Chef’s Specialty Assortment – Asian Herb Garden

Chef’s Specialty Assortment – Asian Herb Garden

• Growing Temp 65°F – 80°F

• Days to Maturity 30-90 days

Ease of Cultivation and Culinary Use: The Chef’s Specialty Assortment for an Asian Herb Garden offers a diverse selection of flavorful herbs that are essential in Asian cuisine. This assortment includes popular varieties such as basil, cilantro, mint, and lemongrass, which are relatively easy to grow, making them perfect for both novice and seasoned gardeners. These herbs enhance dishes like stir-fries, soups, and salads, providing fresh and vibrant flavors that are signature to many Asian recipes.

Direct Sowing: For direct sowing, plant the herb seeds outdoors after the last frost in rich, well-drained soil. Depending on the herb variety, sow seeds at a depth of ¼ to ½ inch, spacing them according to their specific needs, generally 6-12 inches apart in rows that are 18 inches apart. Germination times will vary among the different herbs, typically occurring within 7–14 days. Keep the soil consistently moist to support healthy growth, and ensure the plants receive plenty of sunlight, ideally 6-8 hours a day.

Early Sowing for Seedlings: To start early, sow herb seeds indoors 4–8 weeks before the last expected frost. Use seedling trays filled with a quality potting mix, lightly pressing the seeds into the soil. Maintain a temperature around 70°F for optimal germination. Once the seedlings have developed two sets of true leaves and the threat of frost has passed, transplant them outdoors, spacing them as per each herb’s requirements to allow for healthy growth.

Harvesting: To determine when the herbs in the Chef’s Specialty Assortment are ready for harvest, look for robust, vibrant leaves that are fully formed and aromatic. Most herbs can be harvested as soon as they reach a sufficient size, usually within 30-90 days, depending on the variety. For the best flavor, harvest leaves in the morning after the dew has dried but before the sun is at its peak. Snip the leaves or stems as needed, promoting ongoing growth and encouraging the plants to produce more leaves throughout the season.