Fast-growing kitchen herbs for seasonal sowing
This curated range of Annual Herb Seeds brings together fast-growing kitchen staples and aromatic specialties for a single season. From basil seeds (Ocimum basilicum), cilantro/coriander seeds (Coriandrum sativum), dill seeds (Anethum graveolens) and chervil seeds (Anthriscus cerefolium) to summer savory seeds (Satureja hortensis), borage seeds (Borago officinalis), anise seeds (Pimpinella anisum), shiso/perilla seeds (Perilla frutescens) and holy basil/tulsi seeds (Ocimum tenuiflorum), the selection covers tender herbs grown as annuals and quick performers ideal as an herb garden starter. These annual culinary herb seeds deliver fresh foliage and bee-friendly herb flowers that support pollinating insects and strengthen biodiversity around beds and borders. As edible plants, leaves, soft stems, and in some cases seeds, provide versatile culinary use from salads and sauces to infusions and seasoning blends.
Annual Herb Seeds favour full sun; light shade helps leafy types in hot periods, and well-drained, moderately fertile soil keeps growth balanced and flavourful while avoiding overly rich feeding. Sowing is straightforward: start indoors in early spring or direct sow after the last frost; in mild climates autumn sowing may be possible for cool-tolerant types. Many fast-growing herbs respond well to succession sowing for a steady cut-and-come-again harvest. Several also serve as companion planting herbs, drawing beneficial insects while softening borders around vegetables. Compact choices suit patio herb planters and small containers, while taller forms can edge rows or anchor the centre of mixed herb beds.
Beyond kitchen value, Annual Herb Seeds contribute a subtle flowering display, from the starry blue of borage to the airy umbels of dill, extending nectar through warm months for visiting bees and hoverflies. This category of annual herbs seeds and annual aromatic herb seeds offers quick results for borders or pots, pairing tender textures with vivid fragrance. Selected Annual Herb Seeds support biodiversity, remain easy to handle within a single season, and adapt to flexible plans with succession sowings and container culture, providing a dynamic mix of foliage, bloom, and aroma.
Annual culinary herb seeds
Navigate to related herb categories to compare annual options with aromatic, culinary, and specialty groups. Find fast-growing picks for quick harvests, container-friendly selections for small spaces, and drought tolerant types for lean watering. Explore perennial and organic lines, plus tea and infusion herbs and specific staples like basil. Use this list to switch between collections.
Annual culinary herb seeds
Annual culinary herb seeds are ideal for fast-growing, tender herbs like basil (Ocimum basilicum), cilantro/coriander (Coriandrum sativum), dill (Anethum graveolens), chervil (Anthriscus cerefolium), and shiso/perilla (Perilla frutescens). Provide full sun, with light shade during hot periods to keep leafy types comfortable. Sow indoors in early spring or direct sow after the last frost; in mild climates, cool-tolerant kinds may be autumn sown. Use well-drained, moderately fertile soil and even moisture; avoid overly rich feeding to maintain flavor. Practice succession sowing for a longer cut-and-come-again harvest, and pinch regularly for bushier growth. Companion planting with summer savory, borage, anise, or holy basil/tulsi can support beneficial insects and diversity in the bed.
- Well-suited to containers and patio herb planters: use 15–25 cm deep pots with free-draining mix; water consistently and feed lightly.
- Bee-friendly herb flowers: allow some borage, dill, and coriander to bloom; stagger sowings to extend forage for pollinators and hoverflies.
- Edible harvests: pick as cut-and-come-again by snipping outer leaves or soft tips; succession sow every 2–3 weeks for steady culinary use.
- Ornamental value: combine blue borage, feathery dill, and purple shiso for texture and color; deadhead or let seed depending on display goals.
When should I sow annual herb seeds after the last frost?
Most annual herb seeds can be started indoors in early spring and transplanted once frost risk has passed, or direct sown outdoors after the last frost when soil has warmed. Cool-tolerant types such as cilantro/coriander and chervil can be sown earlier in spring, and in mild conditions a late-season or autumn sowing may be possible. Heat-loving herbs like basil, shiso, and holy basil/tulsi prefer settled warmth. Grow in full sun; during hot spells, light shade helps leafy types stay tender. Use well-drained, moderately fertile soil and avoid overfeeding to preserve flavour.
