Herbs That Grow in Winter Outside: Guide to Cold-Weather Gardening

By Alex Assoune Jun 30, 2025

When temperatures drop and gardens go dormant, many gardeners assume their herb-growing days are over until spring. But in reality, several hardy herbs can survive—and even thrive—outdoors during the winter months, especially with a little planning and protection.

In this comprehensive guide, you’ll learn which herbs can grow outside in winter, how to care for them, and tips for harvesting fresh flavor from your garden year-round.

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Why Grow Herbs Outdoors in Winter?

Growing herbs in winter may sound like a challenge, but it offers several benefits:

Fresh herbs year-round: You don’t have to rely on store-bought bundles or dried substitutes.
Low-maintenance gardening: Many cold-tolerant herbs require less watering and pest control in winter.
Resilient plants: Winter herbs are often perennials that come back stronger each year.
Winter color and fragrance: Herbs like rosemary and thyme stay green and aromatic all season long.

Factors That Affect Winter Herb Gardening

Before planting herbs outside in winter, it’s important to consider a few key factors:

1. Your USDA Hardiness Zone

Knowing your hardiness zone will help you determine which herbs can survive your winter temperatures. For example:

Zones 7–10: Mild winters; many herbs grow year-round with little protection.
Zones 4–6: Cold winters; only hardy perennials will survive, often with mulch or cover.
Zones 3 and below: Very harsh winters; consider cold frames or overwintering methods.

2. Microclimates

Even in colder zones, you may have protected areas (like against a south-facing wall) that stay warmer and allow herbs to survive longer.

3. Moisture and Drainage

Cold, soggy soil is more damaging than cold alone. Make sure your herbs are in well-draining beds or containers.

Top Herbs That Grow Outdoors in Winter

Let’s explore the best herbs that can handle the cold, grouped by category for ease.

Perennial Herbs That Survive Winter

These herbs die back or slow down in cold months but return year after year.

1. Thyme (Thymus vulgaris)

Hardiness: Zones 4–9
Winter Tip: Mulch to protect roots from deep freezes.
Use: Culinary (soups, roasts), ornamental ground cover

Thyme is tough, evergreen in mild climates, and very drought-resistant. It may go dormant in heavy snow but reliably regrows in spring.

2. Oregano (Origanum vulgare)

Hardiness: Zones 5–10
Winter Tip: Cut back after the first frost and mulch well.
Use: Mediterranean cooking, herbal teas

Oregano thrives in full sun and well-drained soil. In mild winters, it may remain green. In colder areas, it dies back but returns strongly.

3. Sage (Salvia officinalis)

Hardiness: Zones 5–9
Winter Tip: Prune lightly before frost; avoid heavy cutting.
Use: Stuffing, poultry dishes, herbal remedies

Sage is semi-evergreen and tolerates light frost. In zone 6 and up, it often survives winter uncovered.

4. Chives (Allium schoenoprasum)

Hardiness: Zones 3–9
Winter Tip: Mulch the crown in very cold zones.
Use: Fresh garnish, eggs, soups

Chives die back in winter but regrow vigorously in spring, often flowering early. In warmer zones, they stay green longer.

5. Lovage (Levisticum officinale)

Hardiness: Zones 4–8
Winter Tip: Cut back stems after frost; mulch to protect roots.
Use: Celery-like flavor for stocks, soups

A lesser-known but extremely hardy herb, lovage returns each year and is prized for its strong, savory taste.

Evergreen Herbs That Keep Growing in Winter

These herbs maintain leaves and sometimes grow slowly throughout the winter.

6. Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)

Hardiness: Zones 7–10 (some varieties to zone 6)
Winter Tip: Protect from wind and snow; cover in freezing temps.
Use: Roasting, stews, infused oils

Rosemary can survive winters in milder climates. Upright varieties are hardier than trailing ones. In colder areas, plant in pots and bring inside or cover with fleece.

