A “Tropical Summer” Herb Garden
Tropical South Florida is a uniquely beautiful region. All year the sun shines warmly on a greenly lush landscape brilliantly colored by the flowers that gave our state its name. Many gardeners, however, are frustrated by their struggles to grow familiar vegetables and herbs in heat and humidity that is barely interrupted by a tropical winter. As they have learned, most growing guides are written for the temperate regions and are of limited use in our sub-tropical and tropical climate.
I believe many of these frustrated gardeners (of which I am one) would benefit from a better appreciation of the beautiful and useful plants that are natives or happy immigrants in the Sunshine State. In creating a garden plan for medicinal (and often also culinary) herbs, I have sought to do just this. Although many familiar herbs, such as chamomile or horehound, can be grown as winter annuals in South Florida, my intention now is to emphasize medicinal herbs and spices that will thrive here through the summer. Perhaps the herb guide I have outlined below will be your introduction to exciting exotics like delicious lemongrass or the spectacular passionflower.
The plants were chosen for a garden in Zone 10. Two are listed by the USDA as extending only as far as Zone 9, but Florida is an ideal place to take advantage of micro-climates—small areas of variation from the predominant climate. Passionflower, for example, has a range of 6-9, but I have personal experience with a vine thriving farther south. Evaluate soil, water, light exposure, and wind exposure to discover whether an area of your garden is suitable for plants not typical to your region.
A number of the herbs are native to Florida or to its climate. Others are at home in the temperate regions, but grow well near the equator with adapted care. The instructions for light exposure, particularly, have been evaluated for the South Floridian climate, with cross-referencing in books and databases specific to the state. Herbs that grow best in full sun in temperate climates, for example, may benefit from the protection of partial shade in South Florida.
Although my herb guide outlines growing basics, I recommend further reading. See the “Selected Bibliography” for a brief list of helpful guides and online databases. You can also contact the UF/IFAS Extension for information about Florida agriculture, such as soil amendments and pest control. You might also attend a gardening class or workshop at a local school or botanical center.
My hope is that this guide for a “Tropical Summer” herb garden will be for you a starting point for a rewarding lifetime of gardening and natural healing in South Florida. This beautiful place has so much to offer!
Disclaimer: The herb guide is a summary of personal research shared for educational purposes only and not intended to diagnose or prescribe for any illness. If you are experiencing symptoms that concern you, please consult your healthcare provider. The herb guide is not intended as a guide to the identification or use of any of these plants. Please do not use herbs without an understanding of their proper application and potential toxicity.
A L O E
USDA Zones 8-11 Sandy, well-drained soil
Full to partial sun Drought tolerant
Aloe vera is also known as medicinal aloe, Barbados aloe, or simply as aloe. Although it is believed to have originated in northern Africa, aloe vera readily established itself in the Florida Keys. Propagation is from offset “pups” which must be divided from the mother plant periodically. It is very easy to grow in South Florida, as a potted plant or directly in the ground, and requires virtually no maintenance. The gelatinous sap from its fleshy leaves is popularly used to soothe and heal minor burns and scrapes.
Photograph above: This young aloe “pup” readily established itself after division from the mother plant in my South Florida garden
B A S I L
USDA Zones 4-10 Sandy, well-drained soil
Full to partial sun Regular moisture
The common basil, Ocimum basilicum, grows well as an annual in South Florida, but a variety known as Thai basil (Ocimum basolicum var. thyrsiflora) thrives like a perennial through our hot and humid summers. The spear-like leaves growing on purple stems have a spicy, sweet flavor with a hint of licorice. Propagation is from seed; sow in March. The mature leaves of the Thai basil are used as seasoning or used in medicinal teas for their immunostimulant properties.
Photograph above: A pot of Ocimum basilica bolts in the summer heat in my South Florida garden.
