Pennsylvania winters require hardy herbs such as winter savory, thyme, and chives that persist through snow cover. If you are looking for the best herbs to grow in pennsylvania winter, you need plants that can handle freezing temps and short daylight hours. This guide covers the top choices for your Keystone State garden.
Cold weather does not mean you have to give up fresh herbs. Many perennials and biennials thrive in Pennsylvania’s USDA zones 5 through 7. With a little planning, you can harvest rosemary, sage, and parsley even when the ground is frozen.
Best Herbs To Grow In Pennsylvania Winter
These herbs are selected for their ability to survive snow, frost, and wind. They require minimal protection and provide flavor all season long.
Winter Savory
Winter savory is a tough perennial that tastes like a milder version of summer savory. It stays green under snow and keeps growing slowly through cold months.
- Hardy down to -20°F
- Needs full sun and well-drained soil
- Harvest leaves anytime, even when frozen
- Great for soups, stews, and roasted meats
Plant winter savory in a sheltered spot near a south-facing wall. It will reward you with peppery leaves all winter.
Thyme
Common thyme and creeping thyme are both excellent choices. They form low mats that trap heat and resist frost damage.
- Choose English or German thyme for best cold tolerance
- Plant in sandy soil that drains fast
- Mulch lightly with straw after the ground freezes
- Snip sprigs as needed, even under snow
Thyme’s small leaves hold their flavor well in winter. Use them fresh or dry them for later.
Chives
Chives die back to the ground but regrow quickly in late winter. Their hollow leaves are one of the first signs of spring.
- Survive temperatures down to -30°F
- Grow in full sun or partial shade
- Cut back dead foliage in late fall
- New shoots appear as early as February
You can also force chives indoors by digging up a clump and potting it. Place it on a sunny windowsill for fresh greens in January.
Rosemary
Rosemary is borderline hardy in Pennsylvania. Choose ‘Arp’ or ‘Hill Hardy’ varieties for the best chance of survival.
- Plant in a protected location against a wall
- Cover with a frost blanket during extreme cold
- Water sparingly in winter to prevent root rot
- Prune lightly after flowering in summer
Even if the top growth dies, rosemary often resprouts from the roots in spring. Mulch heavily around the base.
Sage
Common sage is a woody perennial that holds its leaves through mild winters. It becomes dormant but stays green.
- Hardy to about -10°F
- Needs good air circulation to prevent mold
- Harvest leaves before heavy frost for best flavor
- Leaves may turn purple in cold but remain usable
Sage adds warmth to winter dishes like stuffing and roasted vegetables. It pairs well with thyme and winter savory.
Parsley
Parsley is a biennial that survives winter if mulched well. It produces leaves in its first year and flowers in its second.
- Plant in fall for winter harvest
- Cover with row cover or straw when temps drop below 20°F
- Leaves become sweeter after frost
- Dig up a plant and bring it indoors for continuous harvest
Italian flat-leaf parsley is more cold-tolerant than curly varieties. It adds fresh flavor to soups and salads all winter.
Oregano
Greek oregano is a perennial that survives Pennsylvania winters with ease. It goes dormant but returns reliably each spring.
- Hardy down to -20°F
- Cut back to 2 inches in late fall
- Mulch after ground freezes
- Leaves can be dried for winter use
Oregano’s strong flavor intensifies in cold weather. Use it sparingly in tomato sauces and meat dishes.
Mint
Mint is extremely hardy and spreads aggressively. It dies back to the ground but regrows from roots in early spring.
- Plant in a container to control spread
- Cut back stems after first frost
- Mulch lightly to protect roots
- Harvest dried leaves for tea all winter
Peppermint and spearmint both handle Pennsylvania winters well. They add freshness to winter beverages and desserts.
Lavender
English lavender is the most cold-hardy type. It needs excellent drainage and full sun to survive wet winter soil.
- Hardy to about -10°F
- Plant on a slope or raised bed for drainage
- Cover with evergreen boughs for insulation
- Do not prune in fall; wait until spring
Lavender’s scent lasts through winter. Use dried flowers in sachets and teas.
Tarragon
French tarragon is a perennial that goes dormant in winter. It needs a cold period to thrive.
- Cut back to ground level after frost
- Mulch with 3 inches of straw or leaves
- Remove mulch in early spring
- Divide plants every 3 years for vigor
Tarragon’s anise flavor is great for chicken and fish dishes. It is one of the last herbs to emerge in spring.
How To Protect Herbs During Pennsylvania Winters
Even hardy herbs benefit from a little extra care. Follow these steps to keep them healthy through snow and ice.
Mulching
Mulch insulates roots and prevents freeze-thaw cycles that heave plants out of the ground.
- Apply 2-4 inches of straw, shredded leaves, or wood chips
- Wait until the ground freezes before mulching
- Remove mulch gradually in spring
- Do not pile mulch against stems
Row Covers
Floating row covers add 5-10°F of protection. They are lightweight and let light through.
