Many people tend to abandon their herb garden at first frost. But what if I told you that some of the most flavorful herbs prefer the cold and actually use that time to gain strength for the spring?
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Check PriceHerbs that are hardy during winter don’t just endure cold weather; they actually use the cold to their advantage. Frigid conditions stimulate these plants to increase their essential oils and strengthen their flavors. They also develop strong root systems during the winter which means that they come back for spring growth stronger than ever.
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The Benefits of Hardier Winter Herbs vs Summer Herbs
As temperatures decrease, hardy herbs undergo a process known as vernalization. This process prompts them to prepare for spring growth. To do this, they begin to store energy in their roots and concentrate more aromatic compounds in their leaves. The result of this natural process is that these hardy herbs taste better, grow stronger, and are less work to care for than their warm weather cousins.
Perennial herbs are tougher than your typical annuals that are tender. These herbs become more tolerant to drought and diseases after being exposed to cold weather. Winter months help them grow deeper and more self-sufficient roots.
Rosemary: Evergreen Flavor Powerhouse
Most winter plants lose their foliage, and herbs take their particular loss quite hard. However, rosemary survives winter topping the list. Rosemary keeps its leaves and even manages to keep its fragrance under blankets of snow. Some varieties like 'Hill Hardy' and 'Arp' can withstand temperatures as low as -10F. To stand the best chance of surviving winter rosemary should be planted in well-draining soil at the base of south-facing walls in order to receive winter sun. Pick rosemary in the winter by cutting a stem just above a leaf node. The cold enhances the flavor of rosemary so you may want to pick extra during the winter months.
Thyme: Tiny Plant, Huge Impact During The Winter
Types of creeping thyme create self insulating mats to protect them from freezing. 'Winter Thyme' and 'Orange Balsam Thyme' are especially hardy and can survive in zones 4-9. These low herbs also create living mulch to suppress weeds and provide fresh leaves for winter cooking. trimmed back flower stems are woody and provide winter protection.
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Sage: Winter Wisdom Keeper
Common sage grows back each year and has silvery leaves that reflect sunlight, and their fuzzy texture traps insulating air Sage varieties such as “Berggarten” and “Purpurea” are the most cold tolerant and can even keep some leaves that are still harvestable at 0 degrees F. When planting sage, keep in mind that a sandy, alkaline soil type is best and do not overwater in winter, as wet soil is the greatest enemy of sage. To keep your sage from growing too tall and leggy, pinch growing tips in early winter.
Chives: The Survivors Below Ground
Each winter, chives die and return to ground level, but their bulb clusters remain active under the soil and can shoot up new growth when the temperature warms up during winter. Garlic chives (Allium tuberosum) can withstand even tougher conditions than normal chives, as they can endure temperatures as low as -30°F! Light mulching with compost in the late fall is beneficial for both types. If you pot up some clumps in February and put them in a sunny window, you can force them to grow indoors.
Oregano: The Fighter of the Cold from the Mediterranean
The Greek oregano and Turkish oregano varieties have developed woody stems that shield their tender growing points from freezing winds. The perennial types are much hardier than the annual oregano found in garden centers. Oregano can be planted in poor, rocky soil as their roots thrive in these conditions. Rich soil makes the plants tender and less hardy in winter. In late fall, you should cut the stems to within 2 inches so that there is enough stubble left to mark the location of the plants and protect the crown buds.
Winter Savory: Amazing Culinary Herb
Winter savory (Satureja montana) stays green and tasty even during the cold of winter. This perennial will develop a woody base with small leaves that are leathery and cold damage resistant. The flavor of winter savory is intense and peppery and improves after being exposed to a frost. It is best to plant winter savory in gravelly soil where water drains fast. It thrives in conditions that would stress other herbs.
Lavender: The Perfumed Beauty of Winter
Lavender types such as English lavender ‘Munstead’ and ‘Hidcote’ can hold up to winters of hardiness zones 5-8 while keeping their gray-green foliage and woody structure. Winter success with lavender is dependent on fall preparation. This includes stopping harvests by the end of August and no fertilization after mid summer. Additionally, one should ensure the lavender plant is in the sunniest spot with good drainage. Wintering lavender adds structural beauty to dormant gardens while also providing dried flowers for the home.
Winter Care Tips for the Best Results
There are three essential factors to help you succeed with winter herbs: drainage, placement, and timing. When it comes to planting winter-hardy herbs, always ensure that you use raised beds or altered soil that drains within hours after heavy rainfall or snowmelt. You should place your herbs in locations where they will get the most sun exposure during the winter – south-facing slopes with heat-reflecting walls make great locations.
As the end of the growing season approaches, stop fertilizing your hardy herbs after mid-August. This will help the plants begin natural hardening for the winter. Fertilizing later in the season will encourage new, tender growth which will be more susceptible to frost damage. For fall and winter, you can refresh the soil around the herbs by adding a 2-inch layer of compost. This will provide the plants with nutrients in a slow-release manner for spring growth.
Growing winter-hardy herbs is very beneficial. These herbs offer a unique, complex taste that summer herbs don’t provide. The reason cold-hardy herbs are better is that they produce essential oils in greater amounts due to being cold-stressed. Getting key oils in higher amounts will give your herbs the true Mediterranean and European flavor that can elevate your everyday cooking to restaurant-quality.
When you start your winter herb garden this fall, you will have nourishing plants that produce amazing flavors and aromas for years to come. It will be ready to go come spring!
