But did you know there’s more to basil than just the classic Genovese variety that stars in your pasta sauce? Yep, this herb comes in a smorgasbord of types, each with its own unique flavor, aroma, and use.

Let’s see all the different kinds of basil you can grow and cook with.

Sweet Basil: The Popular Kid

First up, we have Sweet Basil, the variety you’re most likely to encounter in your kitchen adventures. It’s the poster child for basil, with its large, green leaves and that classic, slightly sweet flavor.

Sweet Basil is like that one friend who gets along with everyone and is invited to every party. It’s versatile, great in sauces, salads, and as a garnish. If you’re making pesto, Sweet Basil is your go-to.

Thai Basil: The Exotic Twist

Next on our list is Thai Basil, which brings a bit of an exotic twist to the basil family. With its smaller, pointier leaves and a hint of licorice flavor, Thai Basil is the star in many Asian dishes. Think Thai curries, Vietnamese pho, and stir-fries.

It’s a bit sturdier when it comes to cooking, so it can stand up to heat better than its sweet cousin. If you’re looking to add a pop of color and a unique flavor to your dishes, Thai Basil has got your back.

Purple Basil: The Glamorous One

Now, let’s talk about Purple Basil, the glamorous sibling in the basil family. With its striking dark purple leaves and a slightly spicier flavor, Purple Basil is not just about looks.

It can add depth to salads, make a stunning garnish, and even work its magic in cocktails. If you’re looking to impress at your next dinner party, Purple Basil will help you dress your dishes to the nines.

Lemon Basil: The Zesty Sidekick

Lemon Basil, as you might guess from the name, brings a zesty, citrusy twist to the basil lineup. With its light green leaves and lemony scent, it’s perfect for adding a fresh, tangy flavor to salads, fish dishes, and even desserts.

If you’re in the mood for something light and refreshing, Lemon Basil is your zesty sidekick, ready to brighten up your culinary creations.

Holy Basil: The Sacred Herb

Last but not least, we have Holy Basil, also known as Tulsi. This variety holds a special place in Hindu culture and is considered sacred. Holy Basil has a slightly spicy, peppery flavor, making it more than just a culinary herb—it’s also revered for its medicinal properties.

While you might not find it in your everyday pesto, it’s a staple in Ayurvedic medicine and herbal teas.

And Many More…

The world of basil is vast and varied, with each type bringing its own unique personality to the table. From the classic Sweet Basil to the exotic Thai Basil, the glamorous Purple Basil, the zesty Lemon Basil, and the sacred Holy Basil, there’s a basil for every mood and dish.

So next time you’re in the garden or the grocery store, why not pick up a variety you haven’t tried before? Who knows, you might just discover a new favorite.

Today, we’re diving into the world of growing cilantro inside your home. Yes, you heard that right! That zesty, fresh, and slightly citrusy herb can thrive right on your windowsill, ready to elevate your cooking at a moment’s notice. So, let’s get into it!

Getting Started: Seeds or Seedlings?

First things first, you need to decide whether you’re starting from seeds or seedlings. Cilantro (also known as coriander in some parts of the world) is pretty chill about growing conditions, but it does have a preference for starting fresh. That means seeds are usually your best bet. They’re not only cheaper but also tend to adapt better to their immediate environment from the get-go.

Picking the Perfect Pot

Cilantro has a taproot, which means it likes to stretch out deep down. Choose a pot that’s at least 8 inches deep but doesn’t skimp on width either; you’ll want space for multiple plants. Ensure there are drainage holes at the bottom because waterlogged roots are a big no-no for cilantro.

Soil and Sunlight: The Dynamic Duo

For soil, go with a well-draining mix. You can find one specifically for herbs or make your own with some compost and potting soil. When it comes to sunlight, cilantro is like that friend who loves the sun but also appreciates a good shade in the afternoon. A south or southwest-facing window is ideal, offering plenty of light without the scorching midday heat. Aim for about 4-5 hours of sunlight daily.

