Winter Herbs That Survive Freezing Temperatures

Many winter herbs not only survive but also do well in cold weather. These tough plants have adjusted to harsh conditions, making them great for your winter garden. Some herbs even taste stronger after frost.

Rosemary

Rosemary is a remarkably adaptable plant that can withstand challenging winter conditions. It requires specific care to flourish during the cold months.

Rosemary needs a sunny, sheltered location with well-drained soil. The plant does best when placed near a building or wall that offers protection from harsh winter winds. Using clay pots with drainage holes helps maintain ideal moisture levels.

Use a potting mix enhanced with perlite for even better moisture management. Moisture management is crucial - check soil dampness weekly and only water when the top inch of soil is dry. Adding a 4-6 inch layer of mulch around the plant's base helps protect the roots during freezing temperatures.

The most cold-hardy varieties can survive impressive temperature drops. 'Arp' is the most frost-resistant variety, particularly suited for zones 6 and above. These hardy varieties can withstand temperatures as low as -10°F to -20°F with proper protection. Other resilient cultivars include:

• Hill Hardy (also known as 'Madalene Hill')
• Alcalde Cold Hardy
• Athens Blue Spire

Thyme

German winter thyme is one of the most resilient winter herbs. This hardy herb flourishes in full to partial sun. It is a smallish plant, averaging 6-12 inches tall. Thyme is tough and drought-tolerant but needs specific care to survive the winter. The plant can survive temperatures as low as -25°C with proper protection.

To ensure winter survival, trim plants back by late August. This allows time for plants to harden off before freezing temperatures arrive. The thyme will develop stronger roots and better cold resistance when pruning is done before it freezes.
For enhanced winter survival:

• Cover with pine boughs after the soil freezes
• Provide good air circulation
• Protect from cold winds
• Maintain well-drained conditions

Thyme varieties especially suited for winter gardens:

1. German Winter Thyme (Most cold-hardy)
2. French Thyme
3. Silver Queen Thyme
4. Caraway Thyme

Sage

Sage has an impressive cold tolerance. This evergreen herb maintains its aromatic leaves throughout the winter season. The common sage (Salvia officinalis) tolerates temperatures down to 15°F, making it suitable for zones 5 through 8. The Salvia montana variety is the best choice for freezing conditions.

Add a layer of mulch around the base in late fall for the best protection. Remember to avoid heavy pruning or leaf harvesting during winter months, as this exposes sensitive plant tissues to frost damage.
Several sage varieties have good cold tolerance:

• Common Sage (Salvia officinalis) - Most widely grown
• Purple varieties - Smaller but equally flavorful
• Golden varieties - Excellent as ornamental houseplants
• Clary Sage - Biennial reaching up to four feet

Oregano

A resilient member of the mint family, oregano has impressive cold-weather endurance. This herb typically goes dormant in winter. Common oregano (Origanum vulgare) has remarkable resilience in zones 5 through 10.

Apply mulch once the soil freezes. This protective layer helps keep the roots safe from freezing and thawing during winter. Avoiding waterlogged conditions is essential to survive the winter because oregano roots can rot in wet and cold soil.
Essential winter protection methods include:

• Cutting back stems after the first frost
• Adding 3-4 inches of dry mulch
• Raising potted plants on feet for drainage
• Using cloches with proper ventilation

Mint

Mint is a strong herb that is easy to care for during winter. It can survive in temperatures as low as -15°C. Each winter, mint dies back, but it has a strong root system that helps it grow back in spring. To keep mint healthy in winter, make sure it has good drainage and is protected from too much moisture.
Here are key protection methods:

• Leave dead foliage on plants as natural insulation
• Cover with twigs or leaves for added protection
• Wrap containers with garden fleece
• Move potted plants to sheltered locations

Several mint varieties have excellent cold tolerance. Peppermint typically has superior hardiness, thriving even with minimal winter care. Other resilient varieties include:

1. Spearmint - Forms dense ground cover
2. Chocolate Mint - Reaches 2 feet height
3. Apple Mint - Grows up to 2 feet with a 5-foot spread

