Several hardy herbs can survive or even thrive through cold winters, especially with a bit of protection.
While most herbs are considered ‘tender’ (think basil, which dies back in the fall and certainly after first hard frost), some can actually withstand our cold, harsh winters, and some can even be cultivated year-round and even harvested when they’re covered in snow.
Cold-Hardy Herbs
Here are some top choices:
Cold-Hardy Herbs
- Thyme – A perennial herb that survives freezing temperatures and often stays evergreen.
- Sage – Hardy in many climates; established plants can overwinter with mulch.
- Chives – Dies back in winter but reliably returns in spring.
- Mint – Very cold-tolerant; spreads vigorously and returns each year.
- Oregano – Hardy and low-maintenance; protect with mulch in colder zones.
- Lovage – A perennial herb with a celery-like flavor that returns each spring.
- Parsley (biennial) – Can survive light frosts; may overwinter in milder climates with mulch or protection.
- Lavender – Hidcote and Munstead are well-established varieties that thrive in Colorado as perennials.
- Chamomile – a prolific re-seeder and can be grown for tea and food decoration.
- Dill – another plant that reseeds and therefore pops up in the garden anew each Spring without having to be replanted.
For the best chance of winter survival, mulch around the base of herb plants (not including chamomile and dill which are re-seeders) in Fall and consider using cloches in areas of your garden that get especially harsh conditions.