Watering Wisdom

Cilantro likes to stay hydrated but despises soggy feet. The best approach is to water it when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. It’s like giving your plant a nice, refreshing drink without overdoing it.

The Cutting Comeback

One of the best things about cilantro is that it’s cut-and-come-again. This means you can snip off what you need, and it’ll keep growing back. Just be sure not to take more than a third of the plant at a time; we’re going for a haircut, not a beheading!

Keeping It Cool

Remember, cilantro is cool. Literally. It thrives in cooler temperatures and tends to bolt (flower and go to seed) if it gets too hot. If you’re in a warmer climate or it’s the peak of summer, consider placing your cilantro pot in a cooler, shaded area or even under grow lights if direct sunlight is too intense.

Trouble in Paradise? Common Issues

Watch out for common pests like aphids and fungal diseases. Good air circulation and not overwatering are your best defenses. If you do spot some unwanted guests, a gentle spray of neem oil can help send them packing.

Time to Enjoy!

Before you know it, you’ll have a thriving cilantro plant (or plants) ready to add that fresh kick to salsas, curries, salads, and more. There’s something incredibly satisfying about snipping off fresh herbs from a plant you’ve nurtured yourself, especially when it’s as versatile and delightful as cilantro.

So there you have it, folks! Growing cilantro indoors is not only possible; it’s a fun and rewarding way to keep your dishes bursting with flavor all year round. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a curious newbie, give it a go and see just how easy and enjoyable it can be. Happy planting

1. Basil
2. Chervil
3. Chives
4. Cilantro
5. Dill
6. Oregano
7. Parsley
8. Rosemary
9. Sage
10. 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. 

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:

1. Mint
2. Chives
3. Parsley
4. 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.

If you are just getting started make sure to read these articles next:

• How to start an indoor herb garden [easy 1-2-3]
• 5 Best indoor herb gardens

We’ve narrowed it down to the 5 best indoor herb garden kits to get you started.

When I first started my herb garden, I spent days (okay, maybe weeks, LOL) researching which indoor herb garden to buy.

So here is what I found, I hope it helps you quickly make the right choice with your new indoor herb garden.

The Top 5 Indoor Herb Gardens

Our Top Pick – The Best indoor herb garden

Herb Garden Starter Kit by Spade to Fork

This herb kit is the one I chose to start with for my indoor herb garden. It is the best indoor herb garden I found and have had great success with it.

Pros:

• Priced low, making it budget-friendly
• Certified USDA Organic Non-GMO
• Five herb seeds: basil, cilantro, parsley, sage, thyme
• The company is family-owned and operated in Oregon
• Backed by their 100% Grow Guarantee 

Cons:

• Pots are only peat pots and will need to be transplanted into nice ceramic posts soon once plants are established.
• No tray included to place the pots in to catch water
• Some users report mold, but this is usually due to overwatering

Culinary Indoor Herb Garden Starter Kit

This herb growing kit is easy to use, and most users see sprouts within days of planting! With 74% of purchasers giving this a 4- or 5-star review, I believe this is an excellent choice. It has a great variety of seeds and gives you everything you need to get started, plus it’s budget-friendly.

Pros:

• Priced low, making it budget-friendly
• Includes everything you need to get started
• 18 Premium Non-GMO Seeds: Basil, Dill, Oregano, Parsley, Chives, Mustard, Cilantro, Sage, Rosemary, Thyme, Garlic Chives, Arugula, Anise, Fennel, Peppermint, Summer Savory, Lemon Basil, Thai Basil

Cons: 

• Some people have reported that the seeds do not grow. Although I usually take the majority over the minority.

