If you’re looking to add some fresh flavors to your cooking, growing herbs in your greenhouse is a fantastic choice. Not only are herbs easy to care for, but they can also thrive in the controlled environment of a greenhouse. In this article, we will explore the top 10 herbs that are perfect for growing in your greenhouse, providing you with a bountiful supply of aromatic and flavorful additions to your favorite dishes. So, get ready to roll up your sleeves and dig into the world of greenhouse herb gardening!
Top 10 Herbs to Grow in Your Greenhouse
When it comes to growing herbs in your greenhouse, the options are endless. With their aromatic leaves and delightful flavors, herbs are a must-have addition to any garden. Whether you enjoy cooking or simply appreciate the beauty and fragrance of these plants, having an herb garden in your greenhouse is a wonderful experience. In this article, we will explore the top 10 herbs to grow in your greenhouse, giving you a variety of options to choose from.
1. Basil
Basil is a versatile herb that comes in various varieties, each with its own unique flavor and characteristics. Among the most popular types of basil are Genovese Basil, Thai Basil, and Lemon Basil.
1.1 Genovese Basil
Genovese Basil is the classic variety that is often used in Italian cuisine. With its sweet and slightly spicy flavor, it is perfect for making pesto, adding to salads, or garnishing pizzas and pasta dishes. This basil variety thrives in the warm, sunny conditions of a greenhouse and can be easily grown from seeds or transplants.
1.2 Thai Basil
If you enjoy Thai or Southeast Asian cuisine, then Thai Basil is a must-have herb in your greenhouse. It has a distinct anise-like flavor with a hint of spiciness. Thai Basil is commonly used in stir-fries, curries, and even desserts. Its beautiful purple flowers also make it an attractive addition to your greenhouse garden.
1.3 Lemon Basil
As the name suggests, Lemon Basil has a refreshing lemony scent and flavor. It is often used in teas, desserts, and salads, adding a tangy citrus twist. Lemon Basil is easy to grow, and its bright green leaves and delicate flowers make it a visually appealing herb in any greenhouse.
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2. Mint
Mint is another herb that thrives in greenhouse conditions. Known for its invigorating aroma and cooling taste, mint is ideal for adding zing to beverages, desserts, and savory dishes. Three popular varieties of mint are Peppermint, Spearmint, and Chocolate Mint.
2.1 Peppermint
Peppermint is renowned for its strong, refreshing scent and cooling menthol flavor. It is a classic choice for making mint juleps, mojitos, and peppermint tea. Peppermint is a vigorous grower, so it is important to keep it contained in your greenhouse to prevent it from spreading and taking over your garden.
2.2 Spearmint
Spearmint is milder and sweeter in taste compared to peppermint. It is commonly used in cocktails, salads, and sauces, adding a refreshing touch to any dish. Spearmint is also known for its medicinal properties and is often used to relieve digestive issues or soothe headaches.
2.3 Chocolate Mint
If you have a sweet tooth, then Chocolate Mint is the perfect herb for you. It has a delightful chocolatey aroma and a hint of minty goodness. Chocolate Mint is great for making desserts, hot chocolate, or even adding to ice cream. Its vibrant dark green leaves make it an attractive addition to your greenhouse.
3. Thyme
Thyme is a versatile herb that adds depth and flavor to countless dishes. It is known for its aromatic leaves and earthy taste. Three popular varieties of thyme to consider growing in your greenhouse are English Thyme, Lemon Thyme, and Caraway Thyme.
3.1 English Thyme
English Thyme is the most common variety, often used in Mediterranean and French cuisines. Its delicate leaves release a warm and slightly minty aroma when crushed. English Thyme pairs well with roasted meats, vegetables, and even in soups and stews.
3.2 Lemon Thyme
Lemon Thyme brings a zesty twist to your dishes with its bright lemony flavor and fragrance. It is a great addition to marinades, salad dressings, and grilled fish. The vibrant green leaves of Lemon Thyme make it an appealing herb to have in your greenhouse.
3.3 Caraway Thyme
Caraway Thyme has a unique combination of flavors, with a hint of both thyme and caraway seeds. It is often used in bread, cheese, and cabbage dishes. Caraway Thyme is a hardy herb that can withstand cooler temperatures, making it a great choice for year-round greenhouse gardening.
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4. Rosemary
Rosemary is a woody perennial herb that adds a delightful fragrance and flavor to dishes. It is known for its ability to bring out the best flavors in roasted meats and vegetables. Three popular varieties of rosemary for your greenhouse garden are Upright Rosemary, Trailing Rosemary, and BBQ Rosemary.
