South America is home to a diverse range of flavorful and aromatic herbs that have been used for centuries in traditional cuisines and natural remedies. From the zesty notes of cilantro to the minty freshness of huacatay, growing these South American homegrown herbs at can enhance your cooking while also promoting health and wellbeing. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the many benefits of cultivating South American herbs in your own garden or containers.
Why You Should Grow South American Homegrown Herbs
There are many excellent reasons to grow South American herbs right in your own backyard or windowsill pots. Here are some of the top benefits:
- Access to Fresh, Vibrant Flavors: Growing your own herbs gives you a readily available source of fresh leaves and seeds to elevate your cooking. South American herbs like cilantro, parsley and oregano add a burst of flavor and aroma to various dishes.
- Create Authentic Ethnic Cuisines: With homegrown herbs like huacatay, Brazilian parsley and Cuban oregano, you can add authentic touches to recipes from Peruvian, Brazilian and Cuban cuisines.
- Promote Relaxation and Wellness: Herbs like lemongrass, passionflower and chamomile have therapeutic and relaxing properties when consumed as teas or used in aromatherapy.
- Grow Plants Suited to Your Climate: Many South American herbs thrive in warm, humid climates like the Southern United States, so they are easier to grow than herbs from other regions.
- Simple Cultivation for Beginners: Most popular herbs like thyme, basil and mint are quite easy to grow even for novice gardeners. South American herbs are great for those new to gardening.
- Add Ornamental Beauty: South American herbs like colorful coleus varieties and flowering passionflower vines can brighten up your landscape with their attractive foliage and blooms.
- Enhance Pollinator Habitats: Bees, butterflies and hummingbirds are attracted to the nectar-rich blooms of herbs like lavender, sage, and thyme.
- Economical and Sustainable: Growing your own South American herbs saves money and reduces your carbon footprint compared to purchasing herbs that may be shipped long distances.
- Provide Year-Round Access: You can grow South American herbs indoors in pots during colder months to enjoy their benefits all year long.
Essential South American Herbs to Grow at Home
South America is home to a diverse collection of delicious and beneficial herbs. Here are some of the top varieties you may want to cultivate in your herb garden:
Cilantro
This fast-growing annual herb has fragrant, lacy green leaves that impart a fresh, citrusy flavor. All parts of the cilantro plant are edible. It’s popular in salsa, guacamole, curries and many other cuisines. Cilantro thrives in moist, well-drained soil and full sun. It can be grown from seeds sown directly in the garden.
Oregano
A perennial herb, oregano has a robust, earthy flavor. Two types commonly used in South American cooking are Cuban and Mexican oregano, which belong to different species than Mediterranean oregano. Cuban oregano has fleshy leaves, while Mexican oregano has purple flowers and narrow leaves. Both thrive in hot, sunny conditions.
Parsley
A versatile biennial herb, parsley comes in several varieties. Curly leaf parsley is the most common, while Brazilian parsley has pointy leaves and a strong flavor. Parsley tastes best when grown in rich soil and harvested regularly before flowering. It can be used fresh or dried.
Rosemary
This aromatic woody perennial has needle-like leaves and a minty, piney taste. Upright rosemary varieties are native to parts of South America. Rosemary needs well-drained soil and prefers hot, coastal climates similar to Mediterranean regions. Use rosemary to flavor roasted meats, soups and breads.
Chamomile
This calming herb thrives in cool conditions and light shade. German chamomile and Roman chamomile are variants that can be used for tea, skincare and aromatherapy. The daisy-like flowers contain healing compounds like chamazulene and alpha-bisabolol. Chamomile makes a lovely, low-growing groundcover.
Lemongrass
A tropical perennial herb, lemongrass has long, thin leaves and woody stalks with a potent lemon flavor. It grows in clumps in rich, moist soil and needs warm temperatures. Use lemongrass for tea, soups, marinades and stir fries. Lemongrass also has medicinal benefits.
Mint
Spearmint and peppermint are cooling perennial herbs that grow vigorously in moist soil and partial shade. They are widely used for culinary purposes, teas, breath fresheners and aromatherapy. Contain mint in pots to prevent it from spreading rampantly. Try pineapple mint for a fruity twist.
Lavender
This aromatic flowering shrub thrives in hot, dry conditions. English lavender and Spanish lavender varieties add scent and color to gardens and provide flowers used in sachets and aromatherapy. The relaxing compounds in lavender can also be used topically or as a tea.
