Most herb gardens are filled with the classics—think cilantro, rosemary, thyme, and mint. While these staples are essential for everyday cooking, there’s a whole world of rare and unusual herbs that can elevate your garden and your meals. These unique plants add unexpected flavors and beauty while offering exciting new culinary and medicinal possibilities.
Here’s a list of rare herbs you should consider adding to your gardening adventures.
Toothache Plant (Acmella oleracea)
Known for its numbing properties, the toothache plant has been a natural remedy for oral pain for centuries. Both its golden-yellow flowers and leaves can be chewed to produce a tingling sensation that helps ease toothaches. This striking herb thrives in moderately moist soil and will make a unique addition to your garden.
Saffron (Crocus sativus)
The world’s most expensive spice comes from the saffron crocus, whose delicate red stigmas are harvested for their distinct flavor and vibrant color. Each flower only produces three stigmas, which explains its high cost. Saffron crocus blooms in autumn and prefers full sun with well-drained soil.
Lovage (Levisticum officinale)
With its bright celery-like flavor, lovage is a versatile herb that can replace parsley in recipes or enhance soups and salads. Surprisingly, the seeds are what we know as celery seeds, perfect for flavoring marinades and dips. Lovage thrives in full sun and well-draining soil, adding both height and utility to your garden.
Tulsi (Ocimum tenuiflorum)
Also known as holy basil, tulsi is a revered herb in Ayurvedic medicine and Hindu culture. Its health benefits include balancing blood sugar levels, improving memory, and boosting immunity. Tulsi thrives in full sun and requires consistently moist but well-drained soil.
Vietnamese Coriander (Persicaria odorata)
A heat-tolerant alternative to cilantro, Vietnamese coriander brings a smoky flavor to Southeast Asian dishes. This creeping herb needs moist soil and plenty of space as it tends to spread, making it ideal for ground cover.
Stevia (Stevia rebaudiana)
For a natural, calorie-free sugar alternative, consider stevia. Its leaves are up to 30 times sweeter than sugar and can be used fresh or dried. Stevia grows well in containers, but make sure to give each plant plenty of room and harvest before the flowers fully bloom for the sweetest yield.
Epazote (Dysphania ambrosioides)
A staple in Mexican cuisine, epazote is known for its distinct flavor and digestive benefits. Often used to flavor black bean dishes, this herb can help reduce gas and bloating. Be cautious with its flowers and seeds, as consuming them in large quantities can cause adverse effects.
French Sorrel (Rumex scutatus)
With its tart, citrusy flavor, French sorrel is a fantastic addition to soups and salads. Its lance-shaped leaves can be used similarly to spinach, offering both culinary and medicinal benefits. This herb grows best in deep containers with slightly dry soil between waterings.
Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium)
Feverfew is a traditional remedy for migraines and an attractive addition to any garden with its daisy-like blooms. Its feathery leaves emit a citrusy scent that repels bees, making it a practical and pretty choice. Just keep an eye on its growth, as it can spread quickly if left to seed.
Anise Hyssop (Agastache foeniculum)
This mint family member offers a mild licorice-mint flavor perfect for teas, salads, and baked goods. Its tall lavender blooms add visual interest to your garden while attracting pollinators. Anise hyssop grows well with other herbs and prefers moist soil until fully established.
Borage (Borago officinalis)
Borage, or starflower, is prized for its cucumber-flavored leaves and striking blue flowers. The blossoms make an elegant garnish for salads and beverages. This sun-loving herb needs well-drained soil to prevent root rot and thrives in sunny spots.
Sweet Cicely (Myrrhis odorata)
Sweet cicely is an old-world herb that’s fallen out of favor but deserves a comeback. Its sweet, anise-flavored leaves and stalks can be used in cooking, while its roots are often boiled or used to make wine. Avoid planting it near parsley, as they attract the same pests.
Marsh-Mallow (Althaea officinalis)
This herb’s roots gave rise to the marshmallows we know today, thanks to their mucilage content. The pale pink or white flowers and tall spikes add elegance to your garden. Marsh-mallow thrives in loose, sandy soil and requires consistent moisture.
Lettuce-Leaf Basil (Ocimum basilicum)
This unique basil variety features large, crinkled leaves resembling lettuce. With a milder flavor, it’s perfect for wrapping grilled meats or adding to salads. Like other basil varieties, lettuce-leaf basil prefers full sun and evenly moist soil to thrive.
Fairywand (Chamaelirium luteum)
This delicate herb, also known as angel’s fishing rod, is celebrated for its plume-like pink or white flowers. Traditionally used as a women’s herb to support fertility and hormonal balance, fairywand grows well in drought-tolerant conditions and is best propagated through rhizome division.
Add Variety to Your Garden
Growing rare herbs adds more than just visual interest to your garden—it introduces new flavors and health benefits while expanding your culinary repertoire. Whether you’re looking to ease a toothache, experiment with unique spices, or try ancient remedies, these unusual herbs are worth the space in your garden.
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