Quick Facts:

• Days to harvest: 75
• Hardiness: Very cold-hardy (perennial in Zone 8b)
• Light needs: Full sun
• Water needs: Low to moderate (drought-tolerant once established)

Planting:

• Start indoors 8–10 weeks before last frost, or direct sow after last frost.
• Timing: Zone 8b — start indoors Feb–Mar, transplant in May. Can also sow in fall for spring germination.
• Depth: Surface sow or 1/8 in — needs light to germinate
• Spacing: 12–18 in apart

Care:

• Slow to establish in the first year but very low-maintenance after that.
• Trim back after flowering to prevent legginess and encourage fresh growth.
• Excellent drainage is important — it will rot in consistently wet, heavy soil.
• Attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds when in bloom.

Harvest:

• Harvest fresh sprigs before or during flowering for the most aromatic leaves.
• Flowers are also edible and have a milder flavor than the leaves.
• Dry bunches hung upside down in a warm, dark spot for long-term storage.
• The flavor intensifies when dried.