Simple steps for thriving herbs in your garden or patio
Herbs are some of the easiest and most rewarding plants to grow—whether you’re working with a backyard garden or a few pots on your porch. In this guide, we’ll cover how to care for three popular herbs we grow right here at Inca Plant Nursery: lemongrass, ruda (rue), and rosemary.
Each herb brings something special: lemongrass adds tropical aroma, ruda is steeped in tradition, and rosemary brings flavor and resilience. Let’s dig in!
Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus)
Light:
- Full sun is best – at least 6–8 hours/day
- Grows well in hot, humid Florida weather
Soil & Water:
- Needs well-draining soil; sandy loam works great
- Water 2–3 times/week during dry spells
- Don’t let it stay soggy—avoid waterlogged pots
Maintenance:
- Trim old leaves regularly to keep it tidy
- Harvest by cutting stalks at the base
- Divide large clumps every year or two to refresh growth
Tips:
- Grows great in large containers
- Attracts beneficial insects like ladybugs
- Excellent in teas, soups, and Thai dishes
Ruda / Rue (Ruta graveolens)
Ruda is a traditional medicinal herb in many cultures, known for its strong scent and pest-repelling properties.
Light:
- Prefers full sun, tolerates partial shade
Soil & Water:
- Likes dry to medium soil—don’t overwater
- Water once or twice a week; let soil dry between waterings
- Avoid heavy clay or soggy soil
Maintenance:
- Prune regularly to keep it bushy
- Remove flower stalks if you want to promote more leafy growth
- Wear gloves—it can irritate sensitive skin
Tips:
- Deer-resistant and pest-repelling
- Use with caution—ruda can be toxic in large amounts
- Often planted for spiritual and protective uses
Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)
This hardy herb is a kitchen staple and landscape star thanks to its fragrance and drought-tolerance.
Light:
- Full sun is a must – 6+ hours/day
- Thrives in Florida heat when given airflow
Soil & Water:
- Needs well-drained, slightly sandy soil
- Water once a week or when top inch is dry
- Avoid overwatering—root rot is the biggest threat
Maintenance:
- Prune lightly throughout the year to keep shape
- Harvest sprigs often—this encourages fresh growth
- Protect from humidity build-up with good spacing
Tips:
- Great for containers, borders, and rock gardens
- Bees love the flowers
- Dry sprigs easily for pantry use
General Herb Care Tips for Florida
- Morning sun is ideal – helps dry dew and prevent fungal issues
- Use terra cotta pots for herbs prone to overwatering (like rosemary and ruda)
- Fertilize lightly with compost or organic herb food
- Mulch with straw or bark to conserve moisture (but keep away from the base)
From Our Nursery to Your Home
At Inca Plant Nursery, we grow these herbs with Florida gardeners in mind. Whether you’re planting a spiritual garden, starting a culinary corner, or just want easy-to-grow greenery, these herbs are a perfect choice.
