Growing herbs in Minnesota might seem challenging with our bone-chilling winters that can dip to -30°F. But don’t pack away your gardening tools just yet! Several tough perennial herbs actually thrive in our northern climate, returning faithfully each spring despite being buried under snow for months.
These resilient plants not only save you money on replanting but also provide fresh flavors for your kitchen practically year-round.
1. Thyme For Minnesota Gardens
During the harshest Minnesota winters, garden thyme stands as a testament to resilience. The woody stems and tiny leaves might look delicate, but they’re surprisingly sturdy when the snow flies.
In my garden, creeping varieties have proven most successful, forming dense mats that return reliably each spring. I’ve watched them survive temperatures well below -20°F without extra protection.
For best results, plant thyme in well-drained soil with plenty of sunshine. The flavor actually intensifies after surviving a cold season, making spring harvests especially aromatic.
2. Oregano’s Winter Endurance
Few herbs match oregano’s tenacity in Minnesota’s challenging climate. After the first hard freeze, the foliage dies back, but the roots remain vigilant beneath the snow, gathering strength for spring’s return.
My patch has survived eight consecutive winters without protection. The secret lies in choosing Greek oregano varieties specifically, as they’ve adapted to mountainous regions with similar temperature swings.
Simply cut back dead stems in early spring and watch as fresh growth emerges. A sunny, well-drained spot against a south-facing wall provides extra protection from our notorious northern winds.
3. Chives: First To Emerge
Among the earliest spring risers in Minnesota gardens, chives often push their slender green spears through lingering snow patches. Their underground bulbs store energy throughout winter, ready to explode with growth when temperatures rise.
Virtually indestructible in our climate, these herbs have survived in my garden through -35°F cold snaps with zero protection. The purple pom-pom blooms not only look charming but attract beneficial pollinators.
Leave the foliage standing through fall to help the plants prepare for winter. By dividing clumps every few years, you’ll ensure continued vigor and can expand your chive collection across the garden.
4. Sage Weathers The Cold
Surprisingly rugged for such an aromatic herb, garden sage handles Minnesota winters with remarkable grace. The silvery-green leaves might look tender, but this Mediterranean native has adapted well to northern conditions.
A light mulch of pine needles helps my sage plants through the coldest months. After several years, the stems become woody and more resilient, creating a small shrub that anchors the herb garden.
Occasional pruning keeps plants compact and prevents them from becoming leggy. Even after the harshest winters, sage rewards patience with flush new growth by late May, perfect timing for seasoning spring lamb dishes.
5. Mint: The Unstoppable Herb
Winter hardly slows mint’s determination in Minnesota gardens. While the tops die back completely, underground runners remain poised for spring’s first warmth, often spreading several feet during dormancy.
Containing mint becomes the real challenge rather than helping it survive. My solution involves planting in submerged pots with drainage holes removed, creating boundaries this vigorous herb respects.
Peppermint proves hardier than spearmint in our climate, often emerging weeks earlier. The essential oils in mint leaves actually serve as natural antifreeze, protecting the plant’s cells when temperatures plummet below zero.
6. Lemon Balm’s Surprising Strength
Despite its citrusy fragrance suggesting tropical origins, lemon balm handles Minnesota winters remarkably well. The lemon-scented leaves disappear with frost, but the root system remains active even under snowdrifts.
Cutting back dead stems in fall helps prevent fungal issues during our wet springs. My oldest patch has returned faithfully for over a decade, spreading gradually into a fragrant ground cover that deters garden pests naturally.
Like its mint relatives, lemon balm can become aggressive in rich soil. A north-facing location actually helps control its growth while still allowing the plant to thrive through our coldest months.
7. Lovage: The Forgotten Giant
Standing tall like celery on steroids, lovage disappears completely each winter only to rocket skyward each spring. This overlooked herb reaches impressive heights of 6-7 feet by midsummer, undeterred by Minnesota’s challenging climate.
The hollow stems and celery-flavored leaves emerge earlier than most perennials in my garden. Once established, lovage requires zero winter protection, surviving temperatures well below -30°F with surprising ease.
Find a permanent spot with room to grow, as lovage develops a substantial taproot that resents disturbance. The deep root system explains its exceptional cold hardiness and drought tolerance once established.
8. Hyssop: Beautiful And Beneficial
Anise hyssop bridges the gap between ornamental and culinary herbs in the Minnesota landscape. The stunning purple flower spikes attract countless pollinators while the anise-scented foliage flavors teas and desserts.
Native to our region, this herb naturally withstands temperature extremes. I’ve watched bees swarm my hyssop plants from July through September, making it worth growing for ecological benefits alone.
Allow spent flowers to remain through fall as they provide winter interest and self-seed gently. Established plants form woody crowns that become increasingly resilient with age, surviving even our most brutal winter conditions.
9. Catnip: Not Just For Felines
Beyond driving cats wild, catnip proves remarkably resilient in Minnesota gardens. The soft gray-green foliage might look delicate, but underneath lies a survivor perfectly adapted to northern winters.
After watching neighborhood cats roll through my herb garden, I discovered catnip tea helps with sleep. The plants return vigorously each spring without protection, often self-seeding into charming drifts throughout the garden.
Cutting plants back after the first flowering encourages a fresh flush of leaves before winter. For culinary use, harvest young leaves before flowering for the mildest flavor, perfect for calming evening teas during our long Minnesota winters.
10. Tarragon: French Herb With Russian Roots
French tarragon might struggle in Minnesota, but Russian tarragon laughs at our winters. Though slightly less flavorful than its French cousin, the Russian variety’s incredible cold tolerance makes it worth growing here.
My patch has survived fifteen consecutive winters, including the polar vortex years. The licorice-flavored leaves return reliably each spring, providing essential flavors for chicken dishes and vinegars.
A simple covering of fallen leaves provides all the protection needed through winter. For best flavor, harvest young stems before flowering and dry them quickly to preserve the volatile oils that carry tarragon’s distinctive anise-like flavor.