Summer Herbs in the Philippines: Your Guide to Heat-Loving Culinary Plants

Looking for the best culinary herbs to grow during summer in the Philippines? You’re in the right place! While the heat can be intense, there are culinary herbs that not only survive—but actually thrive—in our sunny tropical climate. These kitchen favorites will add flavor to your meals, fragrance to your garden, and joy to your gardening journey.

Here are five sun-loving herbs or plants that are perfect for your summer kitchen garden:

🌱 1. Basil (Sweet Basil)

Basil is a summer superstar. It loves warm, sunny weather and rewards you with fragrant, flavorful leaves perfect for pasta, pesto, salads, and herbal drinks. Grow basil in full sun, water regularly, and pinch off the flowers to keep it leafy and productive.

🌱 2. Mint

This refreshing herb is a summer essential! Whether you're making iced tea or mojitos, mint grows fast and quickly in containers. It prefers partial to full sun and slightly moist soil. Bonus: it naturally repels pests like ants and mosquitoes—perfect for outdoor gardens!

🌱 3. Philippine Tarragon

Not to be confused with its French cousin, Philippine tarragon is heat-loving and ideal for tropical gardens. It has a subtle anise flavor and makes a delicious tea. It’s also low-maintenance, pest-resistant, and thrives in full sunlight.

🌱 4. Lemongrass (Tanglad)

An essential in Filipino cooking, tanglad or lemongrass is easy to grow, sun-loving, and drought-tolerant. It adds a fresh, citrusy kick to soups and stews. Plant it in a pot or directly in the ground, and harvest the stalks as needed.

🌱 5. Pandan

Fragrant and versatile, pandan is a beloved herb in Filipino cuisine. It loves the heat and grows well in partial to full sun. Use the leaves to flavor rice and desserts or even make pandan tea. Keep it in a pot or corner of your garden with moist soil and lots of love.

🌞 Top Tips for Growing Herbs in Hot Philippine Summers:

• Water early morning or late afternoon to prevent quick evaporation.
• Mulch around your plants to keep the soil cool and retain moisture.
• Use well-draining pots or soil to avoid root rot.
• Harvest regularly to promote healthy, bushy growth.

With these heat-loving herbs, your Philippine summer garden will stay fresh, fragrant, and full of flavor all season long. 🌿

What’s your favorite summer herb? Share it in the comments or tag me on Instagram @UrbanGardeningMom. I’d love to see your sunny garden!