The Best Herbs for Cut Flower Bouquets
Herbs aren’t just for cooking—they can also make stunning additions to cut flower bouquets! Many herbs have beautiful blooms, lovely scents, and long vase life, making them perfect for floral arrangements. Plus, growing herbs for bouquets means you get double the use out of your garden plants. Below are some of the best herbs to grow for cut flowers, along with their growing tips, whether they are annual or perennial, the best variety for bouquets, and which plants they grow well with in the garden.
1. Lavender
- Annual or Perennial? Perennial in zones 5-9.
- Best Variety for Bouquets: ‘Phenomenal’ or ‘Munstead’ for strong stems and long-lasting fragrance.
- Growing Tips: Lavender loves full sun and well-draining soil. Avoid overwatering, as it prefers drier conditions.
- Companion Plants: Roses, echinacea, and thyme.
2. Basil
- Annual or Perennial? Annual in most zones, but can be a short-lived perennial in zones 10-11.
- Best Variety for Bouquets: ‘Cinnamon’ or ‘Dark Opal’ for unique color and fragrance.
- Growing Tips: Pinch off flowers early to encourage bushier growth, but allow some to bloom for bouquets.
- Companion Plants: Tomatoes, peppers, and marigolds.
3. Mint
- Annual or Perennial? Perennial in zones 3-11.
- Best Variety for Bouquets: ‘Chocolate Mint’ or ‘Apple Mint’ for a fresh, sweet scent.
- Growing Tips: Best grown in pots to prevent spreading. Harvest regularly to promote new growth.
- Companion Plants: Cabbage, carrots, and peas.
4. Oregano
- Annual or Perennial? Perennial in zones 5-10.
- Best Variety for Bouquets: ‘Greek Oregano’ for its delicate, trailing flowers.
- Growing Tips: Thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. Harvest frequently to encourage continuous growth.
- Companion Plants: Cucumbers, beans, and peppers.
5. Thyme
- Annual or Perennial? Perennial in zones 5-9.
- Best Variety for Bouquets: ‘Lemon Thyme’ for its bright, citrusy scent.
- Growing Tips: Prefers dry, sandy soil and full sun. Avoid overwatering.
- Companion Plants: Strawberries, cabbage, and lavender.
6. Dill
- Annual or Perennial? Annual in most zones.
- Best Variety for Bouquets: ‘Bouquet Dill’ for its tall, airy yellow blooms.
- Growing Tips: Direct sow in full sun. Stake taller plants to prevent falling over.
- Companion Plants: Lettuce, onions, and cucumbers.
7. Sage
- Annual or Perennial? Perennial in zones 4-8.
- Best Variety for Bouquets: ‘Purple Sage’ for its unique foliage and soft, colorful flowers.
- Growing Tips: Prefers full sun and well-draining soil. Prune regularly to keep it from getting woody.
- Companion Plants: Rosemary, cabbage, and carrots.
8. Chamomile
- Annual or Perennial? Annual or short-lived perennial in zones 3-9.
- Best Variety for Bouquets: ‘German Chamomile’ for its dainty white blooms.
- Growing Tips: Prefers full sun and well-draining soil. Harvest flowers regularly to promote more blooms.
- Companion Plants: Basil, onions, and cucumbers.
9. Fennel
- Annual or Perennial? Perennial in zones 4-9.
- Best Variety for Bouquets: ‘Bronze Fennel’ for its feathery foliage and delicate yellow flowers.
- Growing Tips: Grows best in full sun with well-drained soil. Keep an eye on reseeding, as it can spread easily.
- Companion Plants: Dill, basil, and nasturtiums.
10. Rosemary
- Annual or Perennial? Perennial in zones 7-10, grown as an annual in colder zones.
- Best Variety for Bouquets: ‘Tuscan Blue’ for its tall growth and deep blue flowers.
- Growing Tips: Loves full sun and dry soil. Avoid overwatering and prune regularly.
- Companion Plants: Beans, cabbage, and carrots.
My Final Thoughts
Herbs make an excellent addition to cut flower arrangements, bringing fragrance, texture, and unique colors to bouquets. Whether you’re looking for feathery dill, elegant lavender, or vibrant basil, there’s an herb that can complement your floral creations beautifully. You can’t go wrong with this perfect list of the best herbs to grow for cut flowers! Plus, growing these herbs in your garden will provide you with fresh culinary and medicinal benefits all season long!
If you’re new to herb gardening, start with easy growers like basil, mint, or dill. For a longer-lasting impact, plant perennials like lavender, rosemary, and thyme to enjoy their beauty year after year. No matter what you choose, you’ll love the added charm they bring to both your garden and your flower arrangements!