Aromatic plants: the 10 best for garden & balcony

Fresh spices add value to every meal. You can find out which aromatic plants are best for growing in the garden and on the balcony here.

Kitchen herbs and aromatic plants are probably among the most popular crops of all. No wonder, after all, the plants not only refine every dish, but are also usually easy and space-saving to grow. Their very easy-care and robust nature is what makes many aromatic plants so popular. So many can be cultivated not only without problems in the garden, but also on the balcony or even at the kitchen window. And aromatic plants can do even more: they often not only taste good, but also help as Medicinal plants against all sorts of complaints. Many of the aromatic plants can also be seen visually. In this article, we'll tell you which herbs are best for growing in the garden and on the balcony.

Aromatic plants, which are particularly noticeable for their aromatic leaves, flowers and fruits, come in a variety of forms and are particularly popular with gardeners. We show here which species are particularly popular for planting on the garden and balcony.

10. coriander

Even if coriander (Coriandrum sativum) is probably one of the most versatile spices in the kitchen, the plant divides the nation: either you love the unique, piquant aroma with the sweet aftertaste or you avoid them Plant. The leaves of the plants in particular have an intense aroma and are often used for Asian and Arabic dishes, but also for poultry and fish dishes. The coriander seeds or fruits, on the other hand, have a slightly citrus-like taste, which is why they are preferably used to season chicken, game, rice dishes and curries. If you like the unconventional taste of the plant, you can Grow coriander easily - it is considered to be extremely robust and tolerant and grows well in the garden or on the balcony.

9. rosemary

The evergreen rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) is a true classic among the aromatic plants and can be found in many gardens as well as on the balcony. The plant is particularly popular because of its robust nature: the Mediterranean herbs are well armed against drought and heat and therefore only rarely needs to be watered. In the right location, rosemary can easily overwinter even with light winter protection - but it doesn't like waterlogging at all. In the kitchen, rosemary is particularly popular with hearty meat, fish and potato dishes. But it is also known as a medicinal plant: digestive problems, inflammation and circulatory problems can be reduced with the plant.

8. parsley

This is especially true in German cuisine parsley one of the most famous culinary herbs. Basically, there are two types of parsley, flat-leaf parsley (Petroselinum crispum var. neopolitanum) and the curly parsley (Petroselinum crispum var. crispum), split. These differ not only in their appearance, but also in their taste: flat-leaf parsley is much more intense and flavorful than its curly sister. Both Parsley varieties are particularly suitable for pesto, soups, herbal quark or with fish and meat dishes. In cultivation, parsley is probably one of the more robust herbs. A sunny to partially shaded location is ideal for the plant. And will Parsley properly poured, it grows as if by itself.

7. basil

It's essential for Italian cuisine: that basil (Ocimum basilicum) should not be missing in any well-stocked kitchen. The Mediterranean herbs are particularly popular with pasta dishes, but also with tomatoes or on pizza. Basil is also popular in Asian cuisine, even if the more exotic ones are used here Basil varieties like the Thai basil (Occimum basilicum var. thyrsiflorum) takes effect. At the Growing basil The right location is particularly important: Since the aromatic herb cannot stand temperatures below 10 ° C, it is particularly often grown in pots or on the windowsill. But basil can also thrive in the garden if you can provide it with loose soil without blazing sun. What the Care of the basil as far as is concerned, it should be watered regularly - the plant is quite thirsty, especially in summer.

6. Lemongrass

The special flavor is already clear in the name: That Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) has an impressive lemony aroma that is pleasantly tart at the same time and is therefore particularly used in Asian cuisine. The exotic spice is a real culinary delight, especially when combined with fish, chicken or coconut. You can also use it in your own garden or in a pot Lemongrass can be grown - However, the plant is relatively sensitive to frost and does not like temperatures below 10 ° C, which is why it should overwinter indoors. Lemongrass, on the other hand, always welcomes the sun. A healthy average should be maintained when watering so that the plant thrives well.

5. Wild garlic

Collecting spices in the forest? That actually works, because the Wild garlic (Allium ursinum) is still found today as a weed in German forests. However, the plant should not be collected by laypeople - there is a risk of confusion with the poisonous lily of the valley. In this article we explain how to Recognizes wild garlic. If you still don't want to do without the spicy plant, you can also plant wild garlic in the garden without any problems. In a partially shaded to shady location, it grows excellently and requires little maintenance. In the kitchen, wild garlic is becoming increasingly popular due to its interesting, garlic-like aroma (which, by the way, does not leave any bad breath behind). Especially in combination with fish, but also as a soup or in potato dishes and light sauces, the wild garlic ensures a great taste experience.

4. sage

Of the sage (Salvia officinalis) is one of the most famous medicinal plants of all: it has been used against flu-like infections, mild digestive problems and inflammation since ancient times. But it is also not to be despised as a spice plant - pleasantly bitter and spicy, the plant is often served for meat dishes, but also for salads. Likewise is Sage as tea very popular. If you prefer something more fruity or exotic, you can also click Sage varieties like the lime sage (Salvia lemonii) or the marzipan sage (Salvia officinalis ‘Nazareth’). who Grow sage doesn't need to bother: the plant will thrive on its own in full sun locations with poor soil - whether in the garden or in a pot.

3. dill

With its mild, slightly herbaceous taste, it belongs to the dill (Anethum graveolens) one of the most famous German herbs. The kitchen plant is particularly popular when canning pickles, which is why it is also known colloquially as cucumber herb. But it can also be used for fish, salads and soups Use dill great. For a long time, however, the plant was only known as a medicinal herb: its essential oils help with digestive problems and heartburn. Dill can be grown both in pots and in the garden. With the latter, you should pay particular attention to the right neighbors: while dill is not next to it due to its susceptibility to nematodes potatoes (Solanum tuberosum) and Garden onion (Allium cepa) should be planted, it can be next to Cucumber (Cucumis sativus) and tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum) Pests like Aphids to evict.

2. mint

Spices do not always have to be associated with hearty dishes - the mint (Mentha) is a perfect example of a spice that is particularly impressive due to its versatility: In addition to desserts and sweets, drinks in particular are often refined with fresh plants. But mint is also used in hearty meat dishes. In addition to the classic peppermint (Mentha x piperita), which impresses with its fresh, almost spicy taste, there are also fruity variations, such as grapefruit mint (Mentha rotundifolia variegata respectively. Mentha suaveolens x piperita). In addition, the mint is a decidedly beginner plant and can thrive in almost any location - even on the windowsill.

1. thyme

That was already in antiquity thyme (Thymus vulgaris) a well-known and extremely popular herb and is still an important part of Mediterranean cuisine today. Especially in combination with fish and seafood, but also with vegetables and potatoes, the plant unfolds its full aroma. Thyme also has a positive side effect on hearty dishes: it has a stimulating effect on digestion. Can also be used for colds Thyme as a medicinal herb help and, for example, do a good job as an expectorant. When grown, thyme is relatively easy to care for, as long as it gets dry, well-drained soil with plenty of sun. The plant does not like waterlogging either - but it copes particularly well with drought. In addition, thyme impresses with its great purple flowers, which make the plant not only attractive but also particularly bee-friendly.

How to get the after harvest Herbs are best stored and preserved, find out here.