9 Herb Window Garden – Indoor Herb Growing Kit

Kitchen Windowsill Starter Kit – Easily Grow 9 Herbs Plants from Seeds with Comprehensive Guide – Unique Gardening Gifts for Women & Men

Pros:  

• Priced low, making it budget-friendly
• Includes everything you need to get started
•  Nine herb premium seed packets: dill, basil, chives, thyme, parsley, oregano, cilantro, sage, and mustard
• Includes a comprehensive guide to help you get started and succeed
• 100% refund offer, no questions asked

Cons:

• Pots are flimsy, so you will likely want to transplant them to nicer pots once they get growing
• Some users report mold, but this is usually due to overwatering

Urban Leaf Store Herb Garden Starter Kit

Pros:

• Includes everything to get started
• Seeds: basil, cilantro, parsley
• Nice decorative timber planter box

Cons:

• Pots are small and may require transplanting once full grown
• Includes only three pots and seed packets
• Some users report mold, but this is usually due to overwatering

AeroGarden Bounty Indoor Hydroponic Herb Garden

The AeroGarden is the top brand for hydroponic herb gardens. While they are expensive, if you have the budget, I highly recommend getting one. These are the high-tech version of the indoor herb garden.

Pros:

• Includes everything you need to get started
• Seeds: Genovese Basil, Thai Basil, Curly Parsley, Italian Parsley, Thyme, Chives, Dill, Mint
• No soil needed. This is a Hydroponics system, which means your herbs will be growing in water only
• LED grow lamp with a timer is part of the growing system
• Reminds you when to add water and liquid plant food.

Cons:

•  It is expensive!
• Customer service seems to be lacking
• Anything electronic is bound to have issues. While most users are very happy, there is a handful that have had problems with the tech.

The different types of indoor herb gardens

The main categories for indoor herb gardens are your classic soil-based growing system. Or the hydroponic system, which grows your herbs in water.

Hydroponic systems are always going to be more expensive, as you are paying for the technology. 

The classic method of planting seeds in soil is my preferred method, but then I am all about the basics.

Benefits of growing an indoor herb garden

Growing herbs inside in your kitchen have so many benefits including:

• Fresh herbs at your fingertips every day
• Knowing your herbs are free of chemicals
• Cooking with fresh herbs add flavor and taste better
• Fresh herbs are packed with vitamins, antioxidants, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory benefits.
• Save money

Things to look for in a good indoor herb garden

The type of herbs included in the herb garden kit

It’s important to decide on what herbs you want to grow in your herb garden. Choosing a kit that includes the herbs you will use in your daily cooking or tea.

The most common indoor herbs are Basil, Oregano, Parsley, Chives, Cilantro, Sage, Rosemary, and Thyme.

Style of the indoor herb garden kit

Do you want to stick with the classic indoor herb garden with pots, soil, and seeds? Or do you want to go high-tech and go with a Hydroponic system like the AeroGarden?

How much space does it require? Do you need an outlet nearby?

The type of pots included in the kit could make or break your decision to buy. I like the kits with the peat pots because I can use my own pots, choosing the color and size that best fits my home.

Features of each indoor herb garden kit

Does the kit include anything extra, such as fancy pots, name markers, a drip tray, a how-to manual?

And if you do decide on a hydroponic indoor herb garden, look at all the tech choices. Does it have a timer, auto-feeder, connect to wi-fi?  

Conclusion

There is no doubt there are so many benefits of having an indoor herb garden at your fingertips. Not only is it satisfying to watch it grow, but to be able to cook and eat with what you’ve worked so hard at is priceless.

I recommend researching each of the top 5 of these indoor herb gardens. Decide what your budget is and what type of herbs you want to grow. Then get started today. The best way to get started is to try it and learn as you go.

You have so many herb gardening questions, and we have all the answers to get you started today!

1. Decide where your herb garden will grow.
2. Choose what herbs you want to grow. 
3. Buy your herb plants or seeds.
4. Plant your herbs.
5. Grow your herbs.
6. Harvest your herbs.

We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

Starting your indoor herb garden (easy step-by-step instructions)

What is the best location for your new indoor herb garden?

Herbs do best with 6-8 hours of direct sunlight. You need to find an area in your home that gets plenty of sun… usually a south-facing window. If you don’t get any direct sunlight, then you will need to consider purchasing a grow light. 

A windowsill, table, or bookshelf are all great options to place your herb plants. 

Keep your herbs away from drafts, most enjoy room temperature between 60°-75°

Make sure to choose an area you won’t forget about them… your herbs will require care every few days. 