B I T T E R M E L O N
USDA Zones 10-11 Sandy, well-drained soil
Full sun Regular moisture
Momordica charantia is also know as bitter melon, bitter gourd, or balsam pear. Propagation is from seed. This vigorous, strong-smelling vine is a relative newcomer to Florida, but is already considered a serious crop weed here. The cooked green fruit and cooked, drained leaves are eaten as a rich source of minerals and vitamins; and the flowers are used as seasoning during cooking; the ripe fruit pulp can be enjoyed raw. Bitter melon is being investigated as a natural treatment of diabetes, but should not be eaten by diabetics as it may lower blood sugar too effectively. Bitter melon may cause reduced fertility. Do not eat bitter melon during pregnancy. The ripe or ripening fruit is highly toxic.
C A R D A M O M
USDA Zones 10-12 Rich, loamy soil
Filtered shade Keep roots continually wet
Eletarria cardamomum, known as cardamom, is a relative of ginger. Propagation is from division of the rhizome. This valuable spice thrives in South Florida, and will flower and fruit only in such tropical conditions as we enjoy here. In fact, the plant can grow as tall as 6’-12’ in these ideal conditions. The long, silky leaves are deep green and spicily scented. The fragrant flowers are followed by seed pods that are harvested just before ripe. The seeds are stored in the pod until needed, and can be chewed to improve appetite, relive indigestion, or eliminate bad breath.
C A Y E N N E
USDA Zones 5-12 Loamy soil
Full sun Regular moisture
Capsicum anuum, or cayenne pepper, is known for producing bright red, pungent fruit used in cooking and medicine. Propagation is from seed. The elongated fruit is harvested when it has ripened to a deep red. The fruit is dried and used medicinally as an analgesic, immunostimulant, and anti-inflammatory.
C L O V E S
USDA Zones 10-11 Rich, loamy soil
Partial shade Regular moisture
The dried flower bud of Caryophyllus aromaticum is the familiar spice we use to season hams and desserts. Cloves are a tropical evergreen that will thrive in South Florida as a landscape shrub or small tree. Propagation is from seed or cutting. Cloves are slow-growing; it may be as long as twenty years before the tree will produce buds. The unopened flower buds are dried and used as seasoning or as herbal medicine. They are used as a dental analgesic as well as for antiseptic and anti-fungal properties.
E L D E R
USDA Zones 3-11 Loamy soil
Full to medium sun Semi-drought tolerant
The species of elder found in South Florida is Sambucus simpsonii, a species that produces the edible black berries. The Sambucus simpsonii is native to the state of Florida and so easy to grow it is sometimes considered a weed.Propagation is from seed or offset. In South Florida, this tall shrub is evergreen and ever-bearing. The ripe berries are used in wines, pies, and jellies and in medicinal honeys used to prevent illness and to sooth sore throats.
G I N G E R
USDA Zones 8-12 Rich, well-drained soil Light to medium shade Regular moisture
Zingiber officinale, the popular cooking ginger, is a rapidly-spreading tropical plant that grows well throughout the state of Florida. Propagation is from division of the rhizome; plant in early spring. The rhizome is harvested after three months for seasoning and for medicine. Ginger root is prized as an effective treatment against nausea.
G O T U K O L A
USDA Zones 7-11 Wetland
Full to partial sun Keep roots continually wet
Centella asiatica is commonly known as gotu kola or coinwort. Gotu kola thrives as a perennial lawn weed in South Florida during the rainy season. Propagation is from seed or offset; because it spreads rapidly under damp conditions, it may be best to confine the plant to a container. The dried leaves of gotu kola are primarily used in topical preparations to improve wound healing. Gotu kola can be toxic when ingested in large amounts.
L E M O N G R A S S
USDA Zones 10-11 Fertile loam
Full to partial sun Regular moisture
Cymbopogon citratus, or lemongrass, is a Thai seasoning staple becoming more popular in the United States. Propagation is usually from a side shoot. Lemongrass is an easy tropical perennial that thrives in South Florida’s hot summers (and will help keep the mosquitoes at bay). The aromatic, grass-like blades are sharply serrated. The tender inner leaf-stalks are harvested and used as seasoning and as medicine. Lemongrass is also known as fever grass, and a tea prepared from the fresh or dried leaves is used to lower children’s fevers.
