Growing herbs in the desert

Mexican Oregano

There are a number of herbs that do quite well in the desert, as long as you pay attention to their needs, and not kill them with kindness (overwatering and over-fertilizing).  Some are annuals (which must be replanted every year) and some are long lived biannuals or even small shrubs.  Most herbs prefer filtered shade (such in the shade of a native mesquite).

BASIL

Basil is very easy to grow from seed, and in the right conditions will reproduce on its own. There are many varieties to choose from, including cinnamon, lemon and lime flavors. Lettuce Leaf basil’s leaves are indeed the size of a lettuce leaf. I enjoy growing many different kinds. 

BORAGE

Most people have never heard of this herb. Borage is a fun annual (which can overwinter if the winter is mild) that produces tiny bluish flowers that taste like cucumbers, adding a delightful color to salads.

CILANTRO (CORIANDER)

Cilantro grows best when planted in the fall or very early spring. It will bolt (go to seed) very quickly in the heat of the summer. The seeds are known as Coriander, so don’t throw away the seeds!

OREGANO

I find that Mexican Oregano (Poliomintha maderensis ‘Lavender Spice’) doesn’t die out like the Italian version, and is a hummingbird magnet to boot. It is best started from containers. This small shrub grows in filtered shade to about 3 feet tall and wide, with multitudes of pale pink to lavender flowers for months and months. The tiny leaves have a mild oregano flavor.

ROSEMARY

Rosemary is a tough, drought tolerant shrub from the Mediterranean. There are many varieties, from trailing to large shrubs, but only Trailing Rosemary and the variety called Tuscan Blue are considered good for culinary uses. Other varieties tend to taste overly “piney”. Rosemary needs good drainage, and does not like to be overwatered.

SAGE

Culinary sage is also from the Mediterranean, and becomes a small shrub, about 2’ tall by 3’ wide. It prefers filtered shade and well-drained soil.

As with all herbs, do not apply regular fertilizer. Fertilizing reduces an herbs potency, resulting in rather bland flavor.