4.1 Upright Rosemary
Upright Rosemary is the classic variety with upright, bushy growth. It has strong, aromatic leaves that are perfect for seasoning roasted potatoes, lamb, and chicken dishes. Upright Rosemary is easy to grow and can be pruned to maintain its shape and size.
4.2 Trailing Rosemary
Trailing Rosemary, as the name suggests, has a trailing growth habit, making it a great choice for hanging baskets or cascading over the edges of planters in your greenhouse. Its delicate blue flowers and aromatic foliage create a visually stunning display. Trailing Rosemary is perfect for adding flavor to grilled vegetables or as a garnish for soups and salads.
4.3 BBQ Rosemary
If you enjoy hosting outdoor barbecues, then BBQ Rosemary is a must-have herb in your greenhouse. This variety of rosemary has a robust flavor that can withstand high heat and is ideal for seasoning meats on the grill. BBQ Rosemary adds a smoky aroma and taste to your dishes, taking your barbecues to the next level.
5. Cilantro
Cilantro, also known as coriander in some regions, is an herb that is cherished for its distinctive flavor and versatility in various cuisines. Whether you love Mexican, Indian, or Middle Eastern dishes, cilantro is an essential herb. Three popular varieties of cilantro are Coriander, Slow Bolt, and Vietnamese Cilantro.
5.1 Coriander
Coriander, also known as cilantro seeds, is different from the fresh leaves commonly associated with the herb. The seeds have a warm and slightly citrusy flavor, often used in spice blends, curry, and pickling. Growing coriander in your greenhouse allows you to have a year-round supply of fresh seeds for culinary adventures.
5.2 Slow Bolt
Slow Bolt cilantro is the perfect choice for those who struggle with cilantro plants bolting to flower. Bolting is when the cilantro plant prematurely produces flowers and goes to seed, resulting in a bitter taste. Slow Bolt cilantro is bred to resist bolting, ensuring a longer harvest window of fresh, flavorful leaves.
5.3 Vietnamese Cilantro
Vietnamese Cilantro, also known as Vietnamese coriander or Rau Ram, offers an exotic twist to your dishes. Its strong, peppery flavor adds depth to Asian cuisine and pairs well with seafood, soups, and noodle dishes. Vietnamese Cilantro loves the warm and humid conditions of a greenhouse and can be grown as a potted herb.
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6. Dill
Dill is an herb with feathery leaves and a distinctive aroma. It is commonly used in pickling, seafood dishes, and sauces. Growing dill in your greenhouse gives you access to fresh leaves all year round. Three popular varieties of dill to consider are Bouquet Dill, Mammoth Dill, and Fernleaf Dill.
6.1 Bouquet Dill
Bouquet Dill is the classic dill variety with tall stems and abundant foliage. It is often used in pickling cucumbers, adding a tangy and aromatic touch to the brine. Bouquet Dill also goes well with fish dishes, potato salads, and creamy sauces.
6.2 Mammoth Dill
Mammoth Dill is a larger variety with broader leaves and a stronger flavor compared to Bouquet Dill. Its bold taste makes it a great choice for marinades, dressings, and gravies. Mammoth Dill can reach impressive heights in the greenhouse, so it’s important to provide support to prevent the tall stems from toppling over.
6.3 Fernleaf Dill
Fernleaf Dill is a compact and dwarf variety of dill that is perfect for smaller greenhouse gardens or container gardening. Its delicate, fern-like leaves are tender and flavorful. Fernleaf Dill adds a touch of elegance to salads, sandwiches, and dips, and is also beloved by pollinators when it produces its delicate yellow flowers.
7. Chives
Chives are a member of the onion family and are loved for their mild onion flavor and vibrant green color. They are a versatile herb that can be used as a garnish, seasoning, or even in salads and soups. Three popular varieties of chives to consider growing in your greenhouse are Garlic Chives, Common Chives, and Siberian Garlic Chives.
7.1 Garlic Chives
Garlic Chives, also known as Chinese chives or Allium tuberosum, have a delicate garlic flavor that adds depth to many dishes. Their flat, dark green leaves are often used as a garnish or chopped up and added to stir-fries, dumplings, and savory pancakes. Garlic Chives are easy to grow in a greenhouse and make a beautiful border plant with their white flowers.
7.2 Common Chives
Common Chives, or Allium schoenoprasum, are the traditional chives often found in herb gardens. They have slender, hollow leaves that have a milder onion flavor. Common Chives are a wonderful addition to salads, omelets, baked potatoes, and butter. They also produce lovely purple flowers, making them an eye-catching herb in your greenhouse.
7.3 Siberian Garlic Chives
Siberian Garlic Chives, or Allium nutans, are a hardy and robust variety that thrives in cooler temperatures. This chive variety has flat, blue-green leaves and a strong garlic flavor. Siberian Garlic Chives are perfect for stir-fries, marinades, and even in mashed potatoes. Planting them in your greenhouse ensures a fresh supply of chives year-round.
