Most people grow herbs like mint, basil, and coriander, but there’s a whole world of uncommon herbs that are just as easy to grow — and far more interesting. These herbs can add new flavors to your cooking, bring unique health benefits, and even make your garden look more special.
1. Shiso (Perilla)
Flavor & Use: A Japanese herb with a fresh, citrusy-mint taste. It’s often used in sushi, salads, and pickles.
Growing Tips: Plant in full sun to partial shade. Keep the soil moist but not soggy. Shiso grows well in pots or directly in the ground.
Bonus Tip: Pinch the tips regularly to keep the plant bushy.
2. Lovage
Flavor & Use: Tastes like a stronger, sweeter celery. Excellent in soups, stews, and vegetable broths.
Growing Tips: Prefers sunny spots and rich, well-drained soil. It can grow quite tall, so give it space or plant it at the back of the garden.
Bonus Tip: You can use the leaves, stems, and seeds — nothing goes to waste.
3. Lemon Verbena
Flavor & Use: Strong lemon fragrance, perfect for teas, desserts, and marinades.
Growing Tips: Needs plenty of sunlight and well-draining soil. In cooler climates, grow it in a pot so you can bring it indoors during winter.
Bonus Tip: Harvest leaves regularly to encourage fresh growth.
4. Sorrel
Flavor & Use: Tangy and lemony, great for soups, sauces, or fresh salads.
Growing Tips: Thrives in cool weather with full sun or partial shade. Keep soil consistently moist.
Bonus Tip: Young leaves are milder, so harvest early for fresh salads.
5. Epazote
Flavor & Use: A strong, earthy flavor used in Mexican cooking, especially in bean dishes to reduce gas.
Growing Tips: Needs full sun and sandy, well-drained soil. It’s very hardy and can grow in less-than-perfect conditions.
Bonus Tip: Use in small amounts — its flavor is quite powerful.
6. Anise Hyssop
Flavor & Use: Sweet, licorice-mint flavor that works in teas, desserts, and as a garnish.
Growing Tips: Prefers sunny spots and tolerates drought once established. Bees and butterflies love it.
Bonus Tip: Dry the flowers for a fragrant herbal tea.
7. Vietnamese Coriander
Flavor & Use: Peppery and slightly lemony, great in Southeast Asian dishes.
Growing Tips: Loves warm weather and moist soil. Grow in a pot to control spreading.
Bonus Tip: Unlike regular coriander, it thrives in heat and doesn’t bolt quickly.
How to Start Growing Them at Home
- Choose Pots or Beds: Use pots if you’re short on space or want to move plants indoors in winter.
- Use Good Soil: A mix of compost and well-draining potting soil works best.
- Sunlight: Most herbs need at least 6 hours of sun per day.
- Water Smartly: Water when the top inch of soil feels dry, and avoid overwatering.
- Harvest Regularly: This keeps plants healthy and encourages new growth.
Why Grow Uncommon Herbs?
- Adds unique flavors to your cooking.
- Can be used for natural remedies and teas.
- Many are attractive and will beautify your garden.
- You get bragging rights for growing herbs most people have never heard of.
Final Word
Uncommon herbs are a fun way to make your home garden stand out. They’re surprisingly easy to grow, even if you’re a beginner, and will reward you with fresh, unusual flavors all year round.