Parsley

As a biennial herb, parsley offers unique challenges and rewards for winter growing. This versatile herb can tolerate temperatures as low as 10°F (-12°C). Essential winter protection starts with proper mulching. Apply 2-3 inches of mulch around plants in early fall. For optimal protection, use these methods:

• Cover plants with row cover or old sheets
• Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged
• Trim plants back in early fall
• Apply straw mulch for insulation

Chives

Tough and resilient, chives have remarkable winter survival abilities. These hardy perennials can withstand temperatures as low as -20°F with proper protection.
Chives enter dormancy in cold climates. A 2-3 inch layer of organic mulch provides excellent insulation. For enhanced protection:

• Apply straw, pine needles, or chopped leaves after first frost
• Shelter from harsh winter winds
• Maintain consistent soil moisture without waterlogging

Winter Savory

This versatile Mediterranean herb has exceptional cold hardiness. It can, survive temperatures as low as -10°F. Winter savory (Satureja montana) is dormant during cold months, yet it continues to provide fresh leaves into early winter. For optimal winter protection, apply a thick layer of mulch around the crown, approximately 4-5 inches deep.

Winter savory should not be cut back during dormancy. Instead, wait until spring to trim, as seemingly dead stems often leaf out again when temperatures rise.

Lavender

Lavender can thrive in winter gardens if you take care of it and choose the right variety. This herb can adapt well to cold weather with the proper protection.

In winter, lavender needs special attention. It requires well-draining soil to avoid root rot, which is especially important when temperatures drop. Reduce watering significantly once temperatures begin to fall, as wet soil poses the greatest threat to winter survival. Snow coverage actually benefits lavender by acting as an insulator. For zones 3 and below, growing in containers allows for indoor relocation during extreme cold.

Several lavender varieties showcase exceptional cold tolerance:

1. The Munstead variety is known for its exceptional cold hardiness. It thrives in Zone 4 and is one of the most reliable winter survivors among lavender plants.
2. Hidcote Blue, also hardy to Zone 4, is notable for its compact growth habit.
3. Phenomenal lavender, equally cold-hardy to Zone 4, stands out for its disease resistance.

Essential winter protection starts after the first hard frost. For successful overwintering:

• Apply 2-3 inches of pea gravel mulch around the plant base
• Cover with breathable fabric like burlap
• Place container plants in cool, non-freezing locations
• Maintain good air circulation to prevent moisture buildup

Lemon Balm

Lemon balm is one of the toughest winter herbs, enduring temperatures down to -20°F (-30°C). Lemon balm enters a natural dormancy period during winter months. Winter care focuses on protection and moisture management.
In regions experiencing repeated freeze-thaw cycles, mulching becomes crucial for preventing root damage. For successful overwintering:

• Apply mulch generously around the base
• Cover with frost cloth or burlap on frosty nights
• Reduce watering significantly
• Trim back before winter sets in

Sorrel

This hardy plant has impressive resilience, thriving in zones 4 through 9.
Sorrel requires minimal attention for successful winter growth. Winter protection focuses on maintaining plant health through dormancy. For optimal winter survival:

• Remove seed stalks to increase productivity
• Apply organic mulch for root protection
• Reduce watering frequency in winter
• Use row covers during frost-prone periods

Tarragon

This culinary favorite can withstand temperatures as low as -20°F (-30C). Successful winter care revolves around moisture management and protection. Water every 2-4 weeks during winter, being careful to prevent root rot. For optimal winter survival:

• Apply 2-4 inches of mulch around the base
• Cover with frost cloths or burlap before frost events
• Reduce watering frequency in dormant periods
• Remove any remaining stems to one inch before spring

Lovage

Lovage is a giant among winter herbs, with both impressive size and remarkable cold tolerance. This celery-like perennial has extraordinary resilience, surviving temperatures as low as -25°C.
Lovage follows a natural winter cycle, dying back completely during cold months. It thrives in zones 3-9, making it one of the most adaptable winter herbs. The plant's robust root system ensures vigorous spring regrowth. First-year plants reach approximately two feet in height, but mature specimens can tower to impressive heights in subsequent seasons.