Growing Herbs in Perth

Mediterranean herbs love Perth's climate, plus tips for basil, coriander, and parsley in sandy soil

Perth's Mediterranean climate is one of the best in Australia for growing herbs. Rosemary, thyme, oregano, sage, and lavender originate from the Mediterranean Basin, which shares Perth's pattern of hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. These herbs grow with almost no effort here, often reaching hedge-sized proportions in suburban gardens across Fremantle, Nedlands, and the Swan Valley.

Tropical and annual herbs need a different approach. Basil thrives in summer but dies with the first cold snap. Coriander bolts in heat and grows best through autumn and winter. Parsley bridges both seasons with the right positioning. This guide covers everything you need to grow a productive herb garden in Perth year-round.

Mediterranean Herbs: The Easy Ones

Rosemary

Rosemary grows so well in Perth that it is used as landscaping along highways and in council parks. Plant it in full sun, in the ground or a pot, and leave it alone. Rosemary tolerates Perth's sandy soil without any amendment, handles drought once established, and rarely suffers from pests or disease. Tuscan Blue is an upright variety that grows 1.5-2 metres tall. Prostratus is a trailing form that works well spilling over retaining walls or the edges of raised beds. Buy established plants from any nursery or Bunnings; rosemary is slow from seed.

Thyme

Common thyme (Thymus vulgaris) and lemon thyme both grow well in Perth. They form low, spreading mats that are perfect as garden edging or between pavers. Thyme needs excellent drainage and full sun. Perth's sandy soil is ideal. Plant in autumn (March to May) and water occasionally through the first summer. After that, thyme survives on rainfall alone in most Perth suburbs. Trim plants after flowering in late spring to keep them compact.

Oregano

Greek oregano is the best culinary variety for Perth. It grows into a spreading mound 30-40 centimetres high and produces strongly flavoured leaves through spring and summer. Oregano prefers poor, well-drained soil and full sun. Overwatering and rich soil produce large plants with weaker flavour. Let Perth's sandy soil work in your favour here. Plant from March to May and harvest regularly to encourage bushy growth.

Sage

Common sage grows well in Perth but can look tired by late summer after prolonged heat. Plant it where it receives morning sun and some afternoon shade in the hottest months. Purple sage and golden sage are ornamental varieties with milder flavour. Prune hard in late autumn to encourage fresh growth for winter and spring. Sage dislikes wet feet, so avoid overwatering.

Lavender

English lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) and French lavender (Lavandula dentata) both grow well in Perth, though French lavender is more heat tolerant and longer flowering. Lavender needs full sun, excellent drainage, and no additional fertiliser. Perth's lean, sandy soil produces intensely fragrant plants. Trim after each flowering flush to maintain a tidy shape and prevent woody, leggy growth.

Annual and Tropical Herbs

Basil

Basil is a summer herb in Perth. Plant seedlings from September to November, after overnight temperatures consistently stay above 12 degrees. Sweet Genovese is the classic variety for pesto and Italian cooking. Thai basil and holy basil handle Perth's heat even better. Plant in full sun with compost-enriched soil and water regularly. Pinch out flower heads to keep plants producing leaves. Basil dies at the first hint of cold, so harvest heavily from March onwards and make pesto before winter arrives.

Coriander

Coriander is Perth's most frustrating herb. It bolts to seed within weeks in warm weather. The solution: grow it only from April to September. Sow seeds directly into the garden bed or a pot every 3-4 weeks for continuous supply. Use slow-bolt varieties like Leisure or Santo. Plant in part shade (east-facing garden bed or the shadow of taller plants). Once daytime temperatures regularly exceed 25 degrees, coriander bolts regardless of variety. Let some plants go to seed and collect the coriander seed for cooking.

Parsley

Flat-leaf (Italian) parsley grows well in Perth from March to November. It tolerates mild heat better than coriander but struggles through peak summer. Sow seed in autumn for the longest harvest. Plant in full sun to part shade with compost-enriched soil. Parsley is a heavy feeder compared to Mediterranean herbs, so add compost to Perth's sandy soil before planting. Curly parsley is more heat tolerant and worth trying as a summer option.

Mint

Mint grows year-round in Perth but needs more water than other herbs. Plant it in a pot to contain its invasive runners. Position in part shade with consistent moisture. Spearmint and common mint are the most reliable. Vietnamese mint handles Perth's summer heat and is excellent in Asian cooking. Keep pots in saucers of water during January and February to prevent drying out.

Growing Herbs in Perth's Sandy Soil

Perth's sandy soil suits Mediterranean herbs perfectly. Rosemary, thyme, oregano, sage, and lavender actually prefer the fast drainage and low fertility of Bassendean and Spearwood sands. Do not add compost or fertiliser to the planting area for these herbs. Rich soil produces lush, floppy growth with less flavour and weaker essential oil concentration.

Annual herbs (basil, coriander, parsley) need richer conditions. Dig in a bucket of compost per square metre before planting. Add a wetting agent to prevent the hydrophobic sand from repelling water. Mulch around annual herbs to retain moisture.

Container growing works well for all herbs. Use a quality potting mix (Australian Standards red tick) and pots at least 25 centimetres in diameter. Group herb pots near the kitchen door for easy harvesting.

Harvesting and Preserving

Harvest herbs regularly to encourage new growth. Cut no more than one-third of the plant at a time. Mediterranean herbs are most flavourful just before flowering, so time your main harvest for late spring (October to November).

Dry rosemary, thyme, oregano, and sage by hanging bundles upside down in a dry, airy spot for 1-2 weeks. Perth's dry air makes herb drying easy compared to humid climates. Store dried herbs in airtight jars away from light. Freeze basil in olive oil in ice cube trays. Make pesto in batches and freeze in portions for year-round use.

Frequently Asked Questions