Deciding which herbs grow best indoors is the key to a successful indoor herb garden. Here are the best ten herbs that will make it easy to start your herb garden today:
- Basil
- Chervil
- Chives
- Cilantro
- Dill
- Oregano
- Parsley
- Rosemary
- Sage
- Thyme
Growing herbs inside will change the way you cook; you just can’t beat fresh ingredients. Start by choosing a few herbs you know you will use most in your cooking, teas, or aromatherapy.

For me, that is Basil, Oregano, Rosemary, Sage, and Thyme. All of these herbs are easy to start from seed or by purchasing small plants from your local nursery.
Indoor herb garden light and water requirements
Below is a chart to help you determine which herbs are best suited for your indoor environment. Knowing how much light and water they need will help you grow big and strong herbs.
| Herb | Sunlight | Water |
|---|---|---|
| Basil | 6-8 hours | When top of soil is dry to touch |
| Chervil | 4 hours | Keep soil moist |
| Chives | 4 hours | Keep soil moist |
| Cilantro | 4-5 hours | When top of soil is dry to touch |
| Dill | Full sun to part shade | Keep soil moist |
| Oregano | 6-8 hours | When top of soil is dry to touch |
| Parsley | Full sun to part shade | Keep soil moist |
| Rosemary | 6-8 hours | When top of soil is dry to touch |
| Sage | 6-8 hours | When top of soil is dry to touch |
| Thyme | 6 hours | When top of soil is dry to touch |
How do you keep herbs alive indoors?
Now you know the best herbs to grow at home, here are the best tips I have for you to keep your herbs happy and healthy:
Find the sun – a south-facing window is best. Most herbs require 4-8 hours of sun a day. But not all of us are blessed with a sunny window. If you don’t have a sun-filled room, then find a grow light to help.
Good drainage – the adorable Pinterest mason jar photos are hard to resist. But your herbs need a pot with drain holes.
Soil matters – what your herbs grow in is just as important as the seeds you start with. Try to find organic potting soil that is rich in nutrients. I found this soil works best with my indoor herb pots.
Water sparingly – all plants need water. But overwatering can cause an array of issues including root rot, mold, and other diseases. Some herbs like to always be moist, while others like to dry out before getting a good soak. Make sure to research each herb’s water needs.
What herbs can grow indoors without sunlight?
Growing herbs indoors without sunlight is difficult. While no plant can survive without any sunlight, there are a handful of herbs that can grow in a low-light indoor environment. Here are the top four herbs that can grow with indirect sun:
- Mint
- Chives
- Parsley
- Tarragon
If want to grow herbs inside without any sunlight, then you will need to purchase a grow light. This will enable your herbs to grow indoors year-round.
Conclusion
Now you know which herbs are best for growing inside, what are you waiting for? Pick up some organic herb seeds or small starter plants today and start your herb garden.
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