August in Colorado can feel like a last chance for planting, but some herbs actually love the late start! I’ve had great luck with basil, cilantro, and chives popping up strong even when planted late.
These herbs don’t fuss much and reward you with fresh flavors just when you need them most. Plus, they’re perfect for quick bites or adding a zing to dinner.
Let’s get those late herbs growing and spice up the season!
1. Basil
Quick-growing and heat-loving, basil thrives when planted in August’s warm Colorado soil. The intense summer sunshine helps develop its aromatic oils to perfection.
Many gardeners along Colorado’s Front Range find that late-summer basil actually develops better flavor than spring-planted varieties. Just be ready to cover plants when the first frost warnings appear in early fall.
2. Cilantro
Unlike spring plantings that quickly bolt in heat, August-sown cilantro thrives as Colorado temperatures gradually cool. The moderate late-summer conditions create perfect growing environments for this finicky herb.
Colorado gardeners appreciate cilantro’s quick 3-week harvest timeline from seed. Plant every two weeks through early September for continuous harvests until the heavy mountain frosts arrive.
3. Dill
Fast-maturing dill adapts beautifully to Colorado’s late summer conditions. The cooler August nights in the Centennial State actually help develop its distinctive flavor while preventing premature flowering.
Many Colorado home gardeners find dill self-seeds readily, creating volunteer plants for years to come. Plant dill now for pickling with late-season cucumbers – a Colorado gardening tradition!
4. Chives
Hardy and resilient, chives establish quickly even when planted late in Colorado gardens. Their shallow root systems develop fast in August’s warm soil while appreciating the gradually cooling temperatures.
Gardeners across Colorado’s varied climate zones find chives return reliably year after year. Plant them now in well-drained soil, and you’ll enjoy fresh harvests well into fall before they go dormant for winter.
5. Parsley
Surprisingly frost-tolerant, parsley planted in August often survives well into Colorado’s fall and sometimes winter. The cooling temperatures actually enhance its flavor while the still-warm soil helps roots establish quickly.
Many Colorado gardeners find parsley self-seeds generously in their gardens. Plant both flat-leaf and curly varieties now for extended harvests in the unique growing conditions of the Centennial State.
6. Mint
Vigorous and nearly unstoppable, mint establishes remarkably fast when planted in August’s warm Colorado soil. The moderate late-summer temperatures create ideal conditions for rapid growth before winter dormancy.
Colorado gardeners typically contain mint in pots to prevent garden takeover. Even in the state’s challenging mountain climates, late-planted mint often returns stronger each year, surviving winter to spread with enthusiasm.
7. Oregano
Drought-tolerant oregano establishes strong roots during Colorado’s August heat, preparing for years of future harvests. The herb’s Mediterranean origins make it perfectly suited to the state’s semiarid conditions and intense sunshine.
Many Colorado gardeners find oregano survives winter and returns vigorously each spring. Plant it now in well-drained soil, and you’ll enjoy its aromatic leaves well into fall before it goes dormant for the winter months.
8. Thyme
Low-growing thyme loves Colorado’s well-drained soils and late summer conditions. Its tiny roots establish quickly in August’s warm earth while preparing for the state’s challenging winter months ahead.
Gardeners throughout Colorado’s Front Range find thyme thrives in rocky, less fertile spots. Plant several varieties now – lemon, French, and creeping thymes all adapt beautifully to the unique growing conditions of the Centennial State.
9. Sage
Gray-green sage leaves seem made for Colorado’s semiarid climate and intense sunshine. August plantings establish strong roots before winter, often surviving for many productive years in the state’s challenging conditions.
Colorado gardeners particularly appreciate sage’s drought tolerance once established. Plant it now in the warmth of late summer, and you’ll enjoy its aromatic leaves for cooking throughout fall and winter.
10. Chervil
Delicate chervil actually prefers the gradually cooling temperatures that August brings to Colorado gardens. Its anise-like flavor develops beautifully as summer transitions to fall in the Rocky Mountain state.
Many Colorado gardeners find chervil self-seeds readily for future harvests. Plant it now in partially shaded spots where it will thrive as temperatures moderate, providing fresh leaves for fall soups and salads.
11. Tarragon
French tarragon establishes surprisingly well when planted in August’s warm Colorado soil. Its distinctive licorice flavor actually develops more richly in the state’s cooling fall temperatures.
Colorado gardeners find tarragon’s drought tolerance makes it ideal for xeriscaping designs. Plant it now in full sun locations with excellent drainage, and you’ll enjoy its aromatic leaves well into the fall months.
12. Rosemary
Woody rosemary appreciates Colorado’s well-drained soils and late summer warmth for establishing roots. The herb’s Mediterranean heritage makes it well-suited to the state’s semiarid conditions and intense sunshine.
Many Colorado gardeners in warmer zones find rosemary survives winter with protection. Plant it now in containers that can be moved indoors when frost threatens – a common practice in the Centennial State’s variable climate.
13. Marjoram
Sweet marjoram establishes quickly in Colorado’s August warmth while appreciating the gradually cooling nights. Its delicate flavor actually improves as summer transitions to fall in the unique mountain climate.
Colorado gardeners often harvest marjoram heavily before frost. Plant it now in full sun with excellent drainage, and you’ll enjoy its aromatic leaves for cooking throughout the remaining growing season.
14. Summer Savory
Fast-growing summer savory races to maturity when planted in Colorado’s August heat. The herb’s peppery flavor develops beautifully in the state’s intense sunshine and gradually cooling nights.
Many Colorado gardeners treat summer savory as a quick annual crop. Plant it now for fall bean dishes – the herb’s traditional pairing – and enjoy harvests well into autumn before the mountain frosts arrive.
15. Fennel
Feathery fennel fronds develop quickly when planted in August’s warm Colorado soil. The herb’s anise flavor intensifies as temperatures gradually cool in the unique mountain climate.
Colorado gardeners appreciate fennel’s drought tolerance once established. Plant it now in full sun with well-drained soil, and you’ll enjoy its distinctive flavor in fall cooking before heavy frosts arrive.
16. Borage
Blue-flowering borage grows with surprising speed when planted in August’s warm Colorado soil. The herb’s cucumber-flavored leaves and edible flowers make colorful additions to late-season salads.
Many Colorado gardeners find borage self-seeds prolifically in their gardens. Plant it now in full sun, and you’ll enjoy its striking blue blooms until the first mountain frosts, while ensuring volunteer plants for years to come.
17. Lemon Balm
Citrus-scented lemon balm establishes strong roots during Colorado’s August warmth. The herb’s refreshing fragrance seems to intensify as temperatures gradually cool in the unique mountain climate.
Colorado gardeners typically contain lemon balm to prevent garden takeover. Plant it now in containers or bordered areas, and you’ll enjoy its aromatic leaves for tea and cooking well into the fall season.