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What are the Easiest Herbs to Grow Indoors
So you want to start growing herbs indoors and you are just not sure where to start. Or maybe you have started and you just are not getting the results you are looking for. The first question to start you off on the right foot should be: What are the easiest herbs to grow indoors?
This guide should help set the record straight and get you stated on selecting the right herb and then get you growing your indoor herbs right away.
First let's start off by discussing the best herbs to grow inside. If you are picking the wrong herbs to start with and not knowing how much light they need you are setting yourself up to fail right away. So hopefully this will help point you in the right direction.
Some of the easiest herbs to grow are
Top 3 Easiest Herbs to Grow
Basil– Not only is this a low maintenance easy herb to grow it is one of the most popular herbs there is. Grow indoors or outdoors or right in your kitchen.
Basil seeds will germinate within 5-10 days of planting them. Once basil sprouts you will want to put it in an area that gets natural or artificial light for about 6-8 hours per day.
Basil prefers a warmer setting so keeping it inside is a great option. Especially if you are growing year around and during the winter periods.
It will grow to about 10-12 inches and should be ready to eat after about 10 weeks.
Once it is ready take a leaf or two to add to some seasoning to your meal, or grab a bit more to make your own pesto.
You can take leaves from the plant while it continues to grow and stay fresh.
Cilantro grows very much like Basil – easy to grow and can be added to many different dishes.
Cilantro will Sprout in 7-14 days a little longer than Basil. And once it does sprout you will want to put in as much sun as possible 8-9 hours a day.
It will grow about 12 – 16 inches in height although unlike Basil it doesn’t grow up – it will grow upwards and then gently fall to the sides.
Also like basil you can trim leaves as you need to go with your Mexican or Asian dishes. It's always a great add to salsa or guacamole.
Something that maybe unknown to most is that Cilantro provides a good source of Vitamin C and is good for digestion.
Parsley – not just a side garnish anymore. Adds great color and taste to many dishes.
This herb can take some time to germinate so don’t give up on it too quickly. It should germinate in 10-25 days.
Parsley doesn’t require as much light as Basil and Cilantro. You can grow Parsley in as little as 5 hours of sun or artificial light each day.
Once it starts growing it will grow quickly. And when you are ready for some just snap the stem off at the base and you are ready to go.
Parsley is good for your breath which is a main reason it is served as a side garnish. Just to help you out after a meal. It also provides a great source of antioxidants.
I like to have all three of these growing in my kitchen at all times. They are my go to indoor kitchen herbs. They are a great centerpiece and can be added to so many different dishes!
After the top 3 mentioned above these are the next easiest to grow
Chives – can give or take the light. They don't need much light and are pretty easy to grow.
Chives will germinate in 7 to 14 days. Once they sprout put them in a southwest facing window for around 5 hours a day.
Chives taste great with sour cream on top of a fresh baked potato – am I right?
Mint – Grows very easy – almost like a weed. Make sure to keep it in its own container or it can choke out other herbs.
Mint will take between 10-15 days to germinate similar to Parsley. It comes in two varieties both Peppermint and Spearmint.
It can grow great in the shade and only requires a little bit of sun each day. Both varieties add great aroma to your home and a great add to your tea or favorite cocktail.
Thyme is another herb that adds a great aroma and is pretty easy to grow.
Thyme takes its time to sprout. (pun intended). It will take between 14 and 21 days.
Once it does sprout it requires about 8 hours of sunlight a day. So this can be a little harder to grow if you don't have a window that gets that much light. However you can always supplement it with indoor lighting
Add thyme sprigs to your soups to bring out some additional flavors.
Oregano – like thyme requires around 8 hours of light.
Oregano will start growing between 7 and 14 days. Once it starts growing, place it with your Thyme.
This herb goes great with Italian dishes and goes hand in hand with any dishes that have basil.
Lavender – one of the prettiest and best smelling of all the herbs.
It takes awhile to get them started about 14 to 21 days. Then once it does get growing you will want to put it in full sun if possible. Or supplement with a grow light if needed.
Lavender goes great in your teas. You can also dry it out and use it at potpourri. In addition it is also known to repel mosquitoes. So you can dry it out and hang it around your patio. Looks great and keeps those annoying mosquitoes at bay.
In Recap of the Best indoor herbs to grow in the order I personally prefer
Top 3 and easiest:
- Basil
- Cilantro
- Parsely
Followed by these:
- Chives
- Mint
- Thyme
- Oregano
- Lavender
