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When to plant herb plants is one of the most common questions new gardeners ask, and the answer depends on your climate and the specific herbs you want to grow.
The timing for when to plant herb plants isn’t a one-size-fits-all rule because some herbs thrive in cool weather while others need the heat of summer.
You can plant herb plants successfully in spring, summer, or even fall if you match each herb’s preferences to the right season.
In this post, we’ll break down the best times to plant herb plants, how to figure out your planting window, and which herbs go where.
Let’s dig into the dirt and get those herbs growing.
When to Plant Herb Plants: The Simple Answer
The best time to plant herb plants is after your last expected frost date in spring for most annual herbs, and in early fall for many perennial herbs.
You can plant herb plants like basil, cilantro, and dill directly in the garden once soil temperatures reach at least 60°F (15°C).
For hardy herbs like thyme, oregano, and sage, you can plant herb plants about two to three weeks before that last frost date because they tolerate a bit of cold.
If you live in a region with mild winters, you can even plant herb plants in late fall for a winter harvest.
The key is knowing your local frost dates and checking each herb’s cold tolerance before you plant herb plants outdoors.
1. Cool-Season Herbs: Early Spring Planting
When to plant herb plants like parsley, cilantro, and chives is early spring, as soon as the soil is workable.
These cool-season herbs actually prefer temperatures between 50°F and 70°F (10°C to 21°C).
You can plant herb plants from seed directly outside even before the last frost because they handle light freezes without issue.
For example, cilantro bolts quickly in summer heat, so planting it in early spring gives you the longest harvest window.
And if you plant herb plants like parsley in spring, you’ll get leaves well into early summer before the heat slows them down.
2. Warm-Season Herbs: After the Last Frost
When to plant herb plants like basil, marjoram, and summer savory is strictly after all danger of frost has passed.
These tender herbs are frost-sensitive, so a surprise cold snap can kill them overnight.
You should wait until nighttime temperatures stay consistently above 50°F (10°C) before you plant herb plants outdoors.
In most regions, this means planting in late spring, usually two to four weeks after the last frost date.
If you’re growing basil from seed, you can start it indoors about six weeks earlier, but wait to plant herb plants outside until the soil has warmed up.
3. Perennial Herbs: Spring or Fall Planting
When to plant herb plants like rosemary, lavender, and mint depends on whether you’re planting in spring or fall.
Spring planting gives these perennials a whole season to establish roots before winter dormancy.
You can plant herb plants in early spring once the ground thaws and is no longer waterlogged.
Alternatively, fall planting about six to eight weeks before the first frost is also ideal because cooler air temperatures reduce transplant shock.
Just make sure you plant herb plants early enough in fall so they have time to root in before the ground freezes.
For woody perennials like rosemary and lavender, well-draining soil is even more important than the exact planting date.
How to Determine Your Exact Planting Window
You can’t know when to plant herb plants without checking your local frost dates first.
Your last spring frost date is the single most important piece of information for warm-season herbs.
And your first fall frost date tells you when to plant herb plants for a second round or for overwintering perennials.
You can look up these dates using your zip code online or by checking with your local extension office.
Once you have those dates, count backward to figure out when to start seeds indoors if you’re transplanting.
1. Using Soil Temperature as Your Guide
When to plant herb plants also comes down to soil temperature, not just air temperature.
You can plant herb plants like basil only when the soil has warmed to at least 65°F (18°C).
Use a simple soil thermometer to check the ground at a depth of about two inches.
For cool-season herbs, you can plant herb plants when soil temperatures are between 45°F and 55°F (7°C to 13°C).
If the soil is too cold, seeds may rot before they germinate, so waiting pays off.
2. Reading the Weather Forecast
A late frost can happen even after your average last frost date, so watch the forecast before you plant herb plants.
If a cold night is predicted, you can cover tender herbs with a row cover or a simple sheet.
This lets you plant herb plants a little earlier with some protection, but don’t push it too far.
Many gardeners follow the rule of waiting until after Mother’s Day if they’re in colder zones.
But your specific microclimate matters more than any calendar date.
3. Succession Planting for Continuous Harvests
When to plant herb plants isn’t just one time per year, you can stagger your planting for a longer harvest.
For fast-growing herbs like cilantro and dill, plant herb plants every two to three weeks from early spring to early summer.
This keeps a fresh supply coming instead of getting a single large batch all at once.
For basil, you can plant herb plants in late spring, then do a second planting in midsummer.
The second round will produce fresh leaves well into fall, especially if you pinch off flower buds.
Best Practices for Planting Herbs at the Right Time
Once you know when to plant herb plants, you still need to set them up for success.
1. Harden Off Indoor Starts
If you started seeds indoors, you can’t just plant herb plants straight into the garden without acclimating them.
About seven to ten days before transplanting, gradually expose seedlings to outdoor conditions for a few hours each day.
Start with shade and increase sun exposure daily so the leaves don’t burn.
This step is crucial when you plant herb plants that have been growing in a sheltered indoor environment.
2. Prepare the Soil in Advance
Before you plant herb plants, amend your garden bed with compost to improve drainage and nutrition.
Most herbs dislike soggy roots, so raised beds are a great option if your soil is heavy clay.
Loosen the soil to about six to eight inches deep so young roots can spread easily.
And don’t forget to water well right after you plant herb plants to settle the soil around the roots.
3. Mulch to Regulate Soil Temperature
A light mulch of straw or shredded leaves can help moderate soil temperature after you plant herb plants.
This keeps the roots cooler in summer and protects them from early frosts in fall.
However, don’t mulch too heavily around young seedlings as it can trap moisture and cause rot.
Mulch also suppresses weeds that compete with your herbs for water and nutrients.
So, When to Plant Herb Plants in Your Garden?
When to plant herb plants ultimately comes down to your local climate, the specific herbs you’re growing, and your soil conditions.
You can plant herb plants like cool-season parsley and cilantro in early spring, while tender basil waits until after the last frost.
And for perennials like rosemary and thyme, you can plant herb plants in either spring or fall for strong growth.
Check your frost dates, monitor soil temperatures, and follow the simple rules we’ve covered here.
Once you plant herb plants at the right time, they’ll reward you with fragrant, fresh leaves all season long.
So grab your trowel, check that forecast, and get those herbs in the ground.
Happy planting!