Aromatics herbs
Creating a green space, whether in your sunny garden or on your cosy balcony, is a brilliant initiative. Growing aromatic herbs such as dill undeniably adds a touch of genius! Endowed with multiple benefits, these plants deliciously enhance the taste and flavor of virtually any culinary preparation.
Aromatic herbs can be eaten both fresh and dried. They are mainly used in the kitchen to spice up and add flavor to your dishes. The star herbs of our culinary preparations include thyme, basil, rosemary, parsley, chives, mint and verbena.
What are the benefits of aromatic herbs?
In addition to their ability to delicately flavor our dishes, aromatic herbs provide us with a range of invaluable benefits. You don't need a large plot of land to grow them; a small corner in the garden or a few window boxes are all you need. Whether on the balcony, terrace, garden or vegetable patch, they make an active contribution to biodiversity. Their fragrances even have the power to repel certain undesirable insects and disrupt the olfactory trails of predators that target our prized vegetables. Last but not least, it's worth noting that these plants, suitable for growing in pots or in the ground, are also highly resistant to disease.
What are aromatic plants?
Specimens of tropical origin, such as fragrant verbena, cardamom, stevia, Mexican tarragon and pineapple sage, require protection from the harsh winters in our climates, being sensitive to low temperatures.
Typically Mediterranean aromatic plants, such as thyme, savory, sage, rosemary, lavender and oregano, prefer to thrive in light, dry soils in bright sunlight.
Varieties from more northerly regions, such as sorrel, lemon balm, chives, mint and tarragon, require rich, moist soils, and are equally at home in sun or half-shade.
Which aromatic plants for the garden?
Basil: Its preference for indoor potted spaces rather than outdoors persists until May, to take advantage of the warmth. It is therefore advisable to avoid planting it outdoors during the winter. It's an ideal option for adding summer flavor to your dishes.
Mint: This aromatic herb, a member of the perennial family, grows quickly and easily. To control its spread, we recommend planting it in a pot before putting it in the ground. Discover bergamot mint, a variety of peppermint with citrus nuances. It thrives equally well in the ground or in pots.
Thyme: Sturdy and hardy, it's the perfect fragrance for vegetables and meats. Native to the Mediterranean, this plant lasts over time, provided it is protected from humidity. Opt for dry or well-drained soil and sunny exposure.
Chives: Perfect for flavouring salads, this plant thrives in light, fresh, nutrient-enriched soil. It can be placed in the sun in your vegetable garden, without excessive heat.
Lemongrass verbena: Its lemony fragrance works wonders in drinks, sauces, vinaigrettes and much more. Plant it in spring in a sunny spot, in dry, chalky, well-drained, humus-rich soil. Easy to grow, it requires frost protection.
Parsley: An aromatic plant with a strong fragrance, it thrives in compact, clay soil, in sun or part shade. Resistant to the cold, it should not be planted during periods of frost. It can be used raw or cooked, and goes perfectly with our traditional dishes thanks to the famous bouquet garni to enhance flavors during cooking. Its finely chopped leaves are also a delight in salads and raw vegetables, as well as with meats and fish.
In summer, you can also choose to accompany them with other outdoor plants such as tomatoes, strawberry plants or vegetable seedlings. However, be careful when it comes to combining plants in the vegetable garden. In fact, it's essential to respect certain rules of rotation and placement between different plants to encourage optimal development.
Where to plant herbs?
There are many options for planting aromatic herbs: you can install them in planters on a balcony, or directly in the garden, or even create a raised vegetable patch. If you're faced with space constraints, explore our range of aromatic plants designed specifically for balconies. These varieties adapt easily to traditional pots or vegetable patches, simplifying the maintenance and organization of your plantings. For a more generous space, you can opt for full-ground planting, framed by a border, for example.
If you choose to grow them in pots or window boxes, make sure your plants are properly drained. For this, it's essential to place clay balls or gravel at the bottom of the container. Opt for a pot with holes for efficient water drainage when watering, to prevent plants from drowning.