Lexi Webster
Gardening Australia's horticulturist Jane Edmanson believes that herbs are one of the best plants for beginners because they rarely fail or have pest problems, and they look good. Many herbs grow well in the winter in Australia, some even preferring cooler conditions. Herbs require less frequent watering in winter, but it's important not to let the soil dry out. Here are some herbs that can be grown in the Australian winter:
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Herbs that grow in winter in Australia | Basil, Coriander, garlic, garlic chives, marjoram, oregano, Parsley, Thyme, winter tarragon, chervil, chicory, fennel, lavender, mint, rosemary, Rocket, Sage, sorrel, winter savoury, curry leaf, bay |
| Soil type | Well-drained, fairly rich soil |
| Soil temperature | Below 20 degrees, preferably 10 degrees |
| Watering | Less frequent watering in winter, but important not to let them dry out |
| Position | Sunny or lightly shaded |
| Pest problems | Rarely |
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What You'll Learn
Coriander, Parsley and Sage
Coriander, parsley, and sage are three herbs that can be grown in Australia during the winter. Here is some more information about each of these herbs and how to grow them successfully.
Coriander
Coriander, also known as cilantro or Chinese parsley, is a herb with a tart, lemon/lime taste. It is commonly used in salads and curries. Coriander is usually available as the species Coriandrum sativum, although some retailers may offer 'slow-bolt' or 'no-bolt' varieties that don't flower or set seeds as quickly. When growing coriander, it is important to keep the soil or potting mix moist, especially during autumn and winter, to prevent the plant from drying out and potentially rotting. Coriander prefers a cool position with light shade and well-drained soil. It is also important to keep young coriander seedlings safe from slugs and snails, which can be identified by their slime trails and the damage they cause to plants. Covering the soil with crushed eggshells or grit may help deter these pests.
Parsley
Parsley is a ubiquitous herb that is commonly used as a garnish. It is known for its ability to cure 'onion breath'. Parsley is easy to grow and requires very little water. The two main types of parsley are flat-leaved 'Italian' parsley, which thrives in full sun, and 'Curly' parsley, which prefers a part-sun position with about four hours of sun per day. Parsley grows best in rich soil full of compost and prefers a neutral pH of around 7. It can also be grown in pots, where it enjoys an organic potting mix. Regular feeding will help parsley grow well. Parsley is a great companion plant for tomatoes and asparagus, improving their flavour.
Sage
Sage is a herb that can be grown in Australia, but specific information about its winter growth and care was not readily available. However, it is included in lists of herbs that can be grown and cooked with during the Australian winter.
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Thyme, Rosemary and Marjoram
Thyme, rosemary, and marjoram are popular herbs to grow in the Australian winter. Here is some more information on each of these herbs and how to grow them successfully.
Thyme
Thyme is a popular herb in European cooking, particularly in Mediterranean cuisines. It has a concentrated and herbal flavour that pairs well with meat, stews, and pasta. Thyme seeds can be planted at any time, although spring and autumn are preferred. Choose an area with good drainage and avoid cool, wet, or humid conditions.
Rosemary
Rosemary is native to warm Mediterranean areas but adapts well to colder climates. It grows well from small cuttings, which can be placed directly into light, sandy soil or started in small pots and then planted out when established. In areas of heavy frost, a cutting can be potted and kept in a sheltered spot to protect the plant over winter. Rosemary prefers dry, well-drained soil and sunshine. Once established, rosemary can be harvested all year round.
Marjoram
Sweet marjoram is a fragrant herb from the same family as oregano. It has a mild oregano flavour with a hint of balsam. Marjoram seeds are very small and should be lightly covered, so it is easier to sow them in boxes and plant them out when the seedlings are about 15-20 cm tall. It grows well in containers and can be grown under cover during the winter, as it does not tolerate cold and wet conditions. Marjoram prefers a temperature of 22°C during the day and 15°C at night.
By following these guidelines, you can successfully grow thyme, rosemary, and marjoram during the Australian winter, adding flavour and fragrance to your garden and cuisine.
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Rocket, Spinach and Chives
Rocket
Rocket, or arugula, is a hardy annual herb known for its strong peppery leaves with attractive serrated edges. It is a member of the brassica (cabbage) family and is prized for its complex flavour. Rocket is exceptionally easy to grow and can be grown in garden beds, containers, the ground, or hydroponics. It requires at least six hours of direct sunlight per day, or eight to ten hours of dappled sunlight, and prefers rich, fertile substrates with a regular, steady flow of feed and water. With regular water and protection from scorching sunlight, rocket can be grown for up to eight months.
Spinach
Spinach is a fast-growing vegetable that can provide multiple repeat harvests. Spinach is packed full of iron, vitamins A and C, thiamine, and potassium. It can be grown from seeds sown directly into the ground or in seedling punnets. Spinach grows best in soil with a pH of at least 6.0, but ideally between 6.5 and 7.5. It is important to turn the soil over before planting to ensure a clear path for the taproot and roots, and to add well-rotted manure and compost to boost the soil. Spinach plants should be checked daily for caterpillars, which often feed on the leaves.
