20 Herbs You Should Plant in July
Missed the spring herbs planting window? July’s your second chance—and a good one.
If you’re gardening in zones 3–10, this month offers the perfect mix of warm soil, long days, and fast growth. Whether you’re working with raised beds, balcony containers, or tired soil that needs a boost, there’s still time to plant herbs that thrive in heat and deliver fresh flavor before fall.
Quick growers like basil and dill love July heat. Hardy picks like rosemary, thyme, and lemon balm establish well now and reward you for seasons to come. And if you’re after pollinator-friendly plants or prepping for a fall harvest, there’s something on this list for you too.
👉 Let’s walk through the herbs you can still confidently plant in July—organized by type to match your space, growing zone, and goals.
20 Expert-Recommended Herbs to Plant in July
Below, I’ve gathered herbs that are perfectly suited for mid-summer planting—whether you’re working with containers, raised beds, or open soil. Backed by hands-on growing tips and zone-specific guidance, this list will help you confidently choose what herbs to plant in July for fresh harvests, lasting flavor, and a stronger garden season.
Fast-Growing Annuals: These herbs don’t waste time. If you’re looking to plant something in July and still get a meaningful harvest before fall, these fast-growing annuals are your go-to. They love warm soil, germinate quickly, and are perfect for containers, raised beds, or even tucked between your vegetables.
1. Cilantro (Coriandrum sativum)
Cilantro can be a little tricky in the heat, but with the right strategy, you can still plant it in July. Look for slow-bolting varieties, give it some afternoon shade, and keep the soil consistently moist. Even if it bolts, the seeds (coriander) are a bonus.
💡 Expert Tip: In hot zones, grow cilantro near taller crops like tomatoes or sunflowers to create dappled light and keep roots cooler.
- Best for: Fresh salsas, quick greens, coriander seed
- Zones: 3–9
- Harvest Time: 25–40 days for leaves, 90 days for coriander
- Sun: Full morning sun, afternoon shade
- Spacing: 4–6 inches apart
2. Dill (Anethum graveolens)
Dill is one of those herbs that actually performs better when sown in warm soil. It matures fast and offers both fragrant foliage and edible seeds. You can direct-sow in July and expect harvests in just over a month—just don’t let the soil dry out in early stages.
💡 Expert Tip: Let a few plants go to seed—you’ll attract beneficial insects like lacewings and ladybugs while collecting seed for next season’s pickles.
- Best for: Pickling, pollinators, pest control
- Zones: 3–10
- Harvest Time: 40–60 days for leaves, 85+ days for seeds
- Sun: Full sun
- Spacing: 8–10 inches apart
Also Read: Vegetables to Plant in July
3. Summer Savory (Satureja hortensis)
If you’ve never grown summer savory, July is the perfect time to try. This heat-loving annual has a peppery, thyme-like flavor that works wonders in beans and grilled veggies. It grows fast, thrives in lean soil, and blooms with small purple-white flowers that bees adore.
💡 Expert Tip: Trim regularly to prevent flowering and keep the leaves tender. Use fresh, or dry for winter cooking.
- Best for: Seasoning beans, drought-tolerant borders, bee gardens
- Zones: 4–10
- Harvest Time: 50–60 days
- Sun: Full sun
- Spacing: 6–8 inches apart
4. Borage (Borago officinalis)
Don’t let its fuzzy stems fool you—borage is a garden powerhouse. It’s fast-growing, loves heat, and its sky-blue edible flowers attract bees like magnets. The cucumber-flavored leaves can be used fresh in salads or herbal drinks. Direct sow in poor soil and let it sprawl or stake it if needed.
💡 Expert Tip: Let borage self-seed in one area of the garden—it’ll come back every year with little effort.
- Best for: Pollinators, edible flowers, soil boosting
- Zones: 3–10
- Harvest Time: 40–60 days
- Sun: Full sun
- Spacing: 12–18 inches apart
See Also: Flowers to Plant in July
5. Shiso / Perilla (Perilla frutescens)
If you’re looking for something unique to plant in July, try shiso. This Japanese-Korean herb grows well in heat and offers deep flavor with hints of basil, cinnamon, and mint. Great for sushi rolls, pickling, and summer cocktails. The red-leafed variety also makes an ornamental statement.
💡 Expert Tip: Shiso seeds need light to germinate—press them into the soil surface instead of burying them. Keep moist and warm.
