Our first 8 herbs

Chamomile

German chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla); ASPCA lists Roman chamomile (Anthemis nobilis)

ASPCA lists signs as vomiting, diarrhea, skin irritation; long-term use can cause bleeding tendencies. Keep it away from your dog.

Traditional use

People have long enjoyed chamomile as a gentle evening tea, and herbalists have traditionally used it to help with relaxation and an upset stomach.

Growing in Oklahoma (zone 7)

Sow seeds on the soil surface (they need light) in early spring, about March, or in fall. Full sun to light shade. It likes cooler weather and often fades in the July heat. Often reseeds itself.

Peppermint

Mentha × piperita

ASPCA lists signs as vomiting and diarrhea if a lot is eaten. Keep it away from your dog.

Traditional use

Peppermint tea has traditionally been used after meals, and people have long enjoyed it for its cool, fresh taste.

Growing in Oklahoma (zone 7)

Grow in a pot. Mint spreads fast and will take over a bed. Sun to part shade, keep soil moist, and give it afternoon shade in summer. Hardy in zone 7 and comes back each spring.

Lemon balm

Melissa officinalis

Traditional use

Herbalists have traditionally used lemon balm as a calming tea, and people enjoy its soft lemony flavor.

Growing in Oklahoma (zone 7)

Very forgiving. Part shade is best in Oklahoma summers. Plant in spring; it comes back each year and reseeds, so trim flowers off. Hardy in zone 7.

Rosemary

Salvia rosmarinus

Traditional use

Rosemary has long been used in cooking and in traditional teas, and people enjoy its piney scent.

Growing in Oklahoma (zone 7)

Full sun and well-drained, even dry soil; don't overwater. Many varieties survive zone 7 winters, but protect from hard freezes or grow in a pot you can bring in. 'Arp' is one of the most cold-hardy varieties, rated to zone 7a, and sometimes zone 6 with protection (UW–Madison Extension).

Sage

Garden sage (Salvia officinalis)

Traditional use

Sage tea has traditionally been used as a soothing warm drink in cold months, and it's a classic kitchen herb.

Growing in Oklahoma (zone 7)

Full sun and well-drained soil. Hardy in zone 7. Plant in spring and let it dry out between waterings. Trim back lightly in spring.

Thyme

Thymus vulgaris

Traditional use

Thyme has traditionally been brewed as a warm tea in winter, and it's a staple in cooking.

Growing in Oklahoma (zone 7)

Full sun, poor to average well-drained soil. Very drought tolerant once settled and hardy in zone 7. Great in pots or along a path.

Basil

Sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum)

Traditional use

Besides the kitchen, basil has traditionally been brewed as a mild tea in many cultures.

Growing in Oklahoma (zone 7)

A warm-season annual. Tulsa's average last frost is about March 29 (NWS Tulsa), but basil hates cold, so plant it outside once nights stay warm, usually mid-April, in full sun. Pinch flower tips to keep leaves coming. Dies at first frost.

Dill

Anethum graveolens

Traditional use

Dill seed has traditionally been used in teas after meals, and the leaves are a favorite in cooking.

Growing in Oklahoma (zone 7)

Sow seeds right where it will grow (it dislikes moving) in early spring or fall, full sun. It bolts in summer heat, so sow every few weeks. Feeds swallowtail caterpillars.