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Arizona Herb Planting Guide: A Visual Guide for Low Desert Herbs

Arizona Herb Planting Guide: A Visual Guide for Low Desert Herbs

Many herbs are easy to grow and thrive year-round in the low desert of Arizona. This Arizona Herb Planting Guide provides planting dates and other information for growing over 30 different herbs in the low desertwhich includes elevations below 3500 ft in the Southwest, such as the Phoenix and Tucson metro areas.

Growing seasons in Arizona are short, and timing is critical when planting. Use this Arizona Herb Planting Guide to learn when and how to plant each herb. When you plant at the correct time, seeds will sprout, and transplants will become established in the optimal conditions for each plant. With pictures and planting dates for over 30 herbs that grow well in the low desert of Arizona, you are sure to find one to try. 

Be sure to check out the end of this Arizona Herb Planting Guide for links to articles about common questions about growing a garden in Arizona. 


Click on the herb name to go directly to that herb:


YouTube video


Vegetable, Herb, and Fruit Planting Guide for the Low Desert of Arizona

Vegetable, Herb, and Fruit Planting Guide for the Low Desert of Arizona

The ultimate resource for gardeners in arid regions with hot summers and mild winters—designed specifically for the low desert of Arizona.
It features information on how and when to start seeds indoors and when to transplant them outside for nearly 100 different fruits, vegetables, and herbs.


Amaranth

A cluster of amaranth plants with vibrant reddish-purple leaves and stems, growing densely among warm-season companion plants in a lush garden setting. Some green leaves and other foliage are visible in the background.
Amaranth

How to grow Amaranth:

  • Grows best from seed
  • When to plant amaranth in Arizona: March – April and July – August
  • Harvest leaves as needed and cut the seed-heads with stems for drying to collect seeds. 
  • Good to Know: Warm-season annual. Leaves are high in protein. 

Read this article for more information about how to grow amaranth.


Basil

Close-up of lush green basil plants with purple stems and small purple flowers, thriving among warm-season companion plants. The background bursts with green foliage, creating a vibrant, healthy garden scene.
Basil

How to grow Basil:

  • Grows best from seed or transplant; propagates by cutting
  • Start seeds indoors: January – July
  • Plant seeds outside: February 15 – August
  • Plant transplants outside: March – August
  • Harvest leaves often to keep plant from flowering for best flavor. 
  • Good to Know: Warm-season annual. Frost tender. Don’t rush planting; basil prefers warm air and soil. Plant near tomatoes to improve flavor and growth.

Read this article for more information about how to grow basil


Bay

Close-up of bay laurel leaves with smooth, elongated green blades and prominent veins, growing on branches against a blurred background of more foliage. A circular watermark appears in the lower right corner.
Bay

How to grow Bay:

  • Grows best from cutting or transplant
  • When to plant bay in Arizona: Late February – April 
  • Harvest dark leaves anytime. Use within 3-4 months for best flavor.
  • Good to Know: Perennial. New plantings are frost-tender. 

Read this article for more information about how to grow bay


Bee Balm

A lush green plant with clusters of light purple, spiky flowers blooms in a bright, sunlit garden, surrounded by other green foliage.
Bee Balm

How to grow Bee Balm:

  • Grows best from seed or transplant
  • Start seeds indoors: August – January
  • Plant seeds or transplants outside: October – March
  • Harvest leaves anytime. 
  • Good to know: Needs frequent water and afternoon shade. Attracts beneficial insects and pollinators. Considered a perennial flower, but often grown as an annual in the low desert of Arizona. Plant near tomatoes to improve flavor and growth.

Borage

Close-up of green, fuzzy borage leaves and stems with small star-shaped blue flowers; the lush, slightly blurred effect evokes the soft, textured beauty of an Arizona garden in May.
Borage

How to grow Borage:

  • Grows best from seed
  • When to plant borage in Arizona: October – January
  • Harvest young stems for best flavor. Pick flowers and use fresh, frozen, or dried.
  • Good to Know: Cool-season annual. Self-seeds readily. Attracts pollinators. Plant with squash, strawberries, and tomatoes.

Read this article for more information about how to grow borage.