- Best for: Unique flavor, edible garnishes, container herb gardens
- Zones: 4–10
- Harvest Time: 50–60 days
- Sun: Full sun to part shade
- Spacing: 10–12 inches apart
6. Basil (Ocimum basilicum)
Basil thrives in July’s heat and is hands-down one of the best herbs to grow in summer. It’s fast, fragrant, and endlessly useful—from pasta to pestos. Sow seeds directly into warm, moist soil or transplant nursery starts. Keep harvesting regularly to prevent flowering and promote bushy growth.
💡 Expert Tip: Harvest basil in the morning for the best flavor—and pinch off any flower buds before they bloom to keep the plant productive.
- Best for: Quick flavor harvests, pollinator gardens, tomato companion planting
- Zones: 4–10
- Harvest Time: 30–60 days
- Sun: Full sun (6–8 hours daily)
- Spacing: 8–12 inches apart
Perennial Herbs (Start Now, Harvest for Years): While annuals give you quick results, perennial herbs are the backbone of a long-term garden. Planting them in July allows you to establish strong root systems before winter, especially in zones 5–10.
And for those in cooler climates? You’ll still benefit from healthy starts that overwinter or come back stronger in spring. These herbs handle heat, love sun, and reward your patience with years of homegrown flavor.
7. Oregano (Origanum vulgare)
Oregano doesn’t just survive in summer—it thrives. This Mediterranean native loves full sun, dry soil, and a little neglect. Once established, it’s a hardy groundcover that will flavor your pizzas, pastas, and grilled veggies for years. Start from nursery plants or rooted cuttings in July and give it space to spread.
💡 Expert Tip: For the best flavor, harvest just before flowering when oils are most concentrated. Then dry bunches upside down in a shaded, breezy spot.
- Best for: Pollinator borders, drought-resistant herb beds
- Zones: 5–10 (with winter mulch), overwinter indoors in colder zones
- Harvest Time: 60–90 days after planting
- Sun: Full sun
- Spacing: 12–18 inches apart
Must Read: Fruits and Vegetables That Grow in the Shade
8. Rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus)
One of the best herbs to grow in July if you’re in a warm zone, rosemary loves the heat and doesn’t need rich soil. It thrives in containers and well-draining beds, producing fragrant, needle-like leaves perfect for roasts and breads. Avoid overwatering—it prefers to dry out between waterings.
💡 Expert Tip: Plant upright varieties in beds, and trailing types in containers or hanging baskets for both beauty and function.
- Best for: Fragrant borders, grilled dishes, pollinator-friendly gardens
- Zones: 7–10 outdoors, bring indoors in zones 3–6
- Harvest Time: Light harvest in 90 days, full growth in second year
- Sun: Full sun
- Spacing: 18–24 inches apart
Related: Rosemary Companion Plants (with Chart)
9. Sage (Salvia officinalis)
This woody herb loves hot, dry summers and is incredibly resilient once rooted. Plant sage in July and let it settle in before colder months. Its gray-green leaves are essential for stuffing, teas, and savory winter meals—and it blooms with bee-attracting purple flowers in year two.
💡 Expert Tip: Prune lightly in late summer to shape it, but avoid hard pruning in year one. Let it grow and root deeply.
- Best for: Flavorful teas, poultry dishes, pollinator plants
- Zones: 5–9
- Harvest Time: 60–75 days for light harvest
- Sun: Full sun
- Spacing: 18 inches apart
Related: Fastest Growing Fruits and Vegetables
10. Thyme (Thymus vulgaris)
Tough, tiny-leaved, and deeply fragrant, thyme is one of the easiest heat-tolerant herbs to grow in summer. It doesn’t mind poor soil, thrives in rock gardens or borders, and forms a low-growing mat that fills in gaps beautifully. Use it fresh or dry for stews, rubs, and marinades.
💡 Expert Tip: Plant along walkways or bed edges—brushing past it releases its aroma and deters pests.
- Best for: Ground cover, savory cooking, raised bed edges
- Zones: 4–9
- Harvest Time: 60–75 days for first cutting
- Sun: Full sun
- Spacing: 8–12 inches apart
11. Mint (Mentha spp.)
Mint grows aggressively—so it’s best planted in containers or bottomless pots sunk in the soil to prevent takeover. July planting gives you fragrant sprigs for mojitos, teas, and chutneys by late summer. Choose from classic spearmint, peppermint, chocolate mint, or orange mint.
💡 Expert Tip: Cut back hard after the first flush of growth to encourage fresh, flavorful leaves and prevent legginess.
