AnnaMaria
July brings sizzling sunshine, long days, and often, relentless heat — conditions that can wilt even the most dedicated gardener’s hopes. But there’s good news: some herbs absolutely love the heat. In fact, certain culinary and medicinal plants not only survive in hot weather — they thrive, flourishing with bold flavors, fragrant oils, and vibrant leaves. If you’re looking to enjoy fresh herbs straight from your garden or windowsill during the hottest part of the year, this guide is for you.
Growing your own herbs isn’t just about saving money or enhancing flavor in your dishes. It’s a deeply rewarding way to connect with nature, reduce grocery bills, and support your health with real, living plants. And if you choose the right varieties — ones that are heat-tolerant, drought-resilient, and sun-loving — you’ll be harvesting beautiful herbs well into late summer.
Here are 9 of the best herbs to grow in July, plus tips on care, harvesting, and even medicinal uses for each one. These plants are hardy, flavorful, and perfect for anyone who wants to enjoy a thriving herb garden during the hottest months.
1. Basil
No summer herb list would be complete without basil. This warm-weather favorite loves the heat and actually grows faster when the temperatures rise.
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Flavor: Sweet, peppery, and aromatic
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Uses: Pesto, salads, pasta, infused oils
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Care Tips: Water regularly and pinch flower heads to encourage more leafy growth
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Medicinal Note: Basil is anti-inflammatory and supports digestion
Try different varieties like Genovese, Thai, or Purple Basil for diverse flavor profiles and colors in your garden.
2. Rosemary
This Mediterranean shrub is extremely drought-tolerant and thrives in hot, dry climates. Once established, rosemary can grow like a small bush and requires minimal care.
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Flavor: Piney, resinous, earthy
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Uses: Roasted vegetables, meats, herbal teas
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Care Tips: Needs full sun, well-draining soil, and light pruning
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Medicinal Note: Rosemary supports memory, circulation, and hair growth
It’s perfect for containers, borders, or as a fragrant walkway hedge.
3. Thyme
Tiny but mighty, thyme loves warm, sunny conditions and grows low to the ground, making it excellent for rock gardens or as ground cover.
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Flavor: Sharp, earthy, slightly minty
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Uses: Soups, marinades, herbal infusions
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Care Tips: Let the soil dry between waterings and give it full sun
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Medicinal Note: Thyme is antibacterial and excellent for respiratory health
You can dry thyme easily for use in winter or infuse it into oils and vinegars.
4. Oregano
Another Mediterranean herb, oregano thrives in heat and poor soil. In fact, its flavor becomes more intense when grown in tougher conditions.
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Flavor: Bold, spicy, slightly bitter
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Uses: Pizza, pasta sauces, meat rubs
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Care Tips: Water sparingly and harvest often to prevent flowering
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Medicinal Note: Oregano is antimicrobial and supports the immune system
Look for Greek oregano for the most pungent flavor.
5. Sage
Often associated with fall flavors, sage is actually a heat-hardy perennial that thrives in summer sun and dry air.
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Flavor: Warm, savory, slightly peppery
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Uses: Stuffing, stews, teas, infused oils
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Care Tips: Needs full sun and well-draining soil; avoid overwatering
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Medicinal Note: Sage is a natural remedy for sore throats, hot flashes, and memory issues
Sage leaves can be dried and stored long-term without losing their flavor.
6. Mint
While it prefers slightly more water than others on this list, mint still grows vigorously in July heat — often too vigorously. It’s best grown in containers to prevent spreading.
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Flavor: Cool, refreshing, sweet
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Uses: Teas, desserts, salads, summer drinks
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Care Tips: Provide partial shade in extreme heat and water regularly
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Medicinal Note: Mint soothes digestion and headaches
Try varieties like peppermint, spearmint, or even chocolate mint for variety.
7. Lemongrass
This tall, tropical grass loves heat and humidity. Though not a traditional herb in Western gardens, lemongrass is a must-grow if you love Thai or Vietnamese cuisine.
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Flavor: Citrusy, bright, slightly spicy
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Uses: Curries, soups, teas
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Care Tips: Needs full sun and consistent moisture
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Medicinal Note: Lemongrass is antibacterial and supports digestion and detoxification
Harvest the thick stalks near the base and dry or freeze for later use.
8. Mexican Tarragon (Tagetes lucida)
Unlike French tarragon, which wilts in heat, Mexican tarragon thrives in hot climates and offers a similar anise-like flavor.
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Flavor: Sweet, licorice-like
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Uses: Egg dishes, sauces, herbal teas
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Care Tips: Tolerates drought and heat; grows well in pots or beds
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Medicinal Note: Traditionally used for stomachaches and calming nerves
It also produces beautiful yellow flowers that attract pollinators.
9. Holy Basil (Tulsi)
Beloved in Ayurvedic medicine, Tulsi not only tolerates heat—it flourishes in it. It’s a sacred plant in India and is gaining popularity worldwide for its adaptogenic properties.
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Flavor: Spicy, clove-like, slightly sweet
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Uses: Teas, tinctures, cooking, skin infusions
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Care Tips: Needs full sun and regular watering
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Medicinal Note: Tulsi supports stress response, immunity, and respiratory health
Harvest leaves regularly to encourage bushy growth and preserve flavor.
Growing Tips for Herbs in Hot Weather
To help your herbs flourish during hot July days, keep these tips in mind:
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Water Deeply but Infrequently: This encourages roots to grow deeper and makes plants more drought-resilient.
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Mulch: Add straw, wood chips, or grass clippings around the base of herbs to keep soil cool and retain moisture.
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Harvest Often: Frequent trimming encourages new growth and prevents flowering, which can turn leaves bitter.
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Container Gardening: For invasive herbs like mint, use pots. Containers can also be moved to avoid the harshest sun.
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Morning Watering: Water early to reduce evaporation and avoid fungal issues.
Why Growing Herbs Aligns with Barbara O’Neill’s Teachings
Barbara O’Neill is a strong proponent of self-sufficient living, natural remedies, and the powerful synergy between nutrition and healing. She frequently emphasizes growing your own food — even in small spaces — and using herbs both in the kitchen and in healing protocols.
In her teachings, she often shares how herbs like basil, thyme, rosemary, and tulsi not only flavor meals but support the liver, lungs, digestion, and immune system. She encourages people to cultivate these herbs as part of a healthy lifestyle that brings healing from the garden to the plate.
Barbara states:
“Every home should have a garden, even if it’s just a few pots. Herbs are your first line of defense against illness — food and medicine in one.”
Final Thoughts
July doesn’t have to be a death sentence for your herb garden. In fact, it can be the peak of growth for the right heat-tolerant herbs. With a little care and planning, you can enjoy fresh, fragrant, flavorful plants all summer long, turning your backyard or balcony into a living pharmacy.
Whether you’re making tea from holy basil, garnishing meals with mint, or using thyme in homemade remedies, these herbs offer both culinary pleasure and powerful health benefits. Best of all, they’re easy to grow, even under the hot July sun.
Citation from Barbara O’Neill:
“Herbs are God’s medicine — simple, effective, and available to all. When we grow them ourselves, we connect to nature’s healing power in the most direct way.”