Which herbs grow best indoors?

Decide what type of herbs will grow best in your home and which herbs you will use. Here are the most common herbs that do well indoors:

1. Basil
2. Chives
3. Cilantro
4. Dill
5. Mint
6. Parsley
7. Rosemary
8. Sage
9. Thyme

Think about how you will use the herbs. What herbs do you cook with? Will you use your herbs for medicinable purposes?

You can buy your herbs as plants or seeds, depending on your area and season. I recommend buying organic whenever possible. 

There are also many indoor herb garden kits to make it even easier to get started!

Planting your indoor herb garden

Decide if you want to start with planting seeds, established plants, or a herb garden kit such as the AeroGarden.

Starting from seed

If starting from seed you will want to plant the seeds according to the seed packet instructions, every herb is unique. Some seeds require soaking to help with germination. 

A great money-saving tip is to use a cardboard egg carton for your seeds until they start to sprout. Then you can transfer them to a pot that has good drainage. 

It’s best to keep different herbs in separate pots since each one may require a different root space and watering schedule. 

Having the right soil is very important too! Use a potting mix that is meant for indoor herbs gardening. The potting mix is light and best for the drainage the herbs need to grow. 

Make sure to label your seed pots! It’s easy to forget which pot has which herb. You can do this with a simple popsicle stick or get fancy with these plant markers.

Starting from an established plant

If you purchase an established plant then make sure the pot has good drainage and is large enough so the herb does not get root rot. 

Most herbs can grow in a 6” pot, again, always have holes for good drainage. Research each herb to find what type of pot works best. Some herbs have different needs.

Starting with a herb garden kit

There are so many great herb garden kits to choose from. From the popular AeroGarden to a small starter kit…. Choose what works best with your budget and space. 

If you purchase a kit, then it’s best to follow the instructions that come in the kit. 

I will be reviewing different herb garden kits in the near future!

Water and feed your indoor herb garden

Tending to your herb garden will help it grow big and strong and allow you to enjoy the fruits of your labor… literally. 

As with any plant, your herbs will need water and sun. 

Some herbs will require misting a few times a week and others a deep watering only when the soil dries out. Do not allow the soil to completely dry out, you know it’s time to water when about ¼ of the soil is dry.

You can also purchase a soil moisture meter to help you know when it’s time to water.

Feeding your herbs will help them grow more robust. Use a seaweed and/or fish-based fertilizer. During the summer you can fertilize once a week. During the winter fertilize once a month. Best to follow the instructions on the exact fertilizer you purchase.

Harvest your indoor herb garden

And the time you’ve been waiting for… enjoy those delicious herbs. Start using them in your cooking, teas, and medicinal applications. It’s as easy as cutting the tops of leaves and enjoy knowing you grew them!

You can enjoy your herbs fresh, dry them out, or share them with friends and family!

Frequently asked questions

Can herbs grow indoors?

Yes, of course, you can grow herbs inside! 

When should I start my herbs indoors?

Now! Why wait? Start your herbs inside today and enjoy.

Now if you are planning on transplanting your seedlings to your outdoor herb garden, then it’s recommended to start your seeds about 6-8 before the last frost date. Of course, this timeframe will differ depending on your planting zone.

Can herbs be frozen?

Yes! Freezing herbs is a great way to preserve the herbs you can use right away. Simply rinse and let them dry on a paper towel. Once completely dry, place them in a Ziplock bag and freeze. Don’t forget to label your baggies!

Another great idea is to blend them in a small amount of oil of your choice. Pour into an ice cube tray and freeze. Once frozen put the cubes in a Ziplock bag and keep them in the freezer for up to 6 months.

Where can I buy herbs in the winter?

You can find seeds online all year long. Occasionally your local nursery will have live herb plants in the winter. 

Check your grocery store, most will have live herb plants. You will most likely need to transplant them into a larger pot. Some people have better luck than others with grocery store herb plants.

The best option really is seeds or starting with a herb garden kit.