Growing herbs in your garden can be an exciting experience, especially if you like to cook with the fruits of your efforts! Once you start using herbs in the kitchen, you will find it hard to stop.
Indeed, these plants can add flavor and enhance the natural taste of your meals, making your food much more attractive. While some herbs might last for only one year, selecting perennial species can help you save money and get consistent supplies of your favorite spices.
Most herbs are hardy and don’t suffer from pests or diseases. All you have to ensure is to meet their basic requirements, and you can have them thriving in your garden.
To explore more about which species you can add to your yard for getting satisfactory results, read our “perennial herbs zone 6” essential guide. Here, we put together a list of the best herbs you can grow in zone 6 and have had them for at least a couple of years!
Perennial Herbs Zone 6
Most perennials prefer warm environments, but you can find species suitable for colder climates. Because of zone 6 milder weather, you will have no issue finding herbs that will thrive in your region. Still, if you love a kind that isn’t suited to your region’s conditions, consider planting it indoors in a pot.
Anise
Anise is a flowering plant that belongs to the same family of parsley. While native to the Mediterranean regions, you can successfully grow anise anywhere between USDA hardiness zones 4 and 11. This plant adapts to various weather and soil conditions, making it a versatile herb to grow in almost any garden. You can use the plant’s seeds or leaves to add licorice-like flavors to your salads or soups.
Oregano
Oregano is a cold-hardy herb that can work as a perennial in zone 6. You can use its leaves fresh or dried to add flavor to your sauces or meat dishes. Oregano is perfect for beginner gardeners or those who don’t have much time to invest in their gardens: it is easy to grow and versatile.
However, under optimal conditions, it can display aggressive behavior. Better place it in a pot where you can control it to prevent it from taking over your garden.
Chives
Chives are hardy perennials members of the onion family. They can thrive in zones 3 to 9 and survive even colder winters. All you have to do is ensure you place them under direct sun and provide them with the nutrients they need.
Consider adding some organic matter around your chives plant to boost soil nutrition. Chop them and use them as a garnish for soups and sauces to get the most out of these plants. Chives will also add a splash of color to your garden: these flowering plants produce stunning purple flowers that will attract bees and other pollinators to your yard.
Thyme
Thyme is a great perennial plant, excellent for zone 6. Most varieties are hardy and easy to grow. However, avoid overwatering these plants if you want them to last in your garden.
Lavender
As long as you plant lavender in a sunny spot with rich and well-draining soil, you won’t have issues growing it in zone 6. This stunning purple plant is a bees’ favorite and will contribute to making your garden more beautiful, especially during the summer.
This herb produces an attractive scent and has many purposes: from skincare to garnish for cakes and cookies, use its flowers as you wish! Remember that while most varieties are hardy in USDA zones between 5 and 9, Spanish lavender will only thrive between 7 and 9. Make sure you pick a suitable species for zone 6 to avoid issues.
Mint
Mint is an excellent herb to grow (especially if you like cocktails!). You can use it for various purposes in the kitchen: from making teas to adding freshness to your soups and stews.
It will thrive in zone 6 and won’t need much help to develop into a healthy plant. However, you’ll need to keep it contained, as it can take over your garden rapidly if left uncontrolled. You can choose from several mint varieties. The best for zone 6 are spearmint and silver mint.
Sage
Sage is a cold-hardy perennial that will survive winters between zones 5 to 9. You can use it to enrich meats or create sauces. It is not particularly hard to grow but will need to place it under the full sun to thrive.
Related Article: What Herbs Can Be Planted Together? (Companion Planting)