Calendula (Pot Marigold)

A cluster of bright yellow calendula flowers and green foliage growing outdoors in sunlight, with many flower buds and blooms visible against a blurred natural background—an inspiring scene for learning how to grow calendula.
Calendula

How to grow Calendula:

  • Grows best from seed or transplant
  • Start seeds indoors: August – September
  • Plant seeds or transplants outside: September 15 – November
  • Harvest flowers regularly when young and fresh. 
  • Good to know: Cool-season annual. Edible, and medicinal uses. Reseeds easily. Early bloomer. Often grown as a trap crop for aphids. Keep deadheaded to encourage blooms. 

Read this article for more information about how to grow calendula


Catnip

A close-up of a flowering catnip plant, showing clusters of small purple flowers and green, serrated leaves with a fuzzy texture. The background is filled with more green foliage.
Catnip

How to grow Catnip:

  • Grows best from seed or division; reseeds readily
  • When to plant catnip in Arizona: October – April 
  • Harvest leaves as needed.
  • Good to know: Perennial. Deters flea beetles.

Chamomile

Clusters of chamomile flowers, known as annual plants that attract beneficial insects and pollinators, display yellow, dome-shaped centers and small white petals on slender green stems against a blurred natural background. A circular watermark appears in the lower right corner.
Chamomile

How to grow Chamomile:

  • Grows best from seed or transplant; reseeds readily
  • Start seeds indoors: August – January
  • Plant transplants outside: October – March
  • Harvest chamomile when the petals are flat or beginning to fall back from bud. Air-dry or dry in a dehydrator.   
  • Good to Know: Cool-season annual. Grows best in cooler weather. Improves the flavor of cabbage and onions.

Read this article for more information about how to grow chamomile


Chives

Close-up of chive plants with slender green stems and purple flower buds, some beginning to blossom, in a lush, outdoor garden setting.
Chives

How to grow Chives:

  • Grows best from seed or division
  • Start seeds indoors: August – February
  • Plant seeds or transplants outside: October – April
  • Harvest by cutting leaves at the base.
  • Good to Know: Low-growing perennial; beautiful when flowering. Divide plants in the fall or early spring. Improves the growth and flavor of carrots.

Cilantro

Close-up of fresh cilantro leaves growing densely, showcasing their distinct, flat, serrated edges and vibrant green color—an inspiring sight for anyone learning how to grow cilantro and prevent cilantro bolting in their garden.
Cilantro

How to grow Cilantro:

  • Grows best from seed or transplant; reseeds readily
  • When to plant cilantro in Arizona: October – January 
  • Harvest regularly for best flavor and to keep from flowering.
  • Good to Know: Cool-season annual. Sets seed as temperatures climb in the spring. Cilantro seeds are called coriander. 

Read this article for more information about how to grow cilantro


Arizona Herb Planting Guide: A Visual Guide for Low Desert Herbs (continued)


Dill

A close-up of a yellow flowering dill plant in a garden, with blurred greenery and raised garden beds in the background—an inspiring view for anyone learning how to grow dill at home.
Dill

How to grow Dill:

  • Grows best from seed; handle transplants carefully; reseeds readily
  • Start seeds indoors: August – November
  • Plant seeds or transplants outside: October – January
  • Use leaves fresh or dried. Let seed ripen on plant before harvesting. Bouquet dill has large seed heads. Fern-leaf dill has large plants for using fresh leaves. 
  • Good to Know: Cool-season annual. Attracts swallowtail caterpillars. Trap crop for aphids; can attract ladybugs. 

Read this article for more information about how to grow dill.  


Fennel

Yellow fennel flowers bloom in clusters on tall, wispy green stems in a lush garden—a beautiful scene for anyone learning how to grow fennel among various leafy plants on a sunny day.
Fennel

How to grow Fennel:

  • Grows best from seed; handle transplants carefully; reseeds readily
  • Start seeds indoors: August – November
  • Plant seeds or transplants outside: October – January
  • Harvest stalks and leaves before they turn woody. Seed heads are ready to harvest when they turn yellow-green.
  • Good to Know: Cool-season annual. Attracts swallowtail caterpillars. Trap crop for aphids; can attract ladybugs. Cut bulbs at base and they will regrow.

Read this article for more information about how to grow fennel.


Garlic

Freshly harvested garlic bulbs with long stems and roots, lying in a pile on soil—perfect for anyone interested in how to grow garlic or even learning how to grow garlic in Arizona. The bulbs still have some dirt, and the green stalks are tangled together.
Garlic

How to grow Garlic:

  • Grows best from cloves
  • When to plant garlic in Arizona: October – November
  • Harvest bulbs by digging up in late May.
  • Good to Know: Soft-neck varieties perform better than hard-neck types in warmer climates like Arizona. Pre-chill whole cloves in a brown paper bag in the refrigerator for at least 6 weeks before planting. Plant near roses to deter aphids.

