Winter can be a challenging season for gardeners, but not all herbs need to be packed away when the cold weather arrives. Some cold-hardy herbs can survive and even thrive in frosty conditions, providing fresh flavor, medicinal benefits, and aromatic beauty all year long.

If you want to grow herbs that withstand winter and continue enjoying their benefits despite freezing temperatures, this guide is for you!

Let’s explore some of the best cold-hardy herbs, how to care for them in winter, and why they are great additions to any garden.

What Makes an Herb Cold-Hardy?

Cold-hardy herbs are those that:

✅ Can survive frost and freezing temperatures without dying.
✅ Go dormant in winter but regrow in spring (perennials).
✅ Have strong root systems and tough leaves that resist cold damage.

These herbs are ideal for gardeners in colder climates who want to maintain a fresh supply of herbs year-round.

The Best Cold-Hardy Herbs That Survive Winter

🌿 Herbaceous Cold-Hardy Herbs

These non-woody herbs die back to the ground in winter but regrow from their roots in spring.

1. Echinacea (Coneflower) – The Immune-Boosting Powerhouse

Why it’s great:
✅ Strengthens the immune system and fights colds.
✅ Grows easily and returns every spring.
✅ Attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies.

Winter Care:
✔️ Trim dead stems in late fall to encourage spring regrowth.
✔️ Mulch around the base to protect roots from deep freezes.

2. Borage – The Edible Blue Beauty

Why it’s great:
✅ Cold-resistant and self-seeding, making it easy to regrow.
✅ Leaves and flowers are edible, rich in omega-6 fatty acids.
✅ Helps improve soil health and attracts beneficial insects.

Winter Care:
✔️ If you live in an extremely cold climate, add mulch to insulate the roots.
✔️ Let borage self-seed in fall, and it will return naturally in spring.

3. Yarrow – A Healing Herb for Skin & Circulation

Why it’s great:
✅ Known for its medicinal properties, including wound healing and blood circulation support.
✅ Extremely resilient to cold, heat, and drought.
✅ Attracts beneficial insects and improves soil quality.

Winter Care:
✔️ Cut back dead stems in late fall.
✔️ Mulch lightly for insulation, though it often survives without extra care.

🌿 Woody Cold-Hardy Herbs

These herbs have woody stems that stay intact through winter, making them more resilient to cold temperatures.

4. Lavender – The Stress-Relief Champion

Why it’s great:
✅ Extremely hardy, with varieties surviving temperatures as low as -20°F (-29°C).
✅ Provides year-round fragrance and repels pests.
✅ Helps with relaxation, stress relief, and sleep.

Winter Care:
✔️ Choose cold-hardy varieties like English lavender (Lavandula angustifolia).
✔️ Prune lightly in fall to keep it compact and prevent winter damage.

5. Sage – The Antioxidant-Rich Culinary Staple

Why it’s great:
✅ Stays semi-evergreen in winter, meaning some leaves remain.
✅ Packed with antioxidants, supports digestion, and fights inflammation.
✅ Hardy in cold climates, often surviving below freezing.

Winter Care:
✔️ Mulch around the roots to protect them from extreme cold.
✔️ Avoid overwatering, as sage prefers dry soil in winter.

6. Hyssop – The Ancient Medicinal Herb

Why it’s great:
✅ Known for its respiratory benefits, often used in teas for colds and coughs.
✅ Beautiful purple flowers attract pollinators in the warmer months.
✅ Can survive harsh winters and regrow in spring.

Winter Care:
✔️ Trim back stems after the first frost to help it regrow stronger in spring.
✔️ Add a layer of mulch for added protection.

🌿 Evergreen Cold-Hardy Herbs

These herbs retain their leaves all year, making them excellent choices for winter gardening and fresh cooking even in colder months.

7. Rosemary – The Fragrant Memory Booster

Why it’s great:
✅ Retains leaves all winter, providing fresh herbs year-round.
✅ Improves memory and concentration while supporting digestion.
✅ Adds a wonderful aroma to winter stews, soups, and teas.

Winter Care:
✔️ If your area has harsh winters, plant rosemary in pots and bring it indoors.
✔️ Keep in a sunny window or a greenhouse for best growth.

8. Thyme – The Immune-Boosting Antimicrobial Herb

Why it’s great:
✅ Antibacterial, antifungal, and immune-boosting properties.
✅ Survives freezing temperatures and snow without damage.
✅ Versatile for cooking, teas, and medicinal uses.

Winter Care:
✔️ Thyme is extremely hardy, needing little winter protection.
✔️ Trim lightly in early spring to encourage new growth.

9. Oregano – The Antiviral & Antibacterial Herb

Why it’s great:
✅ Supports immune function and fights colds.
✅ Rich in antioxidants and antimicrobial compounds.
✅ Grows well year-round, especially in mild winters.

Winter Care:
✔️ Survives mild winters but may go dormant in extreme cold.
✔️ Add mulch for extra protection if temperatures drop significantly.

Tips for Protecting Cold-Hardy Herbs in Winter

Even though these herbs are tough enough to survive the cold, a few extra steps can help them thrive year-round:

✅ Mulch Around the Roots: A layer of mulch protects roots from freezing.
✅ Water Sparingly: Cold-hardy herbs need less water in winter to prevent root rot.
✅ Trim & Prune: Cut back dead stems to encourage new spring growth.
✅ Use Row Covers or Cold Frames: These protect herbs from heavy snow and frost.
✅ Grow in Pots & Move Indoors: If you live in an extremely cold area, consider bringing herbs like rosemary inside for the winter.

Final Thoughts: Why You Should Grow Cold-Hardy Herbs

Gardening doesn’t have to stop when winter arrives! With these cold-resistant herbs, you can enjoy:

🌱 Fresh herbs for cooking and teas all year.
🌱 Natural medicinal benefits to fight colds, flu, and stress.
🌱 Low-maintenance plants that survive harsh conditions.

Whether you grow them outdoors or in pots, these winter-friendly herbs will keep your home stocked with fresh, flavorful, and healing plants no matter the season.