- Drape over hoops or directly on plants
- Secure edges with rocks or soil
- Remove during warm spells to prevent overheating
- Use for tender herbs like rosemary and parsley
Cold Frames
A cold frame extends the growing season by several weeks. It traps heat and blocks wind.
- Place in a sunny, south-facing location
- Vent on warm days to prevent mold
- Grow hardy greens and herbs together
- Use recycled windows or polycarbonate panels
Indoor Options
You can grow herbs indoors on a sunny windowsill. This works well for chives, parsley, and mint.
- Use pots with drainage holes
- Place in a south or west window
- Water when soil feels dry to the touch
- Supplement with grow lights if needed
Indoor herbs grow slower in winter due to lower light. Keep them cool at night for best results.
Planting Schedule For Winter Herbs
Timing matters when growing herbs for winter harvest. Plant at the right time to ensure strong roots before cold sets in.
Spring Planting
Most perennial herbs should be planted in spring after the last frost. This gives them a full season to establish.
- Plant thyme, sage, oregano, and lavender in April or May
- Space plants according to mature size
- Water deeply once a week during dry spells
- Mulch in fall for winter protection
Fall Planting
Some herbs can be planted in early fall. They need 6-8 weeks to root before the ground freezes.
- Plant parsley and chives in September
- Winter savory can be planted in early October
- Water well until the ground freezes
- Apply mulch after the first hard frost
Winter Sowing
You can start seeds outdoors in winter using milk jugs or containers. This works for cold-hardy herbs.
- Use clear plastic containers with drainage holes
- Sow seeds in December or January
- Place in a sheltered spot outside
- Seeds germinate naturally in spring
Winter sowing is a low-maintenance way to grow chives, parsley, and thyme from seed.
Common Mistakes When Growing Winter Herbs
Avoid these errors to keep your herbs healthy through the cold months.
Overwatering
Herbs need less water in winter. Wet soil combined with cold temperatures causes root rot.
- Water only when soil is dry 2 inches down
- Reduce watering frequency by half
- Ensure pots have drainage holes
- Stop watering if the ground is frozen
Pruning Too Late
Pruning in fall stimulates new growth that is killed by frost. Wait until spring to prune most herbs.
- Stop pruning by late August
- Remove only dead or diseased branches in fall
- Do major pruning in early spring
- Leave seed heads for winter interest
Ignoring Microclimates
Your yard has warmer and colder spots. Use them to your advantage for tender herbs.
- South-facing walls absorb heat during the day
- Low spots collect cold air and frost
- Evergreen trees provide wind protection
- Paved areas radiate heat at night
Using Wrong Mulch
Some mulches trap too much moisture or harbor pests. Choose materials that breathe.
- Avoid plastic sheeting or landscape fabric
- Use straw, pine needles, or shredded leaves
- Do not use fresh wood chips that rob nitrogen
- Apply mulch after the ground freezes, not before
Harvesting Herbs In Winter
You can harvest herbs even when snow is on the ground. Follow these tips for the best flavor.
When To Harvest
Harvest on a mild day when temperatures are above freezing. Leaves are most flavorful in the morning.
- Pick leaves before a heavy snow
- Snip sprigs from the outside of the plant
- Leave at least one-third of the plant intact
- Do not harvest if the plant is frozen solid
How To Store
Fresh herbs last longer if stored properly. Use these methods for winter storage.
- Wrap in damp paper towels and refrigerate
- Place stems in a glass of water on the counter
- Freeze in ice cube trays with oil or water
- Dry herbs in a warm, dark room
Preserving For Later
Drying and freezing extend the life of your harvest. Both methods retain good flavor.
- Hang bunches upside down in a dry place
- Use a dehydrator set to 95°F for fastest results
- Freeze whole leaves on a baking sheet first
- Store dried herbs in airtight jars away from light
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Grow Basil In Pennsylvania Winter?
Basil is a tender annual that cannot survive frost. Grow it indoors on a sunny windowsill or under grow lights if you want fresh basil in winter.
What Herbs Survive Snow In Pennsylvania?
Winter savory, thyme, chives, sage, and oregano all survive snow cover. They go dormant but remain alive under the snow.
Do I Need To Water Herbs In Winter?
Water sparingly only when the ground is not frozen and the soil is dry. Overwatering is a common cause of winter death for herbs.
Can I Plant Herbs In December In Pennsylvania?
You can winter sow seeds in containers outdoors in December. Do not plant live plants in frozen ground; wait for spring.
How Do I Protect Rosemary In Pennsylvania Winter?
Plant a hardy variety like ‘Arp’ in a sheltered spot. Cover with a frost blanket during extreme cold and mulch heavily around the base.
Growing the best herbs to grow in pennsylvania winter is simple when you choose the right varieties. Winter savory, thyme, and chives are reliable choices that provide fresh flavor even in the coldest months. With proper planting, mulching, and a little protection, your herb garden can thrive from November through March.
Start with a few hardy perennials this fall and expand each year. You will be amazed at how much fresh food your garden can produce, even when the snow is deep. Pennsylvania winters are long, but they do not have to be boring for your taste buds.