Five Herbs for Your Tea Plot

Many herbs make excellent teas; we grew the following in Sunset's test garden. Most prefer full sun and well-drained soil (in hot climates, give mint some shade). Buy plants in 3-inch pots.

• Anise hyssop (Agastache foeniculum) – Light licorice flavor; attracts bees and hummingbirds. Zones a3, 1–24.
• Bee balm (Monarda didyma) – Citrusy flavor (orange and lemon). Zones a2, a3, 1–11, 14–17.
• Chamomile – We planted ornamental chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile), a perennial, but German chamomile (Matricaria recutita), an annual, makes better tea. Zones 2–24.
• Lemon grass (Cymbopogon citratus) – Tropical perennial grass with zesty lemon flavor. Zones 12, 13, 16, 17, 23, 24, h1, h2.
• Mint (Mentha) – Most members make good teas. We grew peppermint (M. x piperita) and orange mint (M. x p. citrata); spearmint and 'Chocolate Mint' are tasty too. Zones a2, a3, 1–24.

Mail-order source for herbs: www.mountainvalleygrowers.com or 559/338-2775.

Making Tea

Add boiling water to chosen leaves. Start with 2 tsp fresh herb per 6-oz cup. Steep 5–10 minutes. For stronger flavor, increase herb amount.

Related articles: Nine indispensable herbs; Raised-box herb garden.