Read this article for more information about how to grow garlic


Garlic Chives

A bunch of garlic chives grows in a garden bed, identified by a small black sign with white handwriting that reads garlic chives. Green leafy plants and wooden borders are visible in the background.
Garlic Chives

How to grow Garlic Chives:

  • Grows best from transplant or division
  • When to plant garlic chives in Arizona: October – April
  • Harvest stems by cutting down to base of plant as needed.
  • Good to Know: Garlic chives are a reliable perennial herb in Arizona. 

Read this article for more information about how to grow garlic chives


Ginger

A bunch of freshly harvested ginger plants with green leafy stems and knobby, light-colored roots laid out on a wooden surface.
Ginger

How to grow Ginger:

  • Grows best from rhizomes
  • Start seeds indoors: January – February
  • Plant outside: March
  • Harvest ginger about 10 months after planting by carefully digging out rhizomes. 
  • Good to Know: Ginger needs a long warm growing season to grow well. Provide shade to protect leaves from sunburn. Harvest when leaves turn yellow and die back. 

Read this article for more information about how to grow ginger. 


Hyssop (Agastache)

A cluster of purple hyssop flowers with green leaves, growing closely together outdoors in bright natural light.
Hyssop

How to grow Hyssop:

  • Grows best from seed
  • Start seeds indoors: January
  • Plant seeds or transplants outside: February – March
  • Harvest leaves just before flowering for best flavor. 
  • Good to Know: Perennial, but often grown as an annual. Attracts pollinators to herb gardens. Good for bordering gardens. Companion plant to cabbage and grapes. Deters cabbage moths. 

Lavender

A cluster of lavender perennials with vibrant purple flowers stands in a lush green garden, attracting pollinators, while a blurred background highlights the delicate blooms.
Lavender

How to grow Lavender:

  • Grows best from transplant
  • When to plant lavender in Arizona: October – April
  • Harvest stalks just as blooms begin to open.  
  • Good to Know: Perennial. Grows best in sunny locations. Keep leaves dry and let plant dry out a bit between waterings. Needs well-draining soil. Spanish lavender varieties do well in the low desert of Arizona. 

Read this article for more information about how to grow lavender.


Lemon Balm

Close-up of vibrant green mint leaves with serrated edges, densely packed together, showing healthy growth and lush foliage.
Lemon Balm

How to grow Lemon Balm:

  • Grows best from transplant
  • When to plant lemon balm in Arizona: February – April and October – November
  • Harvest young leaves throughout the season and use fresh. 
  • Good to Know: Perennial. When leaves look spent, cut back to ground to reinvigorate. 

Lemon Grass

A lush clump of green lemongrass with long, narrow leaves growing in a garden bed, surrounded by other plants.
Lemon Grass

How to grow Lemon Grass:

  • Grows best from division or transplant
  • When to plant lemon grass in Arizona: February – April and October – November
  • Harvest the fresh leaves and stems of single stalks as needed. 
  • Good to Know: Perennial. Grows well year-round in the low desert of Arizona. 

Read this article for more information about how to grow lemon grass


Lemon Verbena

Close-up of fresh, green lemon verbena leaves with elongated, pointed shapes growing on a plant. The background is blurred, highlighting the texture and vibrant color of the leaves.
Lemon Verbena

How to grow Lemon Verbena:

  • Grows best from cutting or transplant
  • When to plant lemon verbena in Arizona: February – April and October – November
  • Harvest lemon-scented leaves as needed.
  • Good to Know: Frost-tender perennial. Needs well-draining soil. 

Read this article for more information about how to grow lemon verbena.


Marjoram

Close-up of fresh oregano plants with soft green leaves and small stems, growing densely together.
Marjoram

How to grow Marjoram:

  • Grows best from cutting, division, or transplant
  • When to plant marjoram in Arizona: February – April and October – November  
  • Harvest leaves just before flowering for best flavor.  
  • Good to Know: Perennial. Seeds are slow to germinate; divide existing plants. Grows best in moist soil with full sun. Flowers in the spring. Similar to oregano, but taste is sweeter with more delicate flavor. 

