There's something different about tea made from herbs you grew yourself. This guide covers the best herbs to grow for tea, how to harvest and dry them, and what actually makes a good blend.
All of these grow in containers, thrive in most climates, and produce enough for a daily cup within a few months.
Bold, refreshing, digestive support. Grow in its own container — it spreads aggressively. One plant yields year-round harvests.
Tea use: fresh or dried • Blend: good alone
The classic calming tea. German chamomile is easiest to grow. Harvest flowers when fully open, dry them, and steep for 5 minutes.
Tea use: dried flowers only • Blend: lavender, mint
Floral, calming, slightly sweet. Use buds sparingly — a little lavender goes a long way in a blend. Grows best in dry, sunny conditions.
Tea use: dried buds • Blend: chamomile, lemon balm
Bright citrus-mint flavor, calming effects. Extremely easy to grow. Tastes like lemon without the acidity. Great for evening teas.
Tea use: fresh or dried • Blend: chamomile, mint
Tart, cranberry-red, rich in antioxidants. Use dried flowers to brew a bright red tea that's stunning iced. Thrives in Atlanta heat.
Tea use: dried calyces • Blend: rose hip, ginger
Adaptogenic herb with a clove-like, slightly spicy flavor. Easier to grow than sweet basil and more heat-tolerant. A staple in Ayurvedic wellness.
Tea use: fresh or dried • Blend: ginger, lemon balm
Harvest in the morning
Pick herbs just after the dew dries but before the heat of the day. Essential oils (flavor) are most concentrated then.
Dry at room temperature — not in an oven
Tie stems in small bundles and hang upside down in a warm, ventilated space. 1–2 weeks for most herbs. Oven-drying destroys volatile oils = less flavor.
Store in airtight glass jars
Keep out of direct sunlight. Label with date — dried herbs are best within 12 months. Mason jars work perfectly.
Blend by flavor profile, not just gut feel
Start with a base (mint, chamomile, lemon balm) + 1 accent (lavender, hibiscus) + 1 optional boost (ginger, rose hip). Test small batches before blending a large jar.
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A multi-variety seed pack with chamomile, lemon balm, mint, lavender, and more. Way better value than buying transplants.
A fine-mesh infuser basket for brewing loose dried herbs. Get a wide-basket style (not the tiny ball) so herbs have room to expand and release flavor.
A stackable mesh herb drying rack lets you dry multiple varieties at once without hanging. Great for flowers like chamomile and lavender that don't bundle well.
Heirloom & organic herb seeds direct from a trusted source. Chamomile, lemon balm, tulsi, peppermint, lavender — grow your own tea garden from scratch.
Thousands of herbs, teas, and natural health products from trusted brands. Great for stocking your herbal pantry while your garden grows in.