Best Herbs to Grow in the Summer Heat
Some of the links on this website are affiliate links, which means that if you make a purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. I only recommend products I genuinely trust and believe will bring value to my readers. Also, some of the content was created with strategic use of AI tools. For more information, please visit the Privacy Policy page. Thank you for supporting my blog and helping me continue to provide valuable content.
🌿 Your backyard doesn’t have to melt—and neither do your herbs.
Some folks think summer is the end of the herb garden. Not in Zone 9. While tender greens may bolt and basil might get a little dramatic, there are actually a whole bunch of herbs that thrive in the heat—some even need it to flavor up properly.
After years of trial, error, and a lot of sweaty afternoons, I’ve gathered up the herbs that don’t just survive but shine in a hot, sunny summer garden. These are the plants I keep going back to year after year because they’re reliable, useful, and tough as nails.
🪴 What Makes an Herb “Heat-Loving”?
Here’s what to look for when choosing herbs for your summer garden:
- Sun tolerance: Can it handle 6–8+ hours of direct sun?
- Deep roots or drought resistance: Handles drying out better than average
- Bolt resistance: Doesn’t immediately shoot up flowers and seeds in the heat
- Strong flavor retention: Doesn’t go bitter when stressed
And now, let’s dig into the winners.
🌞 Top Heat-Tolerant Herbs for Summer
Each herb below includes growing tips, harvesting advice, and a little real-life experience from my own garden.
1. Basil (Ocimum basilicum)
🌿 A summer superstar—with a diva streak.
- Loves: Full sun, warm soil, consistent water
- Watch out for: Bolting when stressed, downy mildew in humid weather
- How to Grow:
- Plant in well-drained soil or large containers
- Pinch the tops frequently to encourage bushiness
- Water deeply but let soil dry slightly between waterings
- Harvest Tip: Cut above a leaf node, not at the base—she’ll thank you with more growth.
- Why I Grow It: I keep a few plants close to the kitchen door because nothing beats garden-fresh basil on summer tomatoes or homemade pesto.
2. Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus)
🌾 Elegant, citrusy, and tough as old boots.
- Loves: Full sun, heat, and well-draining soil
- Watch out for: Overwatering—this herb likes it hot and relatively dry
- How to Grow:
- Plant directly in the ground or large pots
- Space at least 2 feet apart—they get BIG
- Trim outer stalks and remove dead leaves for airflow
- Harvest Tip: Use the lower stalks (the white part) for cooking; the grassy tops make lovely tea
- Why I Grow It: Once established, it needs almost no maintenance. It’s like the set-it-and-forget-it herb of summer.
3. Thyme (Thymus vulgaris)
🪴 Low and slow—that’s thyme’s vibe.
- Loves: Full sun, rocky or sandy soil, dry conditions
- Watch out for: Root rot from overwatering
- How to Grow:
- Give it a dry spot and let it sprawl
- Avoid heavy soils—thyme thrives in neglect
- Great in raised beds or between pavers
- Harvest Tip: Trim sprigs regularly to keep it tidy and encourage new growth
- Why I Grow It: It’s one of the few herbs that doesn’t complain in full sun next to a sidewalk. And it tastes amazing on roasted veggies.
4. Rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus)
🌿 Your Mediterranean BBQ buddy.
- Loves: Full sun, dry conditions, neglect
- Watch out for: Overwatering, poor drainage
- How to Grow:
- Needs well-draining soil—sandier is better
- Can be grown as a perennial shrub in Zone 9
- Trim lightly to maintain shape
- Harvest Tip: Cut woody sprigs and strip the needles
- Why I Grow It: It’s basically unkillable in our zone and smells amazing every time I brush past it.
5. Oregano (Origanum vulgare)
🌱 Spicy, sturdy, and a little wild.
- Loves: Full sun, dry-ish soil
- Watch out for: Spreading too far—this one likes to wander
- How to Grow:
- Give it space or confine it to a pot
- Let it flower for pollinators, but cut back if flavor fades
- Harvest Tip: Harvest before it flowers for best flavor
- Why I Grow It: It comes back every year and asks for nothing. It’s the friend who never needs help moving.
6. Thai Basil (Ocimum basilicum var. thyrsiflora)
🌶 Spicier and sturdier than Genovese basil.
- Loves: Heat, humidity, full sun
- Watch out for: Can get leggy—pinch often
- How to Grow:
- Treat like regular basil but give it space
- More bolt-resistant and less finicky than Italian basil
- Harvest Tip: Use young leaves for best flavor
- Why I Grow It: Thai basil is my go-to for stir-fries and noodle bowls—and it holds up beautifully in the heat when Genovese starts to flop.
7. Mexican Mint Marigold (Tagetes lucida)
🌼 Your tarragon alternative for hot zones.
- Loves: Full sun, heat, and moderate watering
- Watch out for: Can go dormant if overwatered or shaded
- How to Grow:
- Native to Mexico and Central America
- Bright green leaves with a licorice flavor
- Lovely yellow flowers in late summer
- Harvest Tip: Use leaves fresh or dried as a tarragon substitute
- Why I Grow It: French tarragon won’t survive our heat—but this one? It thrives and blooms!
8. Holy Basil / Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum)
🙏 Medicinal, spiritual, and surprisingly hardy.
- Loves: Full sun, warm soil, regular harvesting
- Watch out for: Letting it flower too early—flavor declines
- How to Grow:
- Sow directly or transplant once warm
- Let one plant flower for bees, keep others trimmed
- Harvest Tip: Pick often to prevent flowering
- Why I Grow It: The tea is calming, the scent is divine, and the bees absolutely adore it.
🧂 Heat-Loving Herb Quick Reference Chart
| Herb | Needs | Sun | Harvest Tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basil | Moist soil, regular pinching | Full | Cut above nodes, often |
| Lemongrass | Dry-ish soil, space | Full | Use white stalks |
| Thyme | Dry, sandy soil | Full | Snip sprigs often |
| Rosemary | Dry, low water | Full | Cut woody stems |
| Oregano | Room to spread | Full | Harvest pre-flower |
| Thai Basil | Warm, rich soil | Full | Pinch often |
| Mexican Mint Marigold | Light water, hot temps | Full | Use like tarragon |
| Holy Basil | Regular trimming | Full | Pick young leaves |
🌡️ Hot Weather Herb Hacks
- Mulch Matters: Use straw or chopped leaves to protect roots from heat
- Morning Watering Only: Keeps roots hydrated without causing mildew
- Pinch Often: Frequent harvesting keeps herbs bushy and flavorful
- Harvest in the Morning: Oils are strongest early in the day, before the sun bakes them out
💬 Final Thoughts: Your Summer Herb Garden = Flavor + Resilience
Don’t give up on herbs when the temps climb. In Zone 9, summer is still herb-growing season—you just need to pick the right plants and give them what they crave: sun, drainage, and a little love. These herbs are the real MVPs of my summer garden, and I hope they’ll earn a permanent spot in yours too.