Mint

Bright green mint plants, known for their invasive mint tendencies, grow densely in a sunlit garden. Light walls and shady foliage form the background. A circular watermark appears in the lower right corner.
Mint

How to grow Mint:

  • Grows best from cutting, division, layering, or transplant
  • When to plant mint in Arizona: February – April and October – November 
  • Harvest leaves and stems when young for best flavor.
  • Good to Know: Perennial. Can be invasive; grow in containers. Does best with afternoon shade. Cut back to reinvigorate in January. Deters white cabbage moths and improves the health of cabbage and tomatoes. 

Read this article for more information about how to grow mint. 


Arizona Herb Planting Guide: A Visual Guide for Low Desert Herbs (continued)


Nasturtium

A garden bed filled with vibrant nasturtium flowers in shades of orange, yellow, and red—these cool-season companion plants are surrounded by round green leaves and bathed in bright sunlight.
Nasturtium

How to grow Nasturtium:

  • Grows best from seed
  • When to plant nasturtiums in Arizona: October – January
  • Harvest leaves and flowers just before using. Harvest seed pods just before they turn from green to brown. 
  • Good to know: Cool-season annual. Overly rich soil results in fewer blooms. Reseeds readily. 

Read this article for more information about how to grow nasturtium.


Oregano

A person holds a large basket filled with freshly harvested oregano sprigs. Pink flowers and green foliage thrive in the background, showcasing a vibrant garden scene and inspiring ideas for how to grow oregano at home.
Oregano

How to grow Oregano:

  • Grows best from cutting, division, or transplant
  • When to plant oregano in Arizona: February – April and October – November  
  • Harvest leaves just before flowering for best flavor. 
  • Good to Know: Perennial. Seeds are slow to germinate; divide existing plants. Keep trimmed to prevent flowering.

Read this article for more information about how to grow oregano.


Papalo

A lush green plant with small, rounded leaves and thin stems growing densely outdoors in a garden setting.
Papalo

How to grow Papalo:

  • Grows best from seed or transplant
  • Start seeds indoors: January – February
  • Plant seeds or transplants outside: March – April
  • Begin harvesting leaves once the plant is well established; younger leaves have milder flavor.
  • Good to know: Warm-season annual. Thrives in hot, dry conditions. Strong flavor similar to cilantro. Grows tall; consider staking or pruning for bushier growth.

Parsley (Italian – Flat)

A person harvesting fresh green parsley, placing it into a woven basket outdoors in a garden—a rewarding moment for anyone learning how to grow parsley.
Flat Parsley

How to grow Flat Parsley:

  • Grows best from seed or transplant
  • Start seeds indoors: July – March
  • Plant seeds outside: October – March
  • Plant transplants outside: October – April
  • Harvest leaves any time as needed.  
  • Good to Know: Biennial, but often grown as a cool-season annual. Seeds are slow to germinate. Flat parsley has a stronger taste than curly parsley.

Read this article for more information about how to grow parsley.


Parsley (Curly)

Close-up of lush, curly parsley leaves growing in a garden with sunlight highlighting their vibrant green color.
Curly Parsley

How to grow Curly Parsley:

  • Grows best from seed or transplant
  • Start seeds indoors: July – March
  • Plant seeds outside: October – March
  • Plant transplants outside: October – April
  • Harvest leaves any time as needed.
  • Good to Know: Biennial, but often grown as a cool-season annual. Seeds are slow to germinate. Flavor is more mild than flat parsley. 

Read this article for more information about how to grow parsley.


Rosemary

Close-up of vibrant green rosemary sprigs growing outdoors in the Sonoran Desert, with narrow needle-like leaves and sunlight highlighting the texture of this perennial for pollinators.
Rosemary

How to grow Rosemary:

  • Grows best from cutting or transplant
  • When to plant rosemary in Arizona: February – April and October – November
  • Harvest stems as needed anytime. Best flavor is just before flowers appear. 
  • Good to Know: Drought-tolerant perennial. Takes full sun but needs well-drained soil. Cutting back by more than 1/3 can shock plant. Grows up to 6 feet tall. Good companion plant to cabbage, beans, carrots, and sage. Deters cabbage moths, bean beetles, and carrot flies.