How do I start basil and dill indoors from seed?
Sow basil seeds (Ocimum basilicum) shallowly in trays or small pots, keep evenly moist, and provide warmth and strong light to prevent legginess; transplant after hardening off when frost danger has passed. Dill seeds (Anethum graveolens) germinate readily but dislike root disturbance, so use individual cells, biodegradable modules, or sow directly into the final container; move them carefully if transplanting. Both benefit from free-draining, moderately fertile compost. Maintain gentle airflow, water from below or carefully at the base, and avoid overly rich feeding to encourage flavourful, sturdy growth.
What spacing guidance works for common annual herbs?
Give compact herbs like basil, summer savory (Satureja hortensis), and chervil (Anthriscus cerefolium) fairly close spacing—about a hand’s width works for many setups—while cilantro/coriander (Coriandrum sativum) appreciates a little more room for airflow and easier harvesting. Taller, airy growers such as dill and anise (Pimpinella anisum) need noticeably more elbow room, and sprawling borage (Borago officinalis) is best granted the most space or its own pot. Thin crowded seedlings early to reduce mildew and promote bushy growth. Adjust spacing to conditions: richer soils and lower light often require looser planting.
Which annual herb seeds are best for containers and balconies?
Containers suit many annual herbs, including basil (and holy basil/tulsi), cilantro/coriander, chervil, summer savory, shiso/perilla, and compact dill strains. Choose pots with ample drainage and fill with a free-draining, moderately fertile mix; heavy feeding can dilute flavour. Position in full sun, shifting to light shade in extreme heat to keep leafy herbs from stressing or bolting. Keep moisture even—consistently damp but not waterlogged—and trim regularly for bushiness and cut-and-come-again harvests. More vigorous species like borage become large and are usually happier in roomy tubs or garden borders.
How can I succession plant cilantro for continuous leaves and prevent bolting?
For steady harvests, sow small batches regularly rather than one big planting, re-sowing as earlier rows mature. Cooler conditions extend leaf production, so aim for early spring and later-season windows, and place plants where they receive light shade during hot periods. Keep soil moisture even and avoid drought stress, which speeds bolting. Harvest promptly, removing plants as they elongate and replacing them with fresh seedlings. Chervil responds well to the same cool-season strategy, thriving with modest fertility and gentle, consistent watering.
Are annual herbs good for pollinators and beneficial insects?
Many annual herbs become excellent forage when allowed to bloom. Flowers of dill, cilantro/coriander, basil, borage, summer savory, and anise offer accessible nectar and pollen, supporting bees and a range of helpful insects; the airy umbels of dill and coriander also attract natural predators that aid garden balance. Let a portion of plants flower while keeping the rest for leafy harvests, and stagger sowings to extend the bloom period. In informal areas, spent heads may self-seed lightly, creating a modest, wildlife-friendly succession the following season.
Seed lots are sourced from audited growers and processors who follow recognised quality and phytosanitary standards. Batches are cleaned and independently tested for purity and germination before packing. Labelling and traceability meet applicable seed trade regulations. Guidance here is general and may vary with microclimate, soil, hardiness zone, and hemisphere. Refer to the instructions on product pages for details tailored to the current stock and supplier documentation.
Fast-growing kitchen herbs for seasonal sowing
Annual Herb Seeds offer a quick route to aromatic leaves and tender stems, completing their life cycle within a single growing season. Sow after the last frost when soil has warmed, or start under cover and transplant once cold snaps pass. In mild climates, autumn sowing may be possible for cool-season growers like cilantro, which thrives before heat triggers bolting. Fast-maturing choices such as basil, dill, and chervil respond well to succession sowing every few weeks, keeping flavors fresh and supply steady. Harvest young and regularly to encourage new growth, pinching flower buds to prolong leafy productivity; allow a few plants to bloom if seed saving or pollinator support is desired. Many annual herbs adapt well to containers with well-drained media and consistent moisture, especially during warm spells. Space plants for airflow to reduce stress and maintain clean, fragrant foliage. Parent category: Herbs Seeds
€4,95
€4,95
€4,95
€4,95
€4,95
€4,95
€4,95
€4,95
€4,95
€4,95
€4,95
