Herb seed buying guide

Choose the Right Herb Seeds

Growing herbs from seed gives gardeners access to a wider selection of culinary, aromatic and specialist varieties than is usually available as established plants. Herbs can be grown in garden beds, raised beds, containers, greenhouses and larger commercial production systems.

Seedmart supplies herb seeds for home gardeners, cafés, restaurants, market gardens, farms and commercial herb growers throughout Australia. The range includes familiar kitchen herbs, Asian herbs, heirloom varieties, open-pollinated selections and less common specialty crops.

The best herb seeds will depend on your climate, available space, preferred flavours, harvest requirements and whether the crop will be grown for fresh leaves, flowers, seed, microgreens or longer-term production.

Why Grow Herbs from Seed?

More Variety

Choose from classic culinary herbs, regional varieties, Asian herbs, heirloom selections and specialist crops that may be difficult to find as seedlings.

Economical Growing

A packet of herb seed can produce many plants, while bulk quantities offer better value for frequent sowing and larger-scale production.

Repeated Harvests

Many herbs can be cut repeatedly through the growing season, while succession sowing helps maintain a steady supply of fresh leaves.

Suitable for Small Spaces

Many herbs grow well in containers, balcony gardens, kitchen gardens and compact raised beds.

Fresh Flavour

Harvest herbs as required for cooking, garnishing, teas, preserving and other household or commercial uses.

Packet and Bulk Seed

Choose packets for household growing or larger quantities for restaurants, growers, nurseries and commercial production.

Herb Seeds for Different Growing Goals

Herbs vary considerably in growth habit, harvest method, climate preference and time to maturity. Some are fast-growing annuals, while others form permanent perennial plants.

Growing Goal Recommended Herbs Why Choose Them?
Easy for beginners Basil, parsley, coriander, dill and chives Widely grown herbs with straightforward sowing and harvesting requirements.
Fast harvests Coriander, dill, rocket, basil and cress Useful for quick crops, succession sowing and frequent fresh-leaf production.
Container growing Basil, parsley, thyme, oregano, chives and mint Can be grown successfully in suitable pots with adequate sunlight, drainage and regular watering.
Perennial herb gardens Rosemary, thyme, oregano, sage, mint and chives Can produce over multiple seasons when grown in suitable conditions.
Hot and dry conditions Rosemary, thyme, oregano, sage and marjoram Established plants generally tolerate drier conditions better than soft-leaved annual herbs.
Warm-season growing Basil, Thai basil, holy basil and perilla Require warmth and are generally sensitive to frost and cold soil.
Cool-season growing Coriander, parsley, dill, chervil and fennel Often perform best during cooler conditions and may bolt quickly in excessive heat.
Asian cooking Thai basil, holy basil, garlic chives, perilla and Vietnamese mint Provide distinctive flavours used across a wide range of Asian cuisines.
Commercial leaf production Basil, coriander, parsley, dill, chives and mint Popular fresh herbs suited to planned sowing, regular cutting and repeated production.

Popular Types of Herb Seeds

Basil Seeds

Basil varieties differ in leaf size, flavour, colour, growth habit and climate preference. Options include sweet basil, Genovese basil, Thai basil, holy basil, lemon basil and purple basil.

Parsley Seeds

Parsley is available in flat-leaf and curled forms. It is commonly grown for fresh leaves and generally performs best under mild conditions with consistent moisture.

Coriander Seeds

Coriander is grown for fresh leaves, roots and mature seed. It prefers cooler conditions and benefits from repeated sowing because plants may flower quickly in heat.

Mint Seeds

Mint varieties produce aromatic leaves and generally prefer moist soil. Established plants can spread vigorously, so container growing may be useful where control is required.

Chives and Garlic Chives

Common chives produce mild onion-flavoured leaves, while garlic chives have flatter leaves and a stronger garlic character. Both can be cut repeatedly.

Thyme Seeds

Thyme is a low-growing perennial herb suited to well-drained soil and sunny conditions. Varieties differ in growth habit, flavour and cold tolerance.

Oregano and Marjoram Seeds

Oregano and marjoram are aromatic herbs used in Mediterranean-style cooking. They generally prefer warmth, good drainage and full sun.

Dill and Fennel Seeds

Dill and fennel are grown for foliage, flowers and seed. They develop taproots and are commonly direct sown to reduce transplant disturbance.

Sage and Rosemary Seeds

These perennial herbs are slower to establish than many annual herbs but can form productive long-lived plants in suitable conditions.

Holy Basil Seeds

Holy basil, also known as tulsi, is a warm-season basil grown for its aromatic leaves. Several forms are available with differences in colour, flavour and growth habit.

Asian Herb Seeds

Asian herbs include Thai basil, garlic chives, perilla, Vietnamese coriander and other distinctive crops used in regional cuisines.

Specialist Herb Seeds

Specialist varieties may include lovage, sorrel, salad burnet, borage, lemon balm, anise hyssop and other less common culinary and aromatic herbs.

