Growing Herbs Indoors Questions Answered

Herbs on counter
Herbs grow indoors
Grow herbs indoors: 60° is best and plenty of light.

Here are common questions asked about growing herbs indoors:

Do herbs grow well indoors?

Herbs can be grown indoors if the conditions are right. Here are the basics: (1) daytime temperature of 70°F (21°C) is acceptable but 60° (15°C)  is better; night temperature of not over 55°F (12°C) is best; (2) plenty of light and sunshine; (3) sufficient humidity—set herbs pots on a tray of pebbles filled with water; (4) good air circulation; (5) regular water—no drying out of soil but no sogginess either. Meeting these requirements may be difficult in the average centrally heated home. If you can, grow herbs in a plant room, cool window, or lean-to greenhouse.

What herbs can I grow in a sunny kitchen window?

Annuals: parsley, sweet marjoram, basil, anise, coriander. Perennials: mint, chives, thyme, sage, lemon balm, tarragon. Tender perennial shrubs: scented geraniums, lemon-verbena, rosemary.

What herbs can I start from seed?

It’s easiest to start herbs outdoors before the weather gets too cold. From seed it’s easy to grow sweet marjoram, parsley, basil, anise, and coriander.

What herbs are best grown from starts or transplants?

Rosemary, lemon-verbena, tarragon, mint, chives, thyme, sage, and lemon balm are perennials best grown from starts or transplants. You can purchase starts at a garden center or you can start plants from seed outdoors or from cuttings before you bring them indoors.

How do I start herbs from cuttings?

Root cuttings in moist sand or vermiculite. Woody herbs such as rosemary are easy to start from cuttings.

What soil is best for growing herbs indoors?

Purchase a potting mix at the garden center. To make your own potting mix use three parts good garden soil and two parts sand or Perlite with a teaspoon of lime added to a 5-inch pot.

Can I grow chives indoors in winter? If so, how?

Chives do well in a kitchen or plant room. Bring in a clump of bulbs form the garden. Grow them in a bulb pan of light potting soil. Cut back the foliage and let new growth start. Grow chives in a sunny window at a low temperature—preferably 55°F. Keep the soil on the dry side.

Can parsley be grown in the house during the cold months?

Yes, bring an established plant indoors: cut back the foliage, lift the plant roots and all, and pot it up to bring indoors. Give the plant plenty of light with a temperature very close to 55°F. Don’t overwater and don’t over fertilize. Parsley that becomes pale and leggy probably lacks light or is being grown in conditions too warm.

How should I water herbs growing indoors?

Be careful with watering. Keep the soil just moist to nearly dry. Soggy soil will kill herbs. With a little practice you can water by the weight of the container or the feel of the soil.

More tips at How to Start an Herb Garden.


Written by Stephen Albert

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. has more than 10 million visitors each year.

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