If you want to add a little home-grown spice to your indoor space, consider growing sage, parsley, or other herbs. Herbs add pleasant aromas and natural beauty to your kitchen, atrium, or other high-traffic areas. Read our guide below to learn which herbs are easiest to grow indoors, and how to properly maintain each.
Benefits of an Indoor Herb Garden
An indoor garden offers you the chance to grow fresh herbs without the hassle of outdoor work. It’s perfect for homeowners who have limited outdoor space, urban dwellers, or apartment residents who want to enjoy gardening.
Growing herbs indoors allows you to control your environment, and protect your plants from harsh weather conditions and pests. This frequently results in healthier plants and a more consistent harvest.
Herbs also add aesthetic appeal to your indoor space. A garden can ornament your kitchen windowsill or any other sunny spot in your home. The vibrant greens and varied textures of different herbs can create an attractive display that brings a touch of nature inside.
Types of Herbs to Grow Indoors
Consider your culinary preferences, the light conditions in your home, and necessary maintenance when deciding which herbs to plant in your indoor garden. Below are seven of the easiest herbs to grow indoors and related care tips.
Chives
Growing chives indoors is easy enough for beginner gardeners. These plants feature slender, grass-like stalks, and thrive in indoor settings. Chives are members of the onion family, and deliver mild, oniony flavors that enhance various dishes.
Light Conditions
Chives need between four and six hours of full sun exposure daily. Rotate the plant regularly to encourage even growth.
Care Tips
You should water chives when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Trim the stalks regularly to encourage new growth. Fertilize monthly with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer to support healthy development. Use deep pots to allow space for roots to grow, and make sure there’s sufficient air circulation to prevent mildew growth.
Parsley
Parsley, which is available in curly and flat-leaf varieties, is a versatile herb that grows quickly and easily indoors. This nutrient-rich herb is a popular garnish and a flavorful addition to many recipes.
Light Conditions
Parsley thrives in warm conditions and temperatures that hover between 65 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. It requires approximately six hours of full sunlight daily.
Care Tips
To care for parsley, keep the soil moist but don’t let it become waterlogged, and use a deep pot to accommodate its long taproot. Harvest parsley by cutting the outside stems down to the soil line instead of snipping off the tops. Make sure air can circulate to prevent fungal diseases. Rotate the plant regularly to encourage even growth and prevent legginess.
Mint
Mint grows quickly, and provides a fresh aroma and taste. It’s an ideal choice for indoor cultivation, and offers a steady supply of fresh leaves for teas and cocktails.
Light Conditions
Mint prefers bright, indirect light. Consider using a grow light to supplement natural sunlight, especially during winter.
Care Tips
Keep the soil moist and trim regularly to maintain a bushy appearance and prevent legginess. Watch for white or brown spots on the leaves, as these may point to fungal disease that’s caused by excessive moisture. Use a wide container to prevent root binding, and pinch back the growing tips to encourage a bushier growth pattern.
Sage
Sage features soft, silvery-green leaves and strong aromas. It adds beauty and flavor to any indoor herb garden, and can tolerate water scarcity more successfully than other plants.
Light Conditions
Sage requires six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily. If natural light is insufficient, supplement with a grow light.
Care Tips
Allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings to prevent root rot, and prune regularly to encourage bushier growth and prevent woody stems. Make sure air can circulate to prevent fungal issues, and use terra cotta pots to encourage proper drainage. Fertilize lightly every couple of months to encourage healthy growth.
Cilantro
Cilantro, also known as coriander, grows quickly, and features a distinctive flavor that’s popular in many cuisines. It can be a bit finicky, but it thrives indoors.
Light Conditions
Cilantro needs at least six hours of full to partial sunlight daily, and prefers temperatures that hover between 65 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
Care Tips
Keep the soil moist but don’t overwater it. Harvest the leaves regularly to prevent the plant from flowering too soon. Cilantro has a short life cycle, so it’s best to sow seeds every few weeks. Use deep pots to allow for rapid root expansion, and regularly feed cilantro with a balanced liquid fertilizer.
Basil
Basil is a popular herb that features a sweet, strong aroma and flavor. It can be challenging to grow indoors, but it can thrive and provide a plentiful harvest under the right conditions.
Light Condition
Basil requires at least six hours of full sun exposure daily, and prefers temperatures of 70 degrees Fahrenheit or warmer.
Care tips:
Water deeply but infrequently, and allow soil to dry slightly between waterings. Pinch off flower buds to encourage leaf production and prevent bitter-tasting leaves. Harvest regularly to promote bushier growth and prevent legginess. Place the plant in a south-facing window for optimal light exposure, and rotate the pot regularly to allow for even sun exposure. This prevents lean growth.
Rosemary
Rosemary is an evergreen herb that features needle-like leaves and a woody aroma. It thrives indoors, and it can take the shape of a topiary for additional aesthetic appeal.
Light Conditions
Rosemary needs six hours of full sunlight each day. A grow light can help if sunlight is insufficient.
Care Tips
Rosemary prefers dry conditions, so allow the soil to dry between waterings. Mist the foliage regularly to increase humidity and encourage moisture absorption. Prune the plant regularly to maintain its shape and encourage bushier growth. Use well-draining soil to prevent root rot and promote healthy root development. Place the rosemary in a cool, sunny spot.
Tips for Successful Indoor Herb Gardening
Help your garden thrive by following the care tips below.
- Choose the right containers: Use pots that have drainage holes to prevent waterlogging and root rot.
- Control pests: Inspect plants regularly for signs of pests, and treat plants immediately to prevent infestations.
- Fertilize sparingly: Apply a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer once a month during the growing season.
- Maintain moderate indoor temperatures: Try to prevent drafts or sudden temperature changes, which can stress the plants and inhibit growth.
- Use well-draining potting soil: A soil mix that’s designed for herbs or vegetables works best for proper drainage.
- Water appropriately: Check the soil moisture regularly, and water when the top inch feels dry.