Read this article for more information about how to grow rosemary


Saffron Crocus

A close-up of a purple crocus flower with yellow and red stigma and stamens, blooming above brown soil.
Saffron Crocus

How to grow Saffron Crocus:

  • Grows from bulbs
  • Plant bulbs outside: September 15 – October
  • Harvest the red stigmas (saffron threads) by hand when flowers bloom in late fall.
  • Good to know: Fall-blooming perennial. Requires full sun and well-drained soil. Goes dormant in summer. Water lightly during active growth and allow to dry during dormancy.

Read this article for more information about how to grow saffron crocus.


Sage

A close-up of lush green sage leaves growing densely in a garden, showing their soft, textured, and slightly silvery appearance—perfect inspiration for anyone learning how to grow sage in containers.
Sage

How to grow Sage:

  • Grows best from transplant
  • When to plant sage in Arizona: February – April and October – November
  • Harvest individual leaves as needed. 
  • Good to know: Perennial. Needs good drainage. Can rot in the summer during hot weather if too wet. Companion plant with rosemary, cabbage, and carrots to deter cabbage moths. Do not plant near cucumbers. 

Read this article for more information about how to grow sage.


Savory (Summer)

A dense cluster of green, slender leaves and thin stems belonging to a savory herb plant, growing closely together in an outdoor garden setting.
Summer Savory

How to grow Summer Savory:

  • Grows best from seed, cutting, or transplant
  • When to plant summer savory in Arizona: February – April
  • Harvest summer savory just before flowering for best flavor. 
  • Good to Know: Warm-season annual. Does best with afternoon shade. Plant with beans and onions to improve growth and flavor. 

Savory (Winter)

A honeybee hovers near white flowers on a lush green plant, surrounded by dense foliage and sunlight.
Winter Savory

How to grow Winter Savory:

  • Grows best from seed, cutting, or transplant
  • When to plant winter savory in Arizona: February – April and October – November
  • Harvest leaves anytime. 
  • Good to Know: Perennial with stronger flavor than summer savory. 

Stevia

Close-up of bright green stevia plant leaves with serrated edges, set against a blurred green background.
Stevia

How to grow Stevia:

  • Grows best from transplant
  • Plant transplants outside: February – April and October – November
  • Harvest leaves before flowering for best sweetness; can do multiple cuttings per season.
  • Good to know: Tender perennial often grown as an annual in colder areas. Prefers well-drained soil and needs afternoon shade. Leaves can be dried and used as a natural sweetener.

Thyme

A lush thyme plant grows outdoors, displaying dense clusters of small green leaves and thin stems. Ideal for those learning how to grow thyme in Arizona, it thrives in a sunlit garden surrounded by vibrant, blurred greenery.
Thyme

How to grow Thyme:

  • Grows best from transplant
  • When to plant thyme in Arizona: February – April and October – November
  • Harvest thyme by clipping stems as needed. Harvest just before flowering for best flavor.
  • Good to Know: Perennial. Prefers well-drained soil. Drought tolerant; prefers afternoon shade. Plant loses some flavor after 2 years; replant from cuttings. 

Read this article for more information about how to grow thyme.


Turmeric

A metal colander filled with freshly harvested turmeric and ginger rhizomes sits among green leafy plants in a garden.
Turmeric

How to grow Turmeric:

  • Grows from rhizomes
  • Start seeds indoors: January – February
  • Plant outside: March
  • Harvest turmeric about 10 months after planting by carefully digging out rhizomes. 
  • Good to Know:  Prefers shade when grown in Arizona. Keep an eye on moisture levels. Can rot if too wet, but needs regular water and feeding to grow well. 

Read this article for more information about how to grow turmeric.


Violas

A close-up of vibrant yellow, purple, and white pansy flowers—classic cool-season companion plants—growing in a sunlit garden, with green foliage in the background.
Viola

How to grow Violas:

  • Grows best from seed or transplant
  • Start seeds indoors: August – November
  • Plant seeds or transplants outside: October – January
  • Months in bloom: March-May
  • Harvest violet by picking flowers as they appear. Harvest new leaves. 
  • Good to know: Cool-season annual. Reseeds. Keep deadheaded to encourage blooms. 

Read this article for more information about how to grow violas.


Looking for more planting date information? The Fruit Planting GuideFlower Planting Guide, and Vegetable Planting Guide are full of helpful details about when to plant here in the low desert of Arizona.

Want to learn more about herb and vegetable gardening in Arizona?

Click on a question below to be taken to a blog post about the topic. 


Sources:

Desert Gardening for Beginners


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