M A R S H M A L L O W
USDA Zones 4-9 Wetland
Full sun Keep roots continually wet
Hibiscus laevis is known as marshmallow, rose mallow, or halberdleaf mallow. Propagation is from seed or root division. This wetland hibiscus is a native to the state of Florida, and the showy flowers attract numerous butterflies. The root is prized as a demulcent and emollient, soothing pain and inflammation of the skin or mucosa.
Photograph above: I photographed this wild stand of marshmallow on the Gobbler Ridge Trail at Lake Kissimmee State Park.
P A S S I O N F L O W E R
USDA Zones 6-9 Mulch, feed lightly
Full to partial sun Light moisture
Passiflora incarnata is also known as maypop or apricot vine. Propagation is from seed or cutting. This vigorous woody vine thrives throughout the state of Florida, and is even considered a serious weed in some areas. Provide support for vines that may grow as long as 30’. Flowering is improved by regular pruning and light feeding. The spectacular flowers are followed by fruits that are edible when ripe and are said to taste similar to guava. Passionflower is a respected sedative; a tea or bath made with the fresh or dried aerial parts soothes nervous restlessness and promotes sleep.
P E P P E R M I N T
USDA Zones 5-11 Sandy soil
Light shade Frequent watering
Mentha piperita, or peppermint, is a familiar herb. It is propagated most easily from cuttings. Mints grown in South Florida grow best with the protection of light shade, and prefer sandy soils well-worked with compost to a depth of 12”-18”. Because mints spread rapidly by stolons, it may be best to confine the plant to a container. The highly aromatic leaves are used as seasoning or as medicine. The fresh or dried leaves are used to relieve headache, nausea, spasms, and flatulence.
Photograph above: A vigorously-spreading peppermint flowers in my South Florida garden.
R O S E M A R Y
USDA Zones 8-10 Well-drained soil
Full sun Drought tolerant
Rosmarinus officinalis is the traditional herb we know as rosemary. Although native to the Mediterranean, this hardy evergreen will often thrive through South Florida’s humid summers. Propagation is from cuttings. Soil should be well-drained and regularly supplemented with lime. The aromatic, needle-like leaves are used as seasoning and as medicine. It is valued as an spasmolytic and circulatory stimulant.
T U R M E R I C
USDA Zones 7-10 Rich, loamy soil
Full sun to light shade Light moisture
Curcuma longa, familiar to many of us as turmeric, is also known as Indian saffron. Propagation is from division of rhizomes; plant in the autumn. This tropical plant that looks like a tiny banana tree thrives in South Florida’s hot and humid summers. Its small yellow flowers are out-shown by flamboyant pink or purple bracts. Turmeric leaves and rhizome are used for seasoning and coloring food.; the rhizome is respected in herbal medicine as a powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant.
S E L E C T E D B I B L I O G R A P H Y
Eat the Weeds [http://www.eattheweeds.com/]
Floridata [http://www.floridata.com/index.cfm]
Growing 101 Herbs That Heal: Gardening Techniques, Recipes, and Remedies, Tammi Hartung, Medical Herbalist [Storey Publishing, 2000]
Herbs and Spices for Florida Gardens: How to Grow and Enjoy Florida Plants with Special Uses, Monica Moran Brandies [B.B. Mackey Books, 1996]
Uncommon Scents: Growing Herbs and Spices in Florida, Michael Castleman [Bantam Books, August 1995]
Photograph below: Littlest Sister holds a cilantro blossom from our garden. For the maximum flavor of their leaves, most culinary herbs should not be allowed to flower. In the heat of a Florida summer, however, it is difficult to keep the herbs and vegetables from bolting.
Tuesday, August 28, 2012