7. Winter Savory (Satureja montana)

Hardiness: Zones 5–9
Winter Tip: Add mulch and trim back lightly.
Use: Seasoning for beans, meats, and soups

As its name suggests, winter savory is built for the cold. It remains green and flavorful even in frosty conditions.

Cold-Tolerant Annuals That Overwinter in Mild Climates

Some typically warm-season herbs can survive the winter in milder zones or with protection.

8. Parsley (Petroselinum crispum)

Hardiness: Zones 6–9 (biennial)
Winter Tip: Mulch heavily or grow under cold frames.
Use: Garnishes, sauces, tabbouleh

Though technically a biennial, parsley is often grown as an annual. It can survive light frosts and keeps producing in cold weather.

9. Cilantro (Coriandrum sativum)

Hardiness: Zones 7–10 (cool-season annual)
Winter Tip: Sow in fall and protect with row covers.
Use: Latin, Asian, and Middle Eastern dishes

Cilantro loves cool weather. In warm climates, it thrives in winter, while in colder ones, it can be grown under cloches or in protected beds.

Bonus: Native and Wild Winter Herbs

Depending on your region, some native plants can serve as herbal remedies or culinary enhancers during winter.

Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) – hardy and medicinal
Mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris) – cold-resistant and aromatic
Wild garlic (Allium ursinum) – grows well in woods and shady gardens

Always verify wild herbs before use and ensure they are not toxic or endangered.

Tips for Growing Herbs Outdoors in Winter

To get the most out of your winter herb garden, follow these proven strategies:

1. Choose the Right Site

Full sun is crucial, even in winter.
Raised beds and containers offer better drainage and warmer soil.
South-facing walls create sheltered microclimates.

2. Use Mulch Wisely

Apply 2–3 inches of straw, leaves, or pine needles to insulate roots.
Keep mulch away from the crown of the plant to prevent rot.

3. Protect from Snow and Ice

Use row covers, cloches, or cold frames to shield tender herbs.
For potted herbs, wrap containers with burlap or bubble wrap.

4. Prune and Harvest with Care

Avoid heavy pruning right before freezes.
Harvest lightly in winter to avoid stressing the plant.
Focus on evergreen herbs for winter harvests.

5. Water Appropriately

Water during dry spells, especially before a hard freeze.
Don’t water if the soil is frozen or soggy.

Can You Grow Herbs in Pots Outside in Winter?

Yes! Many herbs do well in containers throughout winter, especially in zones 7 and up. However, containers are more exposed to freezing than garden beds, so take these precautions:

Use frost-resistant containers (terra cotta may crack).
Elevate pots slightly off the ground for drainage.
Move pots to protected areas (porches, patios, or near walls).
Mulch the surface and wrap pots in insulating material.

Great container herbs for winter:

Rosemary
Thyme
Chives
Winter savory
Parsley (in mild zones)

Companion Planting and Year-Round Design

Herbs can also serve as part of your winter garden design.

Thyme and oregano work as evergreen ground covers.
Sage and rosemary offer structure and scent in dormant gardens.
Combine with ornamental cabbages, kale, and pansies for beauty and utility.

Final Thoughts

Just because it’s winter doesn’t mean your herb gardening has to stop. With the right plant selection, some thoughtful protection, and a bit of planning, you can enjoy hardy, aromatic, and useful herbs growing outside all season long.

Whether you live in a mild coastal zone or a chilly mountain climate, there are herbs that will thrive in your garden—even under frost and snow. So get your gloves, grab some mulch, and bring your herb garden to life this winter.

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About the Author: Alex Assoune

Alex Assoune (MS) is a global health and environmental advocate. He founded Panaprium to inspire others with conscious living, ethical, and sustainable fashion. Alex has worked in many countries to address social and environmental issues. He speaks three languages and holds two Master of Science degrees in Engineering from SIGMA and IFPEN schools.

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