticulture at Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches, Texas. He also hosts The Plantastic Podcast and publishes a weekly e-newsletter called plant ed, both of which can be found at his website, https://www.meristemhorticulture.com. At home, he gardens with wife Karen and daughter Magnolia.
FILMS WITH FLOWERS
Relax with an uplifting garden-themed movie
TOTAL TOMATO GROWING GUIDE
Niki Jabbour's advice for making the most of this grow-at-home favorite
HANGDOG NO MORE
I'M A CURIOUS and impetuous guy. Good at thinking but terrible at remembering. And dammit if I'm not impatient.
LOOKING AHEAD
A colorful, fruitful summer follows winter's well-used days
NEW PLANTS
Pollinator Favorites
PLANTS from PIECES
ALL ABOUT PROPAGATION BY STEM, LEAF & ROOT CUTTINGS
FULL SUN FOLIAGE
IT'S A BIT MORE CHALLENGING THAN IN THE SHADE, BUT WE CAN FIND DELIGHTFUL LEAVES TO EMBELLISH SUNNY SPACES