Herb sowing times vary widely by type: hardy perennials such as chives and thyme can be sown outdoors from March, while tender herbs like basil need warmth indoors from March–May and shouldn't go outside before late May. See the table below for each herb's exact window.
Last updated 3 July 2026
Sowing times vary widely across herb types. Here's the UK timing for the most popular culinary herbs.
Ready to start growing? Read our full How to Grow Herbs UK →
Sowing dates and growing advice verified against RHS guidance by the SoilCommander Growing Team.
Part of the UK Vegetable Planting Calendar — see all sowing dates and monthly guides.
Herb Sowing Calendar UK
| Herb | Sow Indoors | Sow/Plant Outdoors | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basil | March – May (18–21°C) | Late May – June | Frost-tender; never plant outside before late May |
| Parsley | February – April (18°C) | March – May | Slow germination (3–4 weeks); sow fresh seed |
| Coriander | Not recommended | March – September | Direct sow in succession; bolts in heat |
| Chives | February – April | March – May | Hardy perennial; divide clumps every 3 years |
| Mint | n/a (propagate by division) | March – May (divisions) | Plant in containers to contain spread |
| Thyme | February – April | March – May | Hardy perennial; free-draining, sunny position |
| Rosemary | February – April (slow) | April – May | Hardy shrub; easier from cuttings than seed |
Regional Planting Notes
The RHS notes that rosemary "rarely survives prolonged freezing" outdoors. In Scotland and other areas with hard winters, grow rosemary in a pot that can be moved under cover, or choose a hardier herb such as thyme or chives for exposed sites.
Common Herb-Growing Mistakes
- Sowing basil, dill or coriander all at once — these bolt readily; RHS recommends regular, successive sowings rather than one large batch.
- Growing mint in open ground — RHS recommends containers, raised beds, or grow-bags instead, since mint spreads aggressively and will overrun a border.
- Skipping ventilation for greenhouse-grown herbs — poor air movement invites fungal disease; RHS advises maintaining airflow and ventilating greenhouses.
- Leaving rosemary outdoors unprotected through a hard winter — RHS notes it "rarely survives prolonged freezing"; grow in a movable pot or choose a hardier herb for exposed, cold sites.
- Ignoring rosemary beetle — it targets sage, thyme and lavender as well as rosemary; check plants regularly and remove beetles and larvae by hand before they defoliate the plant.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which herbs bolt quickest in the UK?
Basil, dill and coriander are the fastest to bolt, especially in hot weather. RHS recommends sowing them in small, regular batches rather than one large sowing to keep a continuous supply.
Can I grow mint in a normal border?
It's not recommended — RHS advises containers, raised beds, or grow-bags instead, since mint spreads aggressively by runners and will quickly overrun open ground.
Why are my greenhouse-grown herbs developing fungal disease?
Poor air movement is usually the cause. RHS advises maintaining ventilation and adequate spacing between plants to reduce problems with fungal diseases in greenhouses and polytunnels.
Recommended Varieties
- Basil — tender, sow indoors from April, needs warmth — never survives outdoors before June, since the Met Office confirms frost risk can persist that late further north
- Rosemary — hardy perennial but rarely survives prolonged freezing — grow in a container to move under cover in hard winters
- Chives, mint, parsley — can be potted and brought indoors on a south-facing windowsill for winter picking
Plan Your Herb Sowings
Tender herbs and hardy Mediterranean herbs sow at different times — get the right dates for each, plus 38 other UK crops.
Get the Garden PlannerBrowse all sowing dates in the UK vegetable planting calendar · Explore all UK vegetable growing guides
Last updated 4 July 2026
Plan The Timing Before You Sow
Use the planting window with a planner, seed-starting setup, and the full calendar so dates stay practical for your garden.
Plan the next step
Use the printable UK Vegetable Garden Planner to turn this guide into sowing dates, bed layouts, and weekly garden tasks.