- Best for: Cool drinks, herbal teas, fast-growing containers
- Zones: 3–10
- Harvest Time: 30–60 days
- Sun: Full sun to partial shade
- Spacing: 12–18 inches apart (in containers if possible)
12. Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis)
Part of the mint family but gentler in spread, lemon balm offers citrusy-sweet leaves perfect for teas, bath blends, and calming herbal remedies. It can handle summer heat but appreciates afternoon shade in hotter zones. Great for pollinators too.
💡 Expert Tip: Harvest early in the day and before flowering for maximum essential oil content.
- Best for: Soothing teas, pollinator gardens, sensory spaces
- Zones: 4–9
- Harvest Time: 60–75 days
- Sun: Full sun to partial shade
- Spacing: 18–24 inches apart
Must Read: How to Grow and Care for a Juliet Rose (The £3 Million English Beauty)
13. Marjoram (Origanum majorana)
Often confused with oregano, marjoram has a sweeter, more delicate flavor. It’s a tender perennial grown as an annual in colder zones, and does well when planted in mid-summer. Use it fresh or dried in soups, stuffing, and salad dressings.
💡 Expert Tip: Marjoram dries beautifully—harvest stems just before flowering and hang to dry in bunches.
- Best for: Mild Mediterranean flavor, compact gardens
- Zones: 6–10 (grow as annual in 3–5)
- Harvest Time: 50–70 days
- Sun: Full sun
- Spacing: 8–10 inches apart
14. Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus)
If you’re in a warm zone or growing in containers, lemongrass is one of the most rewarding herbs to plant in July. It needs full sun and heat to thrive. Grow it for its lemony stalks that flavor soups, curries, and teas—and its upright clump adds structure to garden beds.
💡 Expert Tip: To get a head start, plant rooted stalks from the store. Keep the base above soil level and water regularly until established.
- Best for: Thai cuisine, mosquito-repelling borders, container growing
- Zones: 8–10 outdoors, bring indoors for zones 3–7
- Harvest Time: 90–120 days for usable stalks
- Sun: Full sun
- Spacing: 24 inches apart
Other Great July Options (Biennials, Heat-Lovers, or Fall Crops): These herbs may not be the first ones you think of when planting in July—but they deserve a spot in your garden. Some are biennials that establish now for a bigger yield next year.
Others are heat-tolerant herbs perfect for summer, or flavorful additions that offer value well into fall. If you’ve got space left in your beds or want to try something new, these picks are worth a look.
15. Parsley (Petroselinum crispum)
Parsley is technically a biennial, but when planted in July, it grows quickly and gives you fresh leaves well into fall. It’s ideal for herb boxes or tucked into veggie beds as an underplant. Whether you go for curly or flat-leaf, you’ll have a steady supply for garnishing, juicing, or sauces.
💡 Expert Tip: In zones 5–9, let parsley overwinter under mulch—it’ll return early next spring with vigorous new growth.
- Best for: Cut-and-come-again harvests, container gardens
- Zones: 4–9
- Harvest Time: 70–90 days
- Sun: Full sun to partial shade
- Spacing: 6–8 inches apart
You May Like: What to Plant in July for Zones 3-10
16. Chervil (Anthriscus cerefolium)
Chervil is a cool-weather herb that can still be planted in shady spots in July—especially in northern zones or if you’ve got dappled light under taller crops. It brings a subtle anise flavor to soups and egg dishes. Start it from seed and harvest young for best taste.
💡 Expert Tip: Water consistently and harvest early—chervil bolts fast in heat, so treat it like baby greens.
- Best for: Shade gardens, fall harvests, French cuisine
- Zones: 3–9
- Harvest Time: 30–45 days
- Sun: Partial to full shade
- Spacing: 4–6 inches apart
17. Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare)
Fennel grown in July will form crisp, licorice-flavored bulbs by early fall. You can also grow it just for the feathery leaves and seeds. Sow directly in deep, loose soil and give each plant space—it’s not a fan of crowding.
💡 Expert Tip: Avoid planting fennel near dill or cilantro—they cross-pollinate easily and compete for space.
- Best for: Late-season bulbs, edible seeds and fronds
- Zones: 5–10
- Harvest Time: 80–100 days
- Sun: Full sun
- Spacing: 10–12 inches apart
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18. Lovage (Levisticum officinale)
Lovage is a bold, celery-flavored herb that grows tall and wide—perfect for back-of-the-bed planting. When sown in July, it won’t reach full height this year, but it will establish a strong root system and come back robust in spring.
💡 Expert Tip: Start from seed in partial shade to help it germinate in the summer heat, then transplant to a sunny location once rooted.
