Six different herbs you can plant in Perth that will grow all year.

The climate in Perth is famously hot and dry with the occasional cool change. Despite soaring temperatures, you can grow plants here. Of course, there are endless types of plants you can plant in Perth. Some only grow during certain seasons, while others will thrive throughout the year.

Whether you’re cultivating a herb garden to boost your culinary skills or just enjoy tending plants as a hobby, below are six different herbs that will grow year-round in Perth. These can be grown outdoors in a dedicated garden patch, a raised garden bed, or even indoors on your kitchen windowsill.

1. Basil

Basil is best known as a culinary herb with a sweet, aromatic flavour. Mainly used in savoury dishes, it’s particularly popular in Italian and Thai food. Basil prefers moist soil — not too wet and not too dry. Although basil loves warm weather, a hot midday sun can be rather harsh. If you see wilting during the peak hours for summer, you may need to add light shade over your basil plant. Water regularly and fertilise with an organic fertiliser to keep the plant healthy.

2. Sage

Sage is an enduring herb with a strong flavour that goes well in traditional western dishes, such as roasts. It’s a hardy plant that grows well in Perth's dry, sunny climate and is easy to grow from seeds or transplants. Plant sage in a sunny spot with well-draining soil and water regularly.

3. Lavender

Lavender might not be the first herb you think of when it comes to growing a herb garden, but it’s actually one of the most versatile herbs we have available to us. This flowering plant not only looks beautiful, but can be brewed as a tea, used in foods, used to make the home aromatic, and as a natural remedy for headaches, stress, and insomnia — people have been doing so for centuries! One of the most popular uses of lavender is aromatherapy where it can be inhaled or applied directly on the skin to promote relaxation and reduce stress. Many people make their own lavender oil, which can be diluted with water and sprayed on pillows before bedtime to promote better sleep quality.

Lavender can be grown from seeds, cuttings, or by dividing the roots of an established plant. When planting lavender from seeds, it’s important to use seeds no more than one year old and to keep the soil moist until the seedlings emerge. After this, the soil can be well-draining and watered regularly (but not continually moist).

4. Rosemary

With a pleasant flavour and aroma, rosemary is a herb often used in cooking but has many other uses. It can be used to make tea for a calming effect, or you can use it to make your home smell nice by putting it in potpourri. Rosemary is also good at naturally repelling insects, so you could plant some strategically around your garden to keep pesky bugs away.

Plant rosemary in a sunny spot with well-draining soil and water regularly.

5. Oregano

Another perennial herb, oregano delivers a striking flavour and is often seen in pizzas and pasta sauce. Native to the Mediterranean region, oregano is a great fit for Perth's climate and is easy to grow from seeds or transplants. Like most of our other herbs, oregano loves well-draining soil, a nice sunny position, and regular watering. 

6. Thyme

Thyme has been used as a medicinal herb in the past, but now it’s a popular choice as a ground-covering plant. As a ground cover plant, thyme helps keep weeds from growing in the garden. It can also be planted around trees and shrubs to provide some root protection during the colder winter months. Of course, thyme is also great for cooking! With a pungent, aromatic flavour, it’s especially common in Mediterranean and Italian cuisine.

With either seeds or a transplant, thyme does best in a sunny spot with well-draining soil. Water it regularly, and you’ll have heaps of thyme on your hands in… well, no time!

Need great gardening advice?

We’ve got green thumbs and great gardening advice tailored to the Perth region. Whether you want to plant a herb garden or need general gardening maintenance, Two Gloves are ready! Contact us for a free gardening quote.