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Herbs: plants for pots and containers

These plants grow well in pots, for balconies, patios and small gardens. Each comes with the smallest practical pot size.

25 plants

Herbs

Angelica

  • Pot: 40 L or larger
  • Part sun
  • High water
  • Zones 4–8

Angelica, also called garden angelica, is a tall, short-lived perennial herb in the carrot family, Apiaceae. It usually spends its first…

Anise

  • Pot: 10 L or larger
  • Full sun
  • Moderate water

Anise is an annual herb in the carrot family, Apiaceae, grown chiefly for its sweetly aromatic seeds. Native to the eastern Mediterranean…

Basil

  • Pot: 3 L or larger
  • Full sun
  • Moderate water
  • Zones 10–11

Basil (Ocimum basilicum) is a popular culinary herb that belongs to the mint family (Lamiaceae). Known for its fragrant leaves and vibrant…

Caraway

  • Pot: 10 L or larger
  • Full sun
  • Moderate water
  • Zones 3–8

Caraway is an aromatic herb in the carrot family (Apiaceae), grown chiefly for the small, curved fruits commonly called caraway seeds. It…

Catnip

  • Pot: 10 L or larger
  • Full sun
  • Moderate water
  • Zones 3–9

Catnip is a hardy, aromatic perennial herb in the mint family. It forms upright, branching stems, usually 30–100 cm (1–3 ft) tall, with…

Chamomile

  • Pot: 5 L or larger
  • Full sun
  • Moderate water

Chamomile is an aromatic annual herb in the daisy family, grown for its small flowers, which are commonly dried for herbal tea. Its finely…

Chives

  • Pot: 2 L or larger
  • Full sun
  • Moderate water
  • Zones 3–9

Chives (Allium schoenoprasum) are a perennial herb belonging to the onion family (Alliaceae), valued for their culinary uses and…

Cilantro

  • Pot: 5 L or larger
  • Full sun
  • Moderate water
  • Zones 9–11

Cilantro, also known as coriander, is an annual herb belonging to the Apiaceae family. Its scientific name is Coriandrum sativum. Native…

Comfrey

  • Pot: 40 L or larger
  • Full sun
  • Moderate water
  • Zones 3–9

Comfrey is a hardy, long-lived perennial in the borage family, Boraginaceae. Native to much of Europe and parts of western Asia, it grows…

Culantro

  • Pot: 4 L or larger
  • Part shade
  • Moderate water
  • Zones 10–11

Culantro is a strongly scented leafy herb in the carrot family. Despite its similar flavor and common names, it is a different plant from…

Dill

  • Pot: 8 L or larger
  • Full sun
  • Moderate water

Dill (Anethum graveolens) is an annual herb belonging to the celery family (Apiaceae) and is widely cultivated for its culinary and…

Epazote

  • Pot: 10 L or larger
  • Full sun
  • Moderate water
  • Zones 10–11

Epazote is a strongly scented herb grown for its leaves, which are used in Mexican and Central American cooking. It is usually an annual…

Feverfew

  • Pot: 5 L or larger
  • Full sun
  • Moderate water
  • Zones 5–9

Feverfew is an aromatic, short-lived perennial herb in the daisy family, Asteraceae. Originally from southeastern Europe and western Asia…

Garlic Chives

  • Pot: 3 L or larger
  • Full sun
  • Moderate water
  • Zones 3–9

Garlic chives are a perennial herb grown for their mild, garlicky leaves. Unlike common chives, their leaves are flat rather than hollow…

Hyssop

  • Pot: 10 L or larger
  • Full sun
  • Low water
  • Zones 4–9

Hyssop is a perennial herb in the mint family, grown for its aromatic leaves and flower spikes. It forms a compact, bushy plant, usually…

Lemon Balm

  • Pot: 10 L or larger
  • Part sun
  • Moderate water
  • Zones 4–9

Lemon balm is a perennial herb in the mint family, Lamiaceae. It forms bushy clumps of branching, square stems, usually 30–90 cm tall. Its…

Lemon Verbena

  • Pot: 15 L or larger
  • Full sun
  • Moderate water
  • Zones 9–11

Lemon verbena is a woody, deciduous herb grown for its intensely lemon-scented leaves. It originated in South America and is now…

Mint

  • Pot: 10 L or larger
  • Part sun
  • Moderate water
  • Zones 3–9

Mint is a popular herb belonging to the genus Mentha, which encompasses around 25 species, with peppermint (Mentha × piperita) and…

Oregano

  • Pot: 5 L or larger
  • Full sun
  • Low water
  • Zones 4–9

Oregano (Origanum vulgare) is a perennial herb belonging to the mint family (Lamiaceae), widely prized for its aromatic leaves and…

Parsley

  • Pot: 3 L or larger
  • Full sun
  • Moderate water
  • Zones 8–10

Parsley (Petroselinum crispum) is a popular biennial herb primarily cultivated for its bright green, flavorful leaves and its role as a…

Rosemary

  • Pot: 10 L or larger
  • Full sun
  • Low water
  • Zones 8–10

Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) is a hardy, aromatic evergreen shrub native to the Mediterranean region. It belongs to the mint family…

Sage

  • Pot: 10 L or larger
  • Full sun
  • Low water
  • Zones 5–8

Sage (Salvia officinalis) is a perennial herb belonging to the Lamiaceae family, which also includes other culinary and aromatic herbs…

Shiso

  • Pot: 5 L or larger
  • Full sun
  • Moderate water

Shiso is an aromatic annual herb in the mint family, grown for its leaves, seeds, and sometimes its colorful foliage. It has upright…

Stevia

  • Pot: 10 L or larger
  • Full sun
  • Moderate water
  • Zones 9–11

Stevia is a tender, leafy herb grown for its intensely sweet leaves. Native to parts of Paraguay and Brazil, it forms a branching, upright…

Thyme

  • Pot: 3 L or larger
  • Full sun
  • Low water
  • Zones 5–9

Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) is a versatile, aromatic perennial herb belonging to the mint family (Lamiaceae). Originally native to the…