herb growing blog1

The Best Types of Herbs to Grow at Home in Saudi Arabia

Fresh, fragrant, and full of flavor — herbs are the ultimate starter crop for home gardeners in Saudi Arabia. Many herbs thrive in the region’s sun-drenched climate and can be grown in containers, garden beds, or sunny windowsills. Whether you're growing in Jeddah, Riyadh, or Al Khobar, here are our favorite heat-tolerant, beginner-friendly herbs for your Botanvia garden.

Assorted herbs growing in clay pots on a sunny patio

1. 🌿 Basil

'Genovese' basil is a classic choice for pesto and salads, and it grows beautifully in full sun with regular watering. Try heat-tolerant types like 'Thai Basil' or 'Purple Basil' — perfect for Saudi spring and early summer planting. Harvest leaves often to encourage fresh growth.

2. 🌱 Mint

Mint is practically unstoppable — and for that reason, we recommend growing it in a pot to control spreading. Great for tea, cooking, or garnishes, mint varieties like 'Peppermint', 'Spearmint', and 'Moroccan Mint' all grow well in partial sun with regular water.

3. 🌿 Oregano

This Mediterranean herb loves the heat and poor soil — ideal for outdoor gardens in Saudi Arabia. Plant it in full sun and harvest leaves to dry or use fresh in sauces and grilled meats. It also helps repel pests when planted near vegetables.

4. 🌿 Thyme

Perfect for pots or small spaces, thyme is a low-growing herb that thrives in sandy, well-drained soil and full sun. Once established, it’s extremely drought-tolerant and adds earthy flavor to roasted vegetables and meats.

5. 🌿 Dill

Quick to grow and excellent for pickling or seasoning potatoes and fish, dill prefers cooler spring months in Saudi Arabia. Direct sow into garden beds or containers and harvest both the leaves and seeds for culinary use.

6. 🌿 Parsley

Grow flat-leaf or curly parsley in containers or garden beds. Parsley is slightly more tolerant of partial shade and works well alongside other herbs. It's also loved by pollinators and makes a great companion plant.

7. 🌿 Chives

With a mild onion flavor, chives are easy to grow in the garden or indoors on a windowsill. They tolerate heat well and bounce back quickly after cutting. Both the leaves and edible purple flowers can be used in cooking.

8. 🌿 Rosemary

Rosemary is a heat- and drought-tolerant herb that thrives in the Gulf’s climate. It grows best in well-drained soil and full sun — great for garden beds or large containers. Trim regularly to maintain shape and flavor potency.

9. 🌿 Lavender

For fragrance and pollinator appeal, lavender is a showstopper. 'English' and 'Phenomenal' types grow well in Saudi Arabia with excellent drainage and moderate watering. Use it in teas, sachets, or natural skincare.

10. 🌿 Lemon Balm

This lemon-scented herb is great for teas and summer drinks. Plant in partial sun and give regular water. Like mint, lemon balm can spread, so containers are best for easy control.

11. 🌿 Chamomile

Grow 'German' chamomile for gentle white blooms used in herbal teas. It prefers full sun in cooler months. Harvest flowers when they fully open and dry them for year-round relaxation.

12. 🌿 Sage

Sage loves the heat and sandy soil of desert gardens. Ideal for roasted meats and poultry dishes, it also attracts bees and deters pests. Water deeply but infrequently, and give it lots of sun.

Freshly harvested herbs arranged in a bunch on a wooden table

💡 Pro Tip: Start Small & Mix Containers

If you’re just starting your herb garden, try grouping 3–5 herbs with similar light and water needs in a wide container near your kitchen door. Morning sun and afternoon shade work great for most herbs during hot months.

Which Herbs Grow Best Together?

  • Basil + Parsley + Chives: Water-loving companions
  • Rosemary + Oregano + Thyme: Heat- and drought-tolerant trio
  • Mint + Lemon Balm (in separate pots): Great indoors or on patios

Homegrown herbs are a must-have for every garden — adding fragrance, flavor, and function to your space. Start with just a few, and you’ll soon wonder how you ever cooked without them.