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is a succulent perennial plant composed of thick, fleshy leaves. The gel inside the leaves is renowned for its skin healing, anti-inflammatory and soothing properties. Aloe vera thrives in bright, indirect light and dry soil. Use the gel to make skin creams, smoothies, juices and hair masks.
Basil
A tender annual herb, basil comes in many varieties. Sweet basil, lemon basil, Thai basil and holy basil are popular types that give an aromatic accent to foods like pesto, salads, pizzas and pasta dishes. Plant basil from seedlings in fertile, well-drained soil after any danger of frost. Pinch off flower heads to prolong leaf production.
Step-by-Step Guide to Growing South American Herbs
Growing flavorful South American homegrown herbs is easy and rewarding with proper care. Follow these guidelines for success:
Choose a Sunny Location
Most herbs need a minimum of 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. Choose a spot that receives sun for most of the day, such as a vegetable garden bed, a sunny windowsill, or a balcony or patio.
Prepare the Soil
Herbs thrive in well-draining, nutrient-rich soil. Remove weeds, till compost or fertilizer into garden beds, or fill containers with a quality potting mix.
Select Varieties Suited to Your Climate
Research which South American herbs grow best in your particular region’s temperatures, humidity and rainfall before purchasing seeds or plants.
Start Seeds or Use Seedlings
You can start herbs like cilantro, basil and parsley from seed sown directly in the garden after the last frost. Or plant young seedlings from a nursery for a head start on growth.
Follow Planting Instructions
Refer to seed packets or plant tags for the proper planting depth, spacing needed between plants and ideal growing conditions.
Water Thoroughly and Often
Most herbs require at least 1 inch of water per week from rain or irrigation. Water more frequently in very hot weather. Allow soil to dry slightly between waterings.
Apply Organic Fertilizer Occasionally
Herbs grow best with lean soil. Use an organic vegetable fertilizer once or twice during the growing season to provide nutrients.
Prune Herbs Regularly
Snip off flower buds to prolong leaf production. Prune woody herbs like rosemary lightly to shape plants and remove dead branches.
Harvest Herbs Frequently
Snip off leaves, shoots and flowers regularly. This encourages more growth. Handle herbs gently to avoid bruising.
Store Herbs Properly
Either use herbs immediately, preserve by drying or freezing, or keep them on the stem in water in the refrigerator.
Creative Ways to Use Fresh South American Homegrown Herbs
Once your South American herbs reach their harvestable stage, you’ll want to use their vibrant flavors and aromas in your cooking, natural remedies and beauty routines. Here are some suggested uses for common herbs:
| Herb | Culinary Uses | Medicinal and Lifestyle Uses |
|---|---|---|
| Cilantro | Salsas, guacamole, Thai curries, chimichurri sauce, garnishes | Helps remove heavy metals from the body |
| Oregano | Pizza, pasta sauce, chili, barbecue sauce, meat rubs | Contains antibacterial compounds |
| Parsley | Salads, tabbouleh, roasted vegetables, egg dishes, sauces | Fresh breath, diuretic |
| Mint | Tea, juleps, mojitos, fruit salads, mint sauce | Aids digestion, calms nausea |
| Lavender | Baked goods, syrups, beverages | Relieves anxiety and insomnia |
| Lemongrass | Soups, stir fries, marinades, curry pastes | Lowers cholesterol, anti-inflammatory |
| Chamomile | Tea, tinctures, bath products | Relieves muscle spasms, skin soother |
| Aloe Vera | Smoothies, juices, desserts | Heals burns, scrapes, and skin irritations |
| Basil | Pesto, Caprese salad, pizza, pasta, dressings | Antibacterial and anti-inflammatory |
Get creative with combinations of South American herbs to make pestos, herb butters, syrups, marinades and spice rubs. Infuse olive oil or vinegar with herbs for enhanced flavor. Craft refreshing teas and cocktails showcasing your homegrown herbs.
Simple Tips for Drying and Preserving South American Herbs
One of the advantages of growing South American herbs is harvesting their flavorful leaves and flowers at the peak of freshness. But herbs are ephemeral, so proper drying and storage is key. Here are some suggestions:
- Air Drying: Tie stems together and hang South American herbs upside down in a warm, dry spot out of sunlight. Leaves will dry in 1-2 weeks. Crumble leaves off stems and store in airtight containers.
- Dehydrating: Use a food dehydrator or low oven to dry South American herb leaves quickly at around 95°F while retaining flavor and nutrients.
- Freezing: Blanch South American herbs briefly in boiling water, cool, pat dry and freeze leaves in ice cube trays with water or oil. Frozen cubes can be popped right into recipes.
