Planting Warm Weather Herbs Outside In Northern Virginia

04/16/2008
Over the past two weeks, the weather in northern Virginia has changed rapidly and dramatically. As is normal here in springtime, periods of cold weather and frost are followed by days of balmy, almost summerlike weather. Consequently, one of the most frequent questions we get from customers this time of year has to do with when various types of culinary herbs can be planted outside.

In general, freeze hardy perennials, biennials and annuals can be planted outdoors here in April. These would include parsley, dill, cilantro, English lavenders, thymes, and sages, oregano, mint, lovage, fennel, chives and some types of rosemary (Arp, Hill Hardy and Gorizia).

Warm weather herbs should not be planted outside in northern Virginia until 1 May at the earliest, because of the risk of a late frost. These would include basil, stevia, marjoram, pineapple sage, Cuban oregano, French and Spanish lavenders, Majorca Pink and Tuscan Blue rosemary, lemon grass, and nasturtiums.

For those who can't wait until May to buy warm weather herbs like basil, the best way to grow them this time of year is in a pot on a sunny deck during the day, and inside during the night.

This discussion covers only a few of the more popular culinary herbs in northern Verginia. If you have questions on other types of herbs, we will be happy to respond.