Annual, Biennial and Perennial Herbs

Understanding the life cycle of an herb helps with planting, harvesting and replacement planning.

Life Cycle Examples General Characteristics
Annual herbs Basil, coriander, dill and summer savory Complete their life cycle within one growing season and are usually replanted from seed.
Biennial herbs Parsley and some forms of caraway Generally produce leaves during the first season and flower during the second.
Perennial herbs Thyme, oregano, sage, rosemary, mint and chives Can live and produce for multiple years when the climate and growing conditions are suitable.

Plant life cycle can vary with climate. A herb grown as a perennial in a warm frost-free region may behave as an annual or require winter protection in a colder area.

Choose Herb Seeds by Growing Season

Cool-Season Herbs

These herbs generally establish best during mild to cool weather and may flower prematurely during prolonged heat.

  • Coriander
  • Parsley
  • Dill
  • Chervil
  • Fennel

Warm-Season Herbs

These herbs prefer warm soil and frost-free conditions and may be damaged by cold weather.

  • Sweet basil
  • Thai basil
  • Holy basil
  • Perilla
  • Lemongrass

Planting times vary across Australia. Tropical, subtropical, temperate and cool climates have different sowing windows. Check the individual product page and consider local frost, heat, rainfall and humidity.

Direct Sowing vs Raising Herb Seedlings

Direct Sowing Raising Seedlings
Seed is planted directly into the garden bed, pot or production row. Seed is started in trays or cells before the seedlings are transplanted.
Commonly used for coriander, dill, fennel, chervil and borage. Commonly used for basil, thyme, oregano, sage, parsley and mint.
Reduces transplant disturbance, particularly for herbs with taproots. Provides greater control over temperature, moisture and early pest protection.
Seedlings may be more exposed to weeds, weather and soil pests. Seedlings require careful handling and gradual hardening before planting out.
Thinning may be required after germination. Plants can be positioned at the correct spacing when transplanted.

Growing Herbs in Different Spaces

Kitchen Gardens

Plant frequently used herbs close to the kitchen or outdoor cooking area for convenient harvesting.

Raised Garden Beds

Raised beds provide useful drainage and make it easier to group herbs with similar water and soil requirements.

Pots and Containers

Basil, parsley, thyme, oregano, chives and mint are well suited to containers. Use a pot with adequate drainage and sufficient root space.

Balconies and Courtyards

Compact herbs can grow successfully in small spaces where they receive adequate light and regular watering.

Greenhouses

Protected growing can extend the season for tender herbs, although airflow, heat management and irrigation remain important.

Market Gardens

Commercial growers often select herbs according to regrowth, leaf quality, harvest frequency, customer demand and shelf life.

Packet and Bulk Herb Seeds

Home and Small-Scale Growers

Seed packets suit household herb gardens, container growers and customers trialling unfamiliar varieties.

  • Grow several varieties without purchasing excess seed
  • Suitable for pots, raised beds and kitchen gardens
  • Useful for seasonal and succession sowing
  • Trial specialist herbs before committing more space

Commercial and Frequent Growers

Larger pack sizes can reduce the seed cost per sowing for market gardens, nurseries, restaurants and commercial production.

  • Suitable for repeated sowing programs
  • Lower cost per seed across many varieties
  • Useful for fresh herb, micro herb and nursery production
  • Bulk quantities available for selected herbs

Compare value by seed count and expected plant numbers, not only by pack weight. Fine seeds such as thyme can contain many more seeds per gram than larger seeds such as coriander or fennel.

Herbs for Fresh Leaves, Seed and Flowers

Primary Harvest Examples Growing Considerations
Fresh leaves Basil, parsley, coriander, mint, thyme and chives Regular cutting encourages continued leaf production in many varieties.
Seeds Coriander, dill, fennel, cumin and caraway Plants must be allowed to flower and mature fully before dry seed is collected.
Flowers Borage, dill, chives, fennel and basil Flowers may be grown for culinary presentation, pollinators or seed production, depending on the variety and intended use.
Roots Root parsley, coriander and lovage Require suitable soil depth and minimal root disturbance.

Important Considerations for Commercial Herb Growers

Commercial herb production requires varieties suited to the market, climate, harvest method and production system. Seed price alone does not determine crop profitability.

Germination and Establishment

Reliable emergence helps reduce gaps, uneven crop development and the need for resowing.

Growth Habit

Compactness, branching, stem length and regrowth affect harvest methods and plant density.

Leaf Quality

Colour, flavour, leaf size, tenderness and appearance influence suitability for fresh retail and food-service markets.

Bolting Resistance

Coriander, dill, parsley and other herbs may flower quickly under unsuitable temperatures or day lengths.

Harvest Frequency

Varieties differ in regrowth speed and the number of commercially useful cuts they can produce.

Supply Planning

Specialist and imported herb varieties may have variable availability. Trial alternatives and plan seed requirements in advance.

