Sowing aromatic herbs

Where to sow aromatic plants?

Herbs, whether annual, biennial or perennial, thrive in all soil types provided they are well-drained. They prefer moderately fertile soils: enough to grow well, but not too rich to ensure their aromas remain concentrated. They do best in full sun or light shade, whether planted in a dedicated herb garden, in containers, or alongside vegetables where they make excellent companions. They can also be incorporated into perennial borders, fragrant edgings, or planted at the base of rose bushes.

When to sow aromatic plants?

Sowing takes place from late winter to spring, or in autumn. Each plant has an ideal sowing period that should be respected: before sowing, refer to the information on the seed packet.

How to sow?

Three sowing methods are possible:

Direct sowing in situ, in open ground

Applies to: hardy perennial herbs, as well as annuals that do not transplant well. E.g.: parsley, coriander, chamomile.

Sowing takes place after the last frosts, depending on the region from mid-March to June, when the average ambient temperature reaches about 15 degrees. It is carried out in well-prepared soil: weeded, loosened and raked to obtain fine soil to a depth of about 6mm.

Sow directly in open ground on already warmed, moist and sunny soil. Cover with fine soil and lightly firm with a rake.

After sowing, water if dry, so that the soil does not dry out: some moisture is necessary for good seed germination. After 10 to 14 days, you can thin out to remove the least developed seedlings, leaving 15cm between plants.

Warm sowing

Applies to: slow-growing annual herbs and those needing warmth to germinate. E.g.: basil, marjoram, oregano.

From February to April, indoors or in a heated greenhouse (temperature should be between 15 and 25°C depending on species), sow in seed trays or pots filled with good seed compost. The bottom of the tray or pots should have small drainage holes to remove excess water. You can also sow in Fertiss plugs following our video guide.

Fill the tray two-thirds full with compost and lightly firm with a trowel. Place seeds at least 1cm apart. Do not sow too thickly, as this would prevent good germination. Cover with a layer of seed compost using a sieve and lightly firm with a trowel. Water lightly with a spray bottle.

Keep the seedlings at a temperature between 15 and 25 degrees, out of direct sunlight. To aid germination, cover the tray with glass. Ventilate during the day by lifting the glass when seedlings appear. Keep moist, but not waterlogged. Carefully prick out seedlings from trays into pots when they have more than 3 leaves and keep plants protected from frost.

Transplant into open ground or pot up when all risk of frost has passed.

Cold sowing

Applies to: less tender herbs (often perennials). E.g.: lovage, rosemary, lemon balm, mint.

Sowing takes place from mid-March to June or in September-October, following the same method as warm sowing, but in an unheated shelter or nursery bed in the garden. Plants are moved to their final position once well established, the following spring or autumn.