- Vinegar or Oil Infusion: Add fresh South American herb sprigs or dried herbs to bottles of vinegar or oil. Infuse for 2-3 weeks before straining out herbs. Use to create flavored vinegars and oils.
- Sugar or Salt Mixtures: Mix fresh chopped South American herbs into sugar or salt to add flavor. Try combinations like rosemary sea salt or lemon balm sugar.
- Butters and Pestos: Purée South American herbs with softened butter or quality oils to make compound butters, pestos and herb pastes that freeze well for months.
Proper drying and storage keeps South American herbs fresh for use all year long. Experiment with various preservation methods to find your favorites.
Designing a Herb Garden with South American Plants
Growing an herb garden with South American plants allows you to explore exotic species while designing an aesthetically pleasing outdoor space. Follow these tips when planning your garden:
- Choose a site with at least 6 hours of sunlight and proximity to your kitchen for easy harvesting.
- Prepare raised beds with rich potting soil for good drainage.
- Group South American herbs according to water and light needs, such as sun-loving plants together.
- Allow enough space between plants for them to reach their mature sizes.
- Include ornamental South American herbs like borage for edible flowers.
- Plant taller South American herbs like fennel and dill towards the back as backdrop plants.
- Use South American herbs with purple hues like purple basil for visual interest.
- Accompany South American herbs with pollinator-attracting flowers like cosmos, zinnias or bee balm.
- Edge beds with South American herbs like rosemary, thyme or chamomile as decorative borders.
- Mulch beds to help retain soil moisture and prevent weeds.
- Add supports and trellises for vining South American plants like passionflower.
- Include paths, benches and decorative features for an inviting space.
With creativity and sound horticultural practices, you can design a thriving and productive herb garden using South American plants adapted to your growing conditions.
Growing Tips for Popular South American Herbs
To help you get started with cultivating flavorful herbs from South America, here are some useful growing tips for several popular varieties:
Cilantro
- Grow from seeds sown directly in loose, fertile soil after danger of frost
- Needs full sun
- Keep soil consistently moist for fast growth
- Harvest leaves when they reach 3-4 inches tall
- Bolts quickly in heat, best as a cool season crop
Oregano
- Grow from nursery starts or take cuttings from established plants
- Needs very well-drained soil and at least 6 hours of sun
- Allow soil to dry out between waterings
- Prune lightly in spring to maintain shape
- Harvest leaves before plants flower for best flavor
Mint
- Plant from nursery starts or root cuttings in water before planting
- Grows well in partial shade to full sun
- Require consistently moist soil – don’t let mint dry out
- Grow in containers to prevent aggressive spreading
- Cut off flower spikes to prolong harvest season
Chamomile
- Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before last frost date
- Grow in partial shade or afternoon sun
- Keep soil moist but not waterlogged
- Harvest flowers when fully open by pinching off stems
- Dries easily for tea – dry flowers on racks out of sunlight
Parsley
- Soak seeds overnight before planting 1⁄4 inch deep
- Grow in rich, moist soil in part shade
- Thin seedlings to 6 inches apart
- Keep soil consistently moist for best growth
- Cut outer stems 2 inches above soil to harvest leaves
Lavender
- Start from nursery plants suited to your climate
- Needs very well-drained sandy or loamy soil
- Full sun is ideal – at least 6 hours per day
- Allow soil to dry between waterings
- Prune annually to shape plants and promote blooms
Aloe Vera
- Plant from offsets or pups from a mature plant
- Well-draining potting mix or cactus mix is best
- Bright, indirect light is ideal – avoid full sun
- Water deeply but allow soil to fully dry before re-watering
- Harvest outer leaves as needed by cutting at the base
Follow the specific care guidelines for each variety you want to cultivate for optimal growth and flavor. With a bit of attention to their ideal conditions, South American herbs will thrive!
Incorporate New Flavours With South American Homegrown Herbs
South American herbs offer an enticing way to incorporate new flavors and healing benefits into your meals, DIY health and beauty routines, and gardening landscape. Cultivating a selection of herbs from this region provides you with your own gourmet spices, medicinal ingredients and aromatic accents. Even beginners can master growing tasty cilantro, mint, lavender and other hardy herbs with proper care. With the variety of South American plants that thrive in warm, sunny environments, every gardener can appreciate these exotic botanicals. Start exploring the wonderful world of South American homegrown herbs this season to enhance your cooking, wellness practices and garden design.