Trial new herb varieties before using them at commercial scale. Performance can vary with climate, season, planting density, irrigation and harvest method.

General Herb Seed Sowing Method

  1. Select the correct season.
    Match the herb to local temperature, frost risk and expected growing conditions.
  2. Prepare a fine, well-drained growing medium.
    Remove large clods and undecomposed material that may interfere with small-seed germination.
  3. Sow at the recommended depth.
    Many herb seeds are fine and require shallow sowing. Some varieties germinate best with only a light covering.
  4. Maintain even moisture.
    Keep the seedbed moist without waterlogging. Fine seeds can dry quickly during germination.
  5. Provide suitable temperature.
    Warm-season herbs such as basil need warmer conditions, while coriander and chervil often establish better in cooler weather.
  6. Thin or transplant carefully.
    Allow enough space for airflow, branching and mature plant development.
  7. Protect young seedlings.
    Monitor for snails, slugs, insects, birds, wind and intense heat.
  8. Harvest regularly.
    Frequent cutting can encourage branching and delay flowering in many leafy herbs.
  9. Use succession sowing.
    Repeat sowings are useful for short-lived herbs such as coriander and dill.
  10. Allow selected plants to flower when required.
    Plants intended for seed production or flowers must be left to mature beyond the usual leaf-harvest stage.

Germination time, sowing depth and spacing vary by variety. Follow the individual product instructions and adjust for your climate, growing medium and production method.

Check the Seed Treatment Status

Many herb seeds are supplied untreated, but treatment status may vary by variety and seed lot. Always check the individual product page before ordering or using seed for a particular purpose.

Untreated Seed

Untreated seed has not received a chemical seed treatment. Product pages identify the current treatment status where information is available.

Treated Seed

Treated seed must not be consumed, used for sprouting or fed to animals. Follow all warnings shown on the product page and packaging.

Seed Lot Changes

Treatment status, germination and country of origin can change when a new seed lot is received.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which herbs are easiest to grow from seed?

Basil, coriander, dill, parsley and chives are popular starting points. The easiest variety will depend on the season, temperature, sunlight and watering conditions.

When should I plant herb seeds in Australia?

Planting time depends on the herb and climate zone. Warm-season herbs such as basil are generally planted in warm, frost-free conditions, while coriander, parsley and dill often perform better during cooler weather.

How deep should herb seeds be planted?

Sowing depth varies by seed size. Fine seeds are generally sown shallowly, while larger seeds such as coriander and fennel may be covered more deeply. Follow the product instructions for the individual variety.

How long do herb seeds take to germinate?

Some herbs germinate within approximately one to two weeks, while slower varieties such as parsley, thyme and rosemary may take longer. Temperature and moisture have a major effect on germination time.

Why are my herb seeds not germinating?

Common causes include unsuitable temperature, planting too deeply, drying out, waterlogging, old seed, soil crusting and poor contact between the seed and growing medium.

Can herbs be grown in pots?

Yes. Basil, parsley, chives, thyme, oregano, mint and many other herbs grow well in containers. Choose an appropriate pot size and provide adequate drainage, light and water.

Which herbs should be direct sown?

Coriander, dill, fennel and chervil are commonly direct sown because they can develop taproots and may dislike transplanting.

Which herbs can be started in seed trays?

Basil, parsley, thyme, oregano, sage, mint and many perennial herbs can be raised in trays before transplanting.

How often should I sow coriander?

Coriander is commonly sown in smaller batches at regular intervals because plants may flower quickly, particularly in warm weather.

What is the difference between Thai basil and holy basil?

Thai basil and holy basil are different basil types with distinct flavours, appearances and culinary uses. Check the botanical name and variety description when selecting seed.

Are herb seeds suitable for microgreens?

Some herbs, including basil, coriander and dill, can be grown as microgreens. Check that the seed is untreated and review the product description before growing it for consumption at the seedling stage.

Can I save seed from herb plants?

Seed can be saved from suitable open-pollinated varieties when plants are allowed to flower and mature fully. Cross-pollination and seed purity should be considered if maintaining a particular variety.

How long do herb seeds remain viable?

Seed longevity varies by species and storage conditions. Store seed in a cool, dry and stable environment away from moisture, heat and direct sunlight.

Are all Seedmart herb seeds untreated?

Many are untreated, but treatment status can vary by crop and seed lot. Always review the current product page before ordering.

Are herb seeds non-GMO?

Seedmart does not knowingly supply genetically modified herb seed. Hybrid seed, where offered, is not the same as genetically modified seed.

Herb seeds for Australian growers

Grow Culinary and Aromatic Herbs from Seed

Seedmart supplies herb seeds for kitchen gardens, raised beds, containers, market gardens, restaurants, nurseries and commercial production. Choose from familiar culinary herbs, Asian varieties, heirloom selections and specialist crops.

Review the individual product pages for current pack sizes, treatment status, sowing guidance and variety-specific growing information before ordering.