Overwintering Perennials and Herbs: Techniques for Parsley, Chives, Sage, and Other Hardy Herbs

ByStephen Albert

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Overwintering perennial herbs allows you to enjoy fresh flavors well into winter and early spring. From my experience gardening in Iowa’s Zone 5 winters to year-round growing in Sonoma, hardy herbs like parsley, chives, and sage can survive cold temperatures with proper preparation and protection.

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Here’s how to successfully overwinter your perennial herbs.

1. Choosing Hardy Herbs for Winter

Not all herbs tolerate frost. Some of the most reliable for cold-season survival include:

  • Parsley: Biennial, hardy to Zone 5, can tolerate light freezes
  • Chives: Extremely cold-hardy; leaves die back but regrow in spring
  • Sage: Woody perennial that withstands frost with protection
  • Thyme, Oregano, Marjoram, Rosemary (Zone 7+ for rosemary, requires extra protection in colder climates)

My Experience:
In Iowa, parsley and chives survived under mulch and row covers, providing early greens for winter salads. In Sonoma, sage and thyme thrive year-round with minimal protection.

2. Techniques for Overwintering Perennials

Mulching

  • Apply 2–4 inches of straw, shredded leaves, or compost around the base
  • Protects roots from freeze-thaw cycles and reduces soil temperature swings

Row Covers or Cloches

  • Lightweight fabric or mini-hoops shield tender perennial leaves from frost
  • Can be combined with mulch for added protection
  • Ideal for sage or rosemary in colder climates

Cold Frames and Tunnels

  • Place potted or in-ground herbs under low tunnels or cold frames
  • Maintain a stable microclimate with occasional ventilation on sunny days

Container Herbs

  • Move potted herbs to sheltered locations (unheated garage, porch, or greenhouse)
  • Use insulated wraps around containers to prevent root freezing

My Experience:
In Iowa, I overwintered chives in a low tunnel and parsley in raised beds with mulch. Even when leaves browned, the roots survived, producing vigorous spring growth.

3. Watering and Maintenance

  • Water sparingly; roots still need moisture, but avoid waterlogged soil
  • Remove dead or damaged leaves to prevent disease
  • Fertilize lightly in early spring to encourage regrowth

4. Propagating for Winter Security

  • Take cuttings of sage or thyme in late summer to grow indoors over winter
  • Divide chives in fall to create multiple protected clumps

Tip:
This ensures backup plants survive even if some outdoor perennials fail during severe freezes.

Key Takeaways

  1. Mulch, row covers, cloches, and cold frames protect perennial herbs from frost.
  2. Hardy herbs like parsley, chives, and sage survive Zone 5 winters with protection.
  3. Container herbs benefit from relocation and insulation during extreme cold.
  4. Light watering and leaf maintenance prevent winter diseases.
  5. Propagation ensures a backup supply of perennial herbs for spring planting.

Using these overwintering strategies, your perennial herbs remain healthy, productive, and flavorful through winter, providing fresh greens even in cold climates.

Stephen Albert is a horticulturist, master gardener, and certified nurseryman who has taught at the University of California for more than 25 years. He holds graduate degrees from the University of California and the University of Iowa. His books include Vegetable Garden Grower’s Guide, Vegetable Garden Almanac & Planner, Tomato Grower’s Answer Book, and Kitchen Garden Grower’s Guide. His Vegetable Garden Grower’s Masterclass is available online. Harvesttotable.com has more than 10 million visitors each year.

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