Whether you're cooking a karahi or brewing a soothing tea, fresh herbs add unmatched flavor and aroma to any dish. The good news? Pakistan’s diverse climate allows many herbs to be grown all year round—right in your backyard or on your balcony.
Why Grow Herbs at Home?
-
Cost-effective: A few plants can supply months of fresh flavor.
-
Healthier meals: Use fresh, chemical-free herbs anytime.
-
Aromatic and ornamental: Herbs like basil, mint, and rosemary smell great and look lovely.
Summer Sowing (March–August)
Herb Name | Germination Days | Min Temp (°C) | Max Temp (°C) | Sowing Months | Notes |
Basil | 5–10 | 15 | 35 | March – August | Warm-weather herb, prefers full sun |
Dill | 10–21 | 15 | 21 | March – August | Needs light exposure, sow shallow |
Lemon Basil | 5–10 | 18 | 30 | March – August | Fragrant; grows well in warm, sunny spots |
Purple Basil | 5–10 | 15 | 35 | March – August | Ornamental + flavorful; similar care to sweet basil |
Sweet Basil | 5–10 | 15 | 35 | March – August | Warm-season annual; needs full sun |
Thai Basil | 7–14 | 15.5 | 25 | March – August | More heat-tolerant; stronger anise flavor |
Holy Basil (Tulsi) | 7–14 | 18 | 32 | March – July | Sacred plant in South Asia; needs warmth |
Winter Sowing (October – March)
Herb Name | Germination Days | Min Temp (°C) | Max Temp (°C) | Sowing Months | Notes |
Mint | 10–16 | 13 | 30 | October – April | Vigorous grower, keep in check |
Mint (Peppermint) | 10–16 | 13 | 30 | October – April | Vigorous growth; ideal for cooler weather |
Oregano | 7–14 | 18.5 | 24 | October – April | Use humidity dome for even germination |
Spearmint | 14–21 | 15.5 | 21 | October – April | Keep moist but not soggy |
Thyme | 21–28 | 21 | 24 | October – April | Light-required germination, do not cover |
Chervil | 7–14 | 15 | 24 | October – February |
Shade-tolerant, weather |
Cilantro (Coriander) | 7–10 | 10 | 30 | October – February | Quick growing, bolt-prone in heat |
Curry Leaf | 14–21 | 20 | 30 | October – February | Plant in partial shade |
Fennel | 7–14 | 15 | 30 | October – February | Prefers well-drained soil and sun |
Garlic Chives | 7–14 | 15 | 28 | October – February | Flat, grassy herb, needs sun |
Parsley | 10–25 | 10 | 29.5 | October – February | Soak seeds before sowing |
Tarragon | 10–14 | 10 | 25 | October – February | May be perennial in mild winters |
Apple Mint | 14–21 | 13 | 28 | October – March | Fuzzy leaves, prefers well-drained, shaded soil |
Bay Leaf | 14–21 | 15 | 30 | October – March | Slow-growing, harvest mature leaves |
Chives | 7–14 | 10 | 25 | October – March | Cool-season herb, ideal for early spring |
Chocolate Mint | 14–21 | 13 | 28 | October – March | Delicate aroma; partial shade preferred |
Lavender | 14–28 | 10 | 26.6 | October – March | Needs light and ventilation |
Lemon Balm | 7–14 | 18 | 21 | October – March | Avoid overwatering, mist gently |
Lemongrass | 10–21 | 20 | 35 | October – March | Tropical herb, prefers warmth and humidity |
Lovage | 7–14 | 10 | 25 | October – March | Grows well in partial shade |
Marjoram | 7–14 | 15 | 25 | October – March | Mild herb, likes warmth |
Rosemary | 15–25 | 27 | 32 | October – March | Needs warmth and well-drained soil |
Sage | 10–21 | 10 | 28 | October – March | Can be perennial in warm zones |
Savory | 10–14 | 15 | 28 | October – March | Summer annual, easy to grow |