HERBS

Herbs are generally delicate plants that are used to flavor foods.  Only a handful of herbs grow well in the hot humid summers of Florida.  In the tropics it is best to transplant or seed herbs in the cooler months.  For herbs it is ideal to establish them in an area that will get sun in the morning and shade in the afternoon.  Herbs are most commonly used in cooking, but they also can be used for home remedies.

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Basil | Coriander | Dill | Oregano | Parsley

Anethum graveolens                                                                  Elevation: 0-2000m

Dill                                                                                                                 T, LL, MS, H

Dill has been a cultivated, annual plant for centuries from the Meditteranean to southern Russia.  A tall plant of 60-100cm (24-40 inches).  All parts of the plant are pungent and it has been used medicinally as a stimulant and a calming solution to induce sleep.  Dill is popular in cooking and preserving.  Prefers moderately rich soil, rainfall of 50-150cm (20-60 inches) annually, and temperatures of 7.2-29.4ºC (45-80ºF).  In hot dry spells this forces an early flowering.  If there are heavy rains lodging can occur.  Soil pH: 5.0-8.0

Bouquet: This dark green, aromatic herb is especially strong and tall.  Dill is used for pickling, and to flavor fish and vegetable dishes.

Coriandrum sativum                                                                   Elevation: 0-2200m

Cilantro/Coriander/Chinese parsley                                                           LL, MS, H, T

A cool climate crop that is planted at a certain time so that it can mature in cool weather.  Prefers rainfall 15-31cm (6-12 inches), partial shade, and can grow in soil with pH 4.9-8.3.  The plant is valued for its seeds (coriander) and its leaves (cilantro).  Leaves are used in soups, stews, salads, and stir-fry dishes.  Seeds are used whole or ground in bread, cheeses, curry, sausages, and soups.  Soil pH:  4.0-8.5.

Santo:  Slow-bolting cilantro with attractive foliage.  Leaves are used in salsa and a variety of Mexican and Chinese dishes. 

Ocimum basilicum

Basil/ Sweet Basil                                                                                        LL, MS, H, T

Basil can grow in temperatures ranging between 7-27ÚɃ with annual rainfall of 0.6-4.2 m.   It can tolerate dry soil better than most herbs.  It is very sensitive to frost and prefers full sun.  If planted together it produces more leaves then if planted separately.  The leaves are used as a condiment, spice and its oil is used in food flavoring.  The oil from the leaves can also be used in perfumes and soaps.  In traditional medicine it has been used for headaches, coughs, diarrhea, and constipation.  Soil pH: 4.3-8.2.

Italian Large Leaf:  Commercial variety that is slow bolting with uniform leaves.

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Origanum vulgare

Oregano/ Wild Marjoram                                                                              MS,LL, H, T

This herb is easily grown from seed, cuttings or root division.  It prefers partial sun, temperatures of 41C (82F) in frost-free climates.  Drier conditions can be tolerated once established.  Aromatic herb that is used fresh or dried. 

It is most popular in Italian cooking.  Oregano has a strong sedative property and is used for a sleep aid, relieve respiratory and digestive complaints, a diuretic, and is compresses or lotions.  Soil pH: 4.5-8.7.

Petroselinum crispum                                                               Elevation:  0-2400m

Parsley                                                                                                    SA, MS, LL, H, T

Parsley is a native to southern Europe and is now grown in all temperate areas of the world and some tropical areas with cool seasons.  The seeds are slow to germinate, therefore soaking seeds overnight is beneficial before sowing.   Plants are sensitive to frost.  Its oldest uses were medicinal, fresh or in lotions as first aid for insect bits, as a mosquito repellent, a mild laxative, diuretic and treatment for infections of the eye, ear and teeth.  Commonly used as a garnish and also to cleanse the mouth when chewed fresh.  Under good conditions parsley seed only stores for two years.  Harvest seeds yearly.  Soil pH: 5.3-8.3.

Dark Green Italian:  Parsley with broad, glossy leaves.  Used largely in Italian dishes, but also for decoration.