8. Oregano
Oregano is a staple herb in Mediterranean and Italian cuisines. It has a pungent, aromatic flavor that adds depth to tomato-based dishes, sauces, and pizzas. Three popular varieties of oregano for your greenhouse garden are Greek Oregano, Italian Oregano, and Variegated Oregano.
8.1 Greek Oregano
Greek Oregano, also known as Origanum vulgare ssp. hirtum, is a classic variety known for its intense flavor. It has smaller leaves and a stronger aroma compared to other oregano varieties. Greek Oregano is essential in Greek and Mediterranean dishes, such as moussaka, kebabs, and Greek salads.
8.2 Italian Oregano
Italian Oregano, or Origanum vulgare, has a milder flavor compared to Greek Oregano. It is commonly used in Italian cuisine, where it enhances the taste of pasta sauces, grilled vegetables, and pizza toppings. Italian Oregano is a great herb to have in your greenhouse if you love cooking Italian dishes.
8.3 Variegated Oregano
Variegated Oregano, with its striking green and cream-colored leaves, adds a visual appeal to your greenhouse garden. It has a similar flavor profile to Italian oregano, with a milder taste. Variegated oregano is often used in salads, marinades, and herb butters. Its variegated foliage makes it an attractive herb to grow alongside other herbs in your greenhouse.
9. Parsley
Parsley is not only a beautiful herb to have in your greenhouse with its lush green foliage, but it also adds a fresh and vibrant flavor to dishes. Whether you choose Italian Flat-Leaf Parsley, Curly Parsley, or Hamburg Parsley, growing parsley in your greenhouse ensures a constant supply of this versatile herb.
9.1 Italian Flat-Leaf Parsley
Italian Flat-Leaf Parsley, also known as Petroselinum crispum, is the preferred variety in Italian cuisine. It has broad, flat leaves that are packed with flavor. Italian Flat-Leaf Parsley is commonly used as an ingredient in sauces, soups, stews, and as a garnish for various dishes.
9.2 Curly Parsley
Curly Parsley, or Petroselinum crispum var. crispum, is perhaps the most recognizable parsley variety with its tightly curled leaves. It adds a decorative touch to any dish and is often used as a garnish or in salads. Curly Parsley has a milder taste compared to Italian Flat-Leaf Parsley, making it a versatile herb to have in your greenhouse.
9.3 Hamburg Parsley
Hamburg Parsley, also known as Parsley Root or Root Parsley, is a lesser-known variety that is valued for both its leaves and its thick, edible root. The leaves have a flavor similar to curly or flat-leaf parsley and are often used in salads or as a seasoning. The roots, on the other hand, have a sweet and celery-like taste and are delicious when roasted, mashed, or added to stews.
10. Sage
Sage is an herb that adds a warm and earthy flavor to dishes. It is often used in sausages, stuffing, and as a seasoning for roasted meats and vegetables. Three popular varieties of sage for your greenhouse garden are Common Sage, Purple Sage, and Pineapple Sage.
10.1 Common Sage
Common Sage, or Salvia officinalis, is the traditional variety that is frequently used in cooking and herbal remedies. It has aromatic leaves with a slightly peppery flavor. Common Sage is a staple in Thanksgiving stuffing and pairs well with poultry, sausages, and robust-flavored vegetables. It is a beautiful and low-maintenance herb to grow in your greenhouse.
10.2 Purple Sage
Purple Sage, with its vibrant purple leaves, is not only a culinary herb but also an ornamental one. Its leaves have a milder flavor compared to Common Sage. Purple Sage adds a pop of color to your greenhouse garden and can be used as a decorative border or mixed with other herbs in a container garden.
10.3 Pineapple Sage
If you are looking for a unique and fruity flavor, then Pineapple Sage is the herb for you. It has bright green leaves with a pineapple-like aroma and taste. Pineapple Sage is great for adding a touch of sweetness to desserts, beverages, and even savory dishes. This herb’s striking appearance and delightful fragrance make it a standout plant in your greenhouse.
In conclusion, growing herbs in your greenhouse allows you to have a year-round supply of fresh and flavorful ingredients. The top 10 herbs discussed in this article – Basil, Mint, Thyme, Rosemary, Cilantro, Dill, Chives, Oregano, Parsley, and Sage – offer a variety of flavors and aromas to enhance your culinary creations. Whether you are a seasoned chef or a passionate gardener, incorporating these herbs into your greenhouse garden will surely elevate your culinary endeavors and bring joy to your senses. With the right care and attention, your greenhouse can become a thriving herb oasis where you can harvest fresh herbs whenever you need them. Happy herb gardening!