- Best for: Perennial herb gardens, celery substitute
- Zones: 4–9
- Harvest Time: Harvest next year (establishes in year 1)
- Sun: Full sun to partial shade
- Spacing: 24–30 inches apart
19. Epazote (Dysphania ambrosioides)
Epazote is a bold-flavored herb used in Latin American cuisine—especially for beans, where it’s said to reduce gas. It loves hot, dry weather and poor soil. Once established, it grows fast and can reseed itself year after year.
💡 Expert Tip: Harvest leaves before flowering for the strongest flavor. Use fresh in small amounts—its taste is assertive.
- Best for: Mexican cooking, drought-tolerant gardens
- Zones: 6–10
- Harvest Time: 50–60 days
- Sun: Full sun
- Spacing: 12–18 inches apart
20. Mexican Tarragon (Tagetes lucida)
Unlike French tarragon, Mexican tarragon handles summer heat beautifully. It has a similar anise-like flavor, grows easily in July, and doubles as an ornamental with cheerful yellow flowers. It also repels garden pests like whiteflies and aphids.
💡 Expert Tip: Add dried leaves to herbal teas for a mild, licorice note. This herb dries and stores exceptionally well.
- Best for: Heat-tolerant herb gardens, natural pest repellent
- Zones: 8–10 (annual in cooler zones)
- Harvest Time: 60–80 days
- Sun: Full sun
- Spacing: 12–16 inches apart
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FAQs About Planting Herbs in July
Is July too late to plant herbs?
That really comes down to your growing zone and the type of herb you’re working with:
– Zones 8–10: You’ve still got plenty of time. Heat-tolerant herbs like basil, thyme, oregano, and Vietnamese coriander thrive in summer soil. You can also transplant perennials like rosemary or grow lemongrass in containers.
– Zones 5–7: Timing is tighter, but you can still direct-sow fast growers like dill, parsley, and chervil. It’s also a good time to plant perennials that will establish roots before fall.
– Zones 3–4: Your best bet is to focus on herbs with quick maturity—like baby cilantro or radish leaf mustard—and grow them in containers or raised beds for better soil warmth and moisture control.
💡July isn’t ideal for starting slow herbs like rosemary or lovage from seed—but it’s perfect for cut-and-harvest annuals or young transplants that can take the heat.
What herbs can be planted in July?
Plenty! July is a great time to plant heat-loving and fast-growing herbs, especially if you’re in Zones 3–10. Here’s what you can still grow this month:
– Basil, dill, cilantro, and summer savory — all quick to mature and great for cut-and-come-again harvesting
– Oregano, thyme, and rosemary — perennial staples that thrive in hot, dry conditions
– Mint and lemon balm — excellent for shady corners and container gardens
– Vietnamese coriander, epazote, and Mexican tarragon — tropical herbs built for heat
👉 Even if your spring garden stalled, these herbs will keep your growing season alive and flavorful.
Is it too late to plant herbs in July?
Not at all — July is still a smart planting window for many herbs, especially if you choose the right types for your zone and climate.
– In Zones 8–10, you can plant almost any summer herb, including perennials like rosemary and annuals like basil and shiso.
– In Zones 5–7, you’ll get good results with quick-growing herbs like dill, cilantro, and parsley, or root-hardy perennials like thyme.
– In Zones 3–4, stick with fast growers in containers or raised beds—chervil, cilantro, and young parsley are still worth planting now.
💡Skip slow-to-mature herbs like sage or lovage if you’re starting from seed—save those for early spring or fall transplants.
Is there anything I can plant in July?
Absolutely—July is a second-chance month for heat-tolerant crops, especially herbs. Whether you’re working with full sun, partial shade, or a small balcony garden, here’s what’s still worth sowing:
– Quick growers: Basil, dill, cilantro, shiso, parsley
– Perennial foundations: Thyme, oregano, mint, lemon balm
– Warm-season specials: Epazote, Mexican tarragon, Vietnamese coriander
– Container-friendly picks: Mint (keep it contained!), rosemary, summer savory
💡As long as you’ve got 6–8 weeks before your first frost, there’s still time to grow, harvest, and enjoy fresh herbs from seed or transplant.
What herbs grow best in the heat?
When temperatures rise, some herbs thrive while others bolt—so it pays to plant the right ones for summer heat. Here are the top herbs that grow best in hot weather:
– Basil – thrives in full sun, fast to germinate
– Rosemary – drought-tolerant and heat-loving once established
– Thyme – compact, sun-hardy, and unfazed by dry soil
– Oregano – spreads well and handles summer stress with ease
– Vietnamese coriander – great cilantro alternative for hot climates
– Mexican tarragon – loves heat and produces edible flowers
💡 Group heat-tolerant herbs together in one bed or large container and water them early in the morning to reduce stress.
