April 3, 2026

10 Herbs to Grow for Mediterranean Cooking

10 easy-to-grow

Mediterranean Herbs

If you’re thinking about growing herbs for cooking this season, consider a collection inspired by the Mediterranean lifestyle. With fresh, locally grown selections from Petitti’s, it’s simple, satisfying, and incredibly rewarding, not to mention the health benefits linked to this way of eating. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just getting started, herbs are one of the easiest ways to grow your confidence and your connection to what you eat.

planting herbs

in containers

Growing herbs in containers is one of the easiest ways to bring Mediterranean flavor home — no garden required. Start with a pot that offers good drainage and enough room for roots to grow.

Fill with a nutrient-rich mix like Petitti Planting Mix, position your herbs, and backfill gently, leaving space at the top for watering. A slow-release organic fertilizer like Garden-tone®, will help keep plants nourished all season long.

Ocimum basilicum

Basil

Sweet, aromatic leaves perfect for pesto, pasta, and caprese. A cornerstone of Italian cuisine that thrives in warmth and elevates everyday cooking. Harvest frequently to encourage new growth all season long. Place in a sunny spot, and keep soil evenly moist, but not soggy.

Recipes | Andria Petitti’s Fresh Basil Pesto & AJ Petitti’s Fresh Tomato Pasta Sauce

Coriandrum sativum

Cilantro

Bright, citrusy flavor that brings freshness to Spanish salsas, marinades, and grain bowls. Fast-growing and short-lived, so plant in succession for a steady harvest all season. Harvest often to promote new growth and delay going to seed. Place in a sunny but cool spot and keep soil evenly moist for best growth.

Recipes | Moroccan Grilled Chicken from Half-Baked Harvest

Anethum graveolens

Dill 'Fernleaf'

Feathery foliage with a light, tangy flavor ideal for seafood, salads, dips, and pickling. Adds texture and charm to both gardens and dishes. Fast-growing and quick to bolt in heat, so harvest regularly for the best flavor and fresh, tender growth. Place in a sunny spot and keep soil evenly moist, but not soggy, to keep plants healthy.

Recipes | Lemon Dill Salmon from The Mediterranean Dish

Mentha spp.

Mint

Cool, refreshing leaves for teas, desserts, and savory Turkish dishes. Vigorous and easy to grow, adding fresh flavor and fragrance all season long. Plant in containers to keep its spreading habit in check. Place in sun to part shade and harvest frequently to encourage fresh, tender growth.

Recipes | Peach Burrata Salad from The Mediterranean Dish

Origanum spp.

Oregano

Bold, earthy flavor central to Greek and Mediterranean cooking. A hardy perennial that thrives in sunny, well-drained spots and intensifies when dried. Plant in a sunny spot, harvest regularly, and allow soil to dry slightly between waterings for best growth. With proper winter protection, oregano can overwinter here in Northeast Ohio.

Recipes | Chicken Marbella from Ina Garten (Barefoot Contessa)

Petroselinum crispum

parsley

Clean, fresh taste that brightens nearly any dish. A versatile staple, rich in nutrients, and easy to grow in beds or containers. Plant in full sun, keep soil evenly moist, and harvest often to keep plants full and productive throughout the season.

Recipes | Grilled Zucchini Salad from The Mediterranean Dish

Rosmarinus officinalis

Rosemary

Woody stems with excellent drought tolerance and structure. Fragrant, needle-like leaves are perfect for roasting meats and vegetables. Thrives in sunny, well-drained spots and holds its shape beautifully in the garden. Harvest stems regularly to improve air circulation and promote fresh, healthy growth. Plant in a sunny spot and allow soil to dry slightly between waterings for best growth.

Recipes | Greek Chicken Souvlaki & Veggies from Half-Baked Harvest

Salvia officinalis

Sage

Soft, velvety leaves with savory depth. A feature of Balkan cuisine, and ideal for poultry, stuffing, and fall dishes. Adds slivery beauty to the landscape. Harvest regularly, cutting just above leaf sets to encourage fresh, compact growth. Place in full sun and let soil dry slightly in between waterings to keep plants prime.

Recipes | Sweet Potato Gnocchi with Garlic Sage Sauce from The Mediterranean Dish

Artemisia dracunculus

Tarragon

Delicate, slightly sweet anise flavor. A French kitchen favorite that pairs beautifully with chicken, fish, and creamy sauces. Thrives in sunny spaces and prefers evenly moist, well-drained soil. Harvest regularly to encourage fresh, leafy growth.

Recipes | Tarragon Chicken with Dijon Pan Sauce from The Mediterranean Dish

Thymus vulgaris

Thyme

Tiny leaves packed with robust flavor. A versatile herb for soups, salads, roasts, and vegetables. Thrives in sunny spots with excellent drainage, performing best when soil dries slightly between waterings. Harvest regularly to encourage dense, compact growth.

Recipes | Parmesan Garlic Halibut from Half-Baked Harvest

harvesting herbs

all season long

When it’s time to enjoy them, harvest in the morning for the best flavor. Snip tender, young growth (about 1/3 of the plant) to encourage fresh re-growth and keep plants full and productive.

Use herbs right away, or store extras in the refrigerator, air-dry them, or freeze them in ice cube trays for later use. For basil, simply place the stems in a glass of water on the countertop at room temperature. And don’t be afraid to harvest often. The more you cut, the more your herbs will grow, keeping your kitchen stocked!

gardening with herbs

In Northeast Ohio, Memorial Day weekend is the ideal time to plant — safely beyond the risk of frost. From there, your herbs will grow quickly and reward you with continuous harvest. Place containers where they’ll receive at least six hours of sun, and water thoroughly whenever the soil begins to dry and you’ll be able to enjoy them all season long!

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