Growing Herbs Quick Guide
Chamomile (German – Matricaria chamomilla)
Type: Annual (self-seeds easily)
Sun: Full sun
Soil: Average, well-drained
Sow: Direct sow April–May or fall
Water: Light–moderate
Notes: Don’t bury seeds (needs light). Deadhead or let reseed for continuous patches.
Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis)
Type: Hardy perennial
Sun: Full sun to part shade
Soil: Average to rich, well-drained
Sow: Start indoors or direct sow spring–early summer
Water: Moderate; prefers consistent moisture
Notes: Spreads readily by seed and roots—best contained or regularly trimmed. Harvest before flowering for strongest lemon aroma and flavor. Cut back midsummer for fresh regrowth. Very winter hardy in North Jersey with light mulch.
Rama Holy Basil (Ocimum tenuiflorum, Rama)
Type: Tender annual (in NJ)
Sun: Full sun + heat
Soil: Fertile, well-drained
Start: Indoors 4–6 weeks before last frost; transplant late May
Water: Moderate, consistent
Notes: Pinch tips to prevent flowering and increase leaf yield.
Plantain (Plantago major / P. lanceolata)
Type: Perennial
Sun: Full sun to part shade
Soil: Any (thrives in poor/compacted soil)
Sow: Direct anytime spring–fall
Water: Low
Notes: Extremely hardy; best grown in contained area to prevent spreading.
Comfrey (Symphytum officinale)
Type: Perennial
Sun: Full sun to part shade
Soil: Rich, moist
Plant: Root cuttings or crowns in spring/fall
Water: Moderate–high
Notes: Very deep roots; difficult to remove once established. Great for mulch/compost.
Cornflower (Centaurea cyanus)
Type: Annual (self-seeding)
Sun: Full sun
Soil: Average, well-drained
Sow: Early spring or fall
Water: Low–moderate
Notes: Cold hardy—can go in before last frost. Deadhead for blooms or let reseed.
Marshmallow (Althaea officinalis)
Type: Perennial
Sun: Full sun
Soil: Moist, rich
Sow: Cold stratify seeds; plant early spring
Water: Moderate–high
Notes: Loves consistent moisture. Roots harvested in fall of year 2.
Wild Indigo (Baptisia tinctoria)
Type: Perennial
Sun: Full sun
Soil: Dry to average, well-drained
Plant: Scarified seeds or nursery starts
Water: Low once established
Notes: Deep taproot—slow to establish but very drought-tolerant long-term.
Baikal Skullcap (Scutellaria baicalensis)
Type: Perennial
Sun: Full sun
Soil: Well-drained, slightly sandy
Start: Indoors or direct sow after frost
Water: Moderate
Notes: Protect from winter wet more than cold. Roots harvested after 2–3 years.
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)
Type: Tender annual (in NJ)
Sun: Full sun, warm conditions
Soil: Sandy, well-drained
Start: Indoors 6–8 weeks before last frost; transplant late May
Water: Low–moderate (drought tolerant)
Notes: Needs long warm season—choose a sunny, sheltered spot.
Codonopsis (Codonopsis pilosula / Dang Shen)
Type: Hardy perennial vine
Sun: Full sun to part shade
Soil: Loose, rich, well-drained soil with depth for roots
Start: Direct sow in spring after cold stratification, or start indoors 6–8 weeks before last frost
Water: Moderate, consistent moisture
Support: Trellis or small support helpful for climbing vines
Notes: Slow-growing the first year. Roots typically harvested after 2–3 years in fall. Mulch in winter in North Jersey for extra root protection. Avoid heavy clay or waterlogged soil.
North Jersey Growing Tips
Last frost: ~April 25–May 10
Best transplant window: Mid–late May
Fall sowing advantage: Chamomile + cornflower establish earlier blooms
Winter protection: Mulch perennials (marshmallow, skullcap, indigo)
Humidity watch: Space plants well to prevent mildew (especially basil)