Minnesota winters can be brutally cold, with temperatures plunging well below zero for weeks at a time. Many gardeners assume these harsh conditions make growing perennial herbs impossible.
Fortunately, several hardy herbs not only survive but actually thrive in our northern climate, returning year after year despite snow, ice, and frigid temperatures.
1. Thyme: The Tiny Survivor
Tucked between garden stones, thyme creates a fragrant carpet that defies Minnesota’s harshest winters. After the snow melts, you’ll find this resilient herb ready to bounce back with minimal care.
Growing to just 6-12 inches tall, thyme prefers well-drained soil and full sun. Its woody stems hold up remarkably well during freezes.
For best results, mulch lightly around the base in late fall, but don’t cover the plant entirely. The aromatic leaves add flavor to soups, stews, and roasted meats year-round.
2. Chives: First To Emerge
Walking through my garden in early spring, chives are often the first green shoots pushing through the half-frozen ground. Their determination after months under snow is truly remarkable.
Hollow, tubular leaves grow in dense clumps and produce pretty purple pom-pom flowers that bees absolutely adore. The entire plant is edible and adds a mild onion flavor to dishes.
Once established, chives need almost no maintenance to return year after year. They actually benefit from Minnesota’s cold period, which helps trigger vigorous spring growth.
3. Sage: The Wise Old Timer
Silver-gray leaves persist through most Minnesota winters, making sage one of the few herbs you might harvest even in January during a mild spell. Its woody structure stands up to cold that would kill more tender plants.
Planted in a protected spot with excellent drainage, sage develops into a small shrub over time. The savory leaves remain flavorful even after light frosts, sometimes improving with cold exposure.
My 8-year-old sage plant survived -30°F temperatures last winter with only minor damage to outer branches. Prune in spring to encourage fresh growth and prevent the center from becoming too woody.
4. Mint: The Unstoppable Force
Hardy down to Zone 3, mint might actually be too successful in Minnesota gardens! Its underground runners spread aggressively, creating new plants even after the harshest winters.
Consider planting mint in buried containers to contain its enthusiastic growth. The aromatic leaves make wonderful teas and summer drinks, while also repelling many garden pests naturally.
Fall frosts trigger mint to die back to the ground, but don’t be fooled. Those roots remain alive under the snow, gathering strength to emerge with even more vigor once spring arrives.
5. Oregano: Mediterranean Meets Midwest
Despite its Mediterranean origins, Greek oregano laughs at Minnesota winters. Low-growing with woody stems and small, aromatic leaves, it forms dense mats that persist through freezing temperatures.
Full sun and well-drained soil help oregano develop the concentration of essential oils that give it both cold hardiness and intense flavor. Avoid rich soil, as it actually performs better in poor, rocky conditions.
After surviving winter, oregano benefits from a hard pruning in early spring. This encourages fresh, tender growth and prevents the plant from becoming too woody or sprawling as the seasons progress.
6. Lemon Balm: Citrus Scented Survivor
Morning frost transforms lemon balm into a crystallized wonder, yet this hardy perennial bounces back as soon as temperatures rise. The bright, citrusy scent persists even in plants that have weathered months of Minnesota snow.
Part of the mint family, lemon balm shares its cousin’s vigor but spreads more politely. The crinkled, heart-shaped leaves make delightful teas and add unexpected notes to fruit dishes.
Cut this herb back after the first frost and mulch heavily. While the top growth dies completely in winter, the roots remain safe underground, ready to produce fresh leaves once spring arrives.
7. Tarragon: The Frost-Embracing Herb
French tarragon actually requires Minnesota’s cold winters to perform its best. Without a proper freeze, this herb never reaches its full flavor potential or growth habit.
Long, narrow leaves carry an anise-like flavor that enhances eggs, chicken, and fish dishes. Unlike many herbs, tarragon’s flavor intensifies when dried, making it perfect for preserving summer’s bounty.
Good drainage is essential for winter survival. My tarragon bed is slightly raised and mixed with extra sand, allowing excess moisture to move away from the roots during spring thaws when root rot can be a concern.
8. Lovage: The Forgotten Giant
Towering to six feet by midsummer, lovage starts each spring as tiny shoots emerging from frozen ground. Few herbs demonstrate such dramatic resurrection after Minnesota winters.
Every part of lovage is usable – hollow stems make natural straws for tomato drinks, while leaves taste like intense celery. The roots can be cooked like parsnips after several years of growth.
Despite its impressive size, lovage needs no special winter protection in Minnesota. Plant it where it can serve as a dramatic backdrop to smaller herbs, and prepare to be amazed by its rapid spring growth after complete winter dormancy.
9. Catnip: Feline’s Delight, Frost’s Survivor
Beyond making cats euphoric, catnip stands as one of the toughest perennials in my Minnesota garden. Gray-green leaves emerge early, seemingly unbothered by late spring frosts that damage other plants.
Small white flowers appear by midsummer, attracting beneficial insects while repelling mosquitoes and other pests. The leaves brew into a pleasant, minty tea that has mild sedative properties for humans.
Self-seeding enthusiastically, catnip establishes permanent colonies if allowed. Consider harvesting and drying stems before seeds mature if you prefer to keep this hardy herb contained within its designated garden space.
10. Winter Savory: The Underrated Powerhouse
Small leathery leaves remain green well into December, making winter savory an exceptional performer in Minnesota’s challenging climate. Unlike its annual summer cousin, this variety develops woody stems that withstand freezing temperatures.
Growing just 6-12 inches tall, winter savory forms tight, shrub-like mounds perfect for garden edges. The peppery, slightly piney flavor works wonderfully with beans, meats, and root vegetables.
Plant in full sun with excellent drainage, ideally near a south-facing wall that provides additional warmth. A light covering of evergreen boughs offers extra protection during the snowless periods of deep winter freeze.