Can I plant herbs in the middle of summer?
Yes—mid-summer is a great time to plant herbs, especially if you’re working with warm soil and full sun. Many herbs actually grow faster and more vigorously in summer heat, particularly basil, oregano, dill, mint, and thyme.
If you’re in Zones 5–10, you can still sow seeds or plant nursery starts directly into beds or containers. Just keep seedlings well-watered and mulch around the base to retain moisture.
👉 In hot zones, use shade cloth or plant in spots with afternoon shade to reduce heat stress.
What is the fastest herb to grow?
Radish greens aside, basil is one of the fastest-growing herbs you can plant—especially in July. From seed to harvest, basil can be ready in as little as 30 days with warm soil and regular watering.
Other fast growers include:
– Dill – ready in 35–50 days
– Cilantro – young leaves can be cut within 25–30 days
– Chervil – great for cool, shady areas; harvest in under 40 days
– Shiso – fast to germinate and grow in summer warmth
💡For quicker harvests, sow thickly and harvest baby leaves early. Then let some plants mature for later use.
Do herbs prefer full sun or shade?
Most culinary herbs prefer full sun—about 6 to 8 hours a day—but some can tolerate or even prefer partial shade, especially in summer.
Here’s a quick cheat sheet:
– Full sun lovers: Basil, thyme, rosemary, oregano, lemongrass, Mexican tarragon
– Partial shade tolerant: Mint, lemon balm, chervil, parsley, Vietnamese coriander
👉 In zones 8–10, even sun-loving herbs may appreciate afternoon shade or filtered light to avoid bolting or sunburn.
Can I plant basil in July?
Yes—basil loves July heat and grows fast in warm soil. Sow seeds or transplant starts and harvest in 30–40 days. Pinch flower buds and water regularly for best results.
Can I grow rosemary in July?
Yes, you can plant rosemary in July—especially if you’re starting with a transplant or cutting. It’s a heat- and drought-tolerant herb that loves well-draining soil and full sun.
In warmer zones (7–10), rosemary planted in July will settle in before winter. In cooler zones (3–6), grow it in containers so you can bring it indoors later.
👉 Water sparingly and avoid soggy soil—rosemary doesn’t like wet feet.
Can I grow herbs in containers in July?
Yes, and in many cases, containers are the smartest way to grow herbs in summer. They let you move plants into shade during heatwaves, control moisture better, and prevent aggressive spreaders like mint from taking over.
Some top choices for container growing in July include:
– Basil
– Mint (in its own pot)
– Parsley
– Shiso
– Lemongrass (in large pots)
Use breathable containers (like terra cotta), water deeply in the early morning, and mulch the top to keep roots cool.
💡 Place pots where they get morning sun and afternoon shade if you’re in zones 8–10.
How do I keep herbs from bolting in July?
Herbs bolt—or go to flower and seed—when stressed by heat, drought, or poor soil. Here’s how to help your herbs stay leafy longer:
– Water deeply and consistently (especially for cilantro and dill)
– Harvest frequently to redirect energy to leaves
– Provide afternoon shade using taller plants, shade cloth, or lattice
– Use mulch to keep soil cooler and moisture steady
– Choose bolt-resistant varieties for summer planting
💡 Cilantro bolts quickly in summer—try Vietnamese coriander instead if you need a heatproof alternative.
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Conclusion
As we wrap up this guide to herbs to plant in July, remember this: you haven’t missed the boat—you’re planting into possibility.
Whether it’s a pot of basil on the porch or a raised bed full of thyme, July is your moment to get growing. These heat-loving, fast-maturing, or fall-prepping herbs are more than just green—they’re a second chance to turn sunlight into flavor.
So don’t wait. Grab your trowel, water well, and enjoy the rhythm of summer planting.
Now I’d love to hear from you…🌱🪴
Which herbs are going into your garden this July? Are you experimenting with something new like shiso or epazote—or playing it safe with basil and mint?
Drop your thoughts or plant wins in the comments below—and don’t forget to subscribe to our gardening newsletter for monthly planting guides, expert tips, and seasonal growing inspiration delivered straight to your inbox.
Let’s keep the herb-growing momentum going—together. 🌱💬
Information Sources:
Here at RASNetwork Gardening, integrity and accuracy are at the core of our content creation, with every article solidly backed by peer-reviewed research and reliable references. See the list of trusted sources used in this article below.
1. Regents of the University of California
