Kenya has long been known for its flourishing agricultural sector, and herb cultivation is no exception. The country offers a favorable climate and fertile soils that provide excellent growing grounds for herbs.

With the increasing demand for fresh, high-quality herbs such as rosemary, oregano, and gypsophila in both local and export markets, these plants present a lucrative opportunity for farmers and investors.

Here, we have compiled the top 8 herbs that you can grow in 2024. Check them out and see which one serves you best!

1. Basil: The Versatile Herb

Basil is a versatile herb widely used in cuisines around the world. Its distinctive aroma and flavor make it a popular choice for various dishes, salads, sauces, and pasta.

It thrives in areas with well-drained, fertile soils with a pH range of 6–7. Like other crops, it requires ample sunlight, making it an excellent choice for open-field cultivation. 

Basil enjoys a strong market demand and is a staple herb in Italian, Mediterranean, and Thai cuisines. With the increasing popularity of international dishes in Kenya and the rising trend of herb-infused products, basil farming can be a profitable agribusiness. As a farmer, you can maximize profits by targeting restaurants, processing companies, local markets, and exporters.

2. Rosemary: Aromatic and Medicinal

Rosemary is a versatile herb known for its strong aroma and medicinal properties. It is a popular ingredient in culinary preparations, aromatherapy, and natural remedies.

In Kenya, rosemary cultivation presents an opportunity for farmers looking to diversify their herb crops. Like basil, rosemary thrives in well-drained fertile soils with a pH range of 6 to 7. Regular pruning is necessary to promote bushier growth.

3. Thyme: Culinary Delight

Like basil, thyme is a versatile herb with a robust flavor and aroma. It’s widely used in African, European, and Mediterranean cuisines. 

Thyme is gaining popularity in Kenya due to the rising demand for thyme essential oil. In the pharmaceutical industry, it's used as an ingredient for cold and cough medicines.

The crop can be grown in a wide range of areas in Kenya. In the Central Highlands, thyme can be grown in Nyeri, Kiambu, and Murang’a.

In the Rift Valley region, thyme thrives in areas like Naivasha, Eldoret, and Nakuru. Eastern province areas like Kitui, Meru, and Machakos also offer excellent conditions for the plant. Coastal Kenya also favors thyme farming, especially in areas like Lamu, Mombasa, Kilifi, and Malindi.

In Western Kenya, thyme performs best in regions like Kisumu, Kakamega, and Bungoma. 

4. Sage: The Savory Herb

Sage is a savory herb known for its earthy flavor and medicinal properties. It’s a staple in European, Middle Eastern, and Mediterranean cuisines, adding depth to dishes like roasted meats, stuffing, and sauces. However, you should be careful in your selection, as sage tends to overpower other flavors.

Like other herbs, like rosemary, sage is relatively easy to grow and care for. Need bees on your farm? Sage is known for attracting bees to the garden.

5. Oregano: The Flavorful Companion

Oregano is a perennial herb that is commonly used in Italian, Mexican, and Mediterranean cuisines.

Its aromatic leaves add a distinctive taste to pizzas, pasta sauces, meat dishes, salad dressings, and marinades.

This perennial herb can be grown in both colder and moderately warm climates. This makes it an ideal plant to grow in areas like Limuru, Central Kenya areas, Highland areas of the Rift Valley like Elgeyo Marakwet and Narok, and Western Kenya regions.

Imagine that just a teaspoon of dried oregano can solve about 8% of your daily vitamin K needs. Interesting, right?

6. Lavender: Fragrance and Beauty in One Herb

Lavender is a highly aromatic herb known for its soothing scent. It's grown for salads and dressings and gives most dishes a slightly sweet flavor. Dried lavender buds and lavender syrup are used to make marshmallows and lavender scones.

What’s more? Lavender is used in soaps and detergents and gives them a unique scent. To add to that, it’s used in aromatherapy.

Although the plants can grow in a wide range of regions, lavender thrives in areas with well-drained, fertile soils that receive full sun.

7. Parsley

This is a mildly bitter herb that can also be used to add flavor to food. Many people consider it a curly green garnish for food. However, that is not always the case, as it helps stews achieve a more balanced flavor.

Parsley plants will grow to be large and bushy and require deep, fertile, well-drained soils with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.0.

8. Mint

You might have had a taste of mint in one way or another. It freshens your breath and calms your stomach, right? 

Mint is an invasive plant that can spread and take over your farm, although it can be grown in containers.

Experience the Fragrant Delight of Herbs and Grow Oxfam's Herb Seedlings.

Are you planning to start your herb garden and elevate your culinary creations? Look no further.

At Frutunda, we offer high-quality premium herbs seedlings. Embrace the freshness and aroma of these versatile herbs in your kitchen or outdoor space. Whether it's mint, oregano, thyme, parsley, rosemary, basil, or sage, we have something for you. 

Shop now and bring nature's goodness to your fingertips. Contact us today. 

Call / Text: 0740000044
Whatsapp: https://wa.me/c/254740000044