Chives
Chives are perennial herbs native to Europe, Asia, and North America. They are prized for their onion or garlic-flavoured leaves and are much easier to grow than traditional onions or garlic. Chives can be grown in full sun to partially shaded positions, as long as they are protected from strong winds. They are ideal for pots and can be grown indoors, requiring a bright and sunny position and good-quality, well-drained potting mix. Chives are drought-tolerant but should be watered deeply during dry periods to ensure the root system is well hydrated. To encourage a continuous supply of leaves, cut off the flowers, which are also edible.
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Curry Leaf, Bay and Tarragon
Australia has a variety of climate zones, from the Tropical and Equatorial Zones in the Northern Territory, the top of Western Australia, and northern Queensland, to the Cool Temperate and Alpine Zones of Tasmania, Canberra, and the tablelands of New South Wales and Victoria. This makes it possible to grow a diverse range of herbs during the winter months.
Curry leaf, also known as Murraya koenigii, is a popular herb in Indian cooking. It is a fast-growing tree that can withstand full sun and frost in winter. The leaves can be used fresh or fried in cooking oil to create an aromatic curry leaf oil for cooking and salads. Seeds should be planted in autumn, in a protected area with full sun or light shade.
Bay trees are another herb that can be grown during the Australian winter. They are an evergreen addition to the garden, with dark, shiny leaves and bee-friendly cream flowers in spring. Bay trees prefer fertile soil and an open, sunny position, but need some protection when young. Bay leaves can be harvested fresh from the tree or dried and are commonly used to flavour soups, stews, marinades, casseroles, and meats.
Tarragon, specifically winter tarragon, is another herb that can be grown during the Australian winter. It has a delightful anise fragrance and taste and is often used in savoury dishes paired with chicken, fish, and eggs. Tarragon is a hardy herb that can withstand cool temperatures and prefers a sunny, well-drained position in the garden.
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Winter Savoury, Summer Savoury and Spring Onion
Winter Savoury
Winter savoury (Satureja montana) is an evergreen perennial herb with dark green leaves and small spiky white flowers. It is often used as a seasoning in cooking, providing a mild peppery flavour with notes of marjoram and mint. Winter savoury thrives in full sun and can survive freezing temperatures. To grow it, you can start with seeds or cuttings. If using seeds, germinate them indoors six to eight weeks before the last frost of spring, then plant them outdoors after the frost has passed. If using cuttings, take a root cutting of four to six inches, cut away the bottom two inches of leaves, and plant it in a container filled with potting mix during the summer. Ensure your planting spot gets six or more hours of sunlight per day and has well-draining soil with a neutral pH between six and eight. Water your winter savoury regularly, especially when it is young, and cover it with mulch in the winter to protect it from frost. You can also grow it alongside herbs like thyme, sage, hyssop, and lavender.
Summer Savoury
Summer savoury (Satureja hortensis) is an annual herb with a milder flavour than winter savoury. It is typically sown in spring and harvested from mid-summer until it dies off in autumn. It forms a bushy plant about 30cm tall. Summer savoury, like its winter counterpart, prefers full sun and free-draining conditions. You can start summer savoury seeds indoors in spring, sowing them thinly on the surface of pots or trays filled with moist peat-free seed compost. Buying young plants from garden centres or online suppliers is also an option if you're short on indoor sowing space. Summer savoury is easy to grow and needs little attention, making it ideal for beginners.
Spring Onion
Spring onions, also known as green onions or scallions, do not form bulbs but have stiff white stalks and stringy roots. They are easy to grow and versatile in the kitchen. Spring onions can be grown from seeds or seedlings and will grow year-round in tropical and subtropical climates. In warm and cool temperate zones, they are better suited to spring through autumn, but they can also be grown through the winter in pots that can be moved indoors or to a protected spot when frost is expected. Spring onions prefer a sunny spot with moist, well-drained, and slightly acidic soil (pH 5-6). They are susceptible to aphids and downy mildew, so ensure your plants are well-spaced to allow for air circulation and treat with a soap-based spray or fungicide if needed. You can harvest spring onion leaves as needed for cooking, or wait to harvest the whole plant about eight weeks from the sow date.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several herbs that can be grown in winter in Australia, including coriander, parsley, sage, thyme, rosemary, marjoram, oregano, mint, and basil.
Coriander grows well in winter because the cooler temperature prevents it from bolting to seed. To grow coriander, plant the seeds in autumn in a protected area with full sun or light shade, ensuring the soil temperature is below 20 degrees, preferably around 10 degrees.
Herbs that can be grown in pots during the Australian winter include rocket, coriander, and perpetual spinach. To ensure the success of your potted herbs, use a deep pot, at least 20 centimetres deep, with an organic potting mix that is well-drained and has added slow-release fertiliser.
In the colder regions of Australia, such as Tasmania, Canberra, and the tablelands of New South Wales and Victoria, herbs that grow well in winter include bay, chervil, and rosemary. Bay trees, in particular, prefer an open, sunny position and can grow up to 11 meters, providing a beautiful evergreen addition to your garden.
