25 Best Herbs to Grow Indoors Year Round

Explore the 25 best herbs to grow indoors with essential care tips for a lush, year-round garden.

Starting an indoor herb garden is a fantastic way to keep fresh herbs on hand all year. These herbs are perfect for cooking, healing, or just making your place smell and look nicer.

You might be into the strong flavors of Mediterranean herbs, the seasonal beauty of annual herbs, the healing touch of medicinal herbs, or the variety of culinary herbs.

This guide is all about showing you the 25 best herbs to grow indoors and how to create the ideal conditions for them to thrive. We’ll go over everything you need, from getting enough light to figuring out the soil and water they need.

I want to help you boost your indoor herb garden so you always have fresh flavors and natural remedies right where you need them!

Selecting the Best Herbs to Grow Indoors

Choosing the types of herbs for your indoor garden involves understanding their unique needs and benefits.

From the sun-loving basil that thrives in warmth to cilantro, which prefers cooler conditions, and parsley, which enjoys a moderate environment, each herb adds distinctive flavor, scent, or health benefits to your home.

Integrating a variety of herbs into your indoor garden enhances your culinary options and contributes to a more lively and aromatic living space.

1. Basil

basil plant herbs indoors

Loves warmth and plenty of sunshine. Place it in a spot where it can bask in the sun’s rays for 6-8 hours of direct sunlight, perfect for that authentic Italian pesto.

2. Spearmint

spearmint plant herbs indoors

A refreshing herb that prefers moderate sunlight and consistently moist soil. Ideal for adding a cool, minty flavor to beverages and dishes.

3. Parsley

parsley plant herbs indoors

This herb thrives under indirect sunlight. Keep its soil consistently moist for a lush, green harvest.

4. Chives

chives plant herbs indoors

Favoring a sunny spot, they add a mild onion flavor to meals. Ensure their soil drains well to avoid waterlogging.

5. Cilantro

cilantro plant herbs indoors

Craves cooler spots with bright, indirect light. Ensure good airflow to mimic its preferred outdoor conditions.

6. Lemon Balm

lemon balm plant herbs indoors

With its soothing citrus scent and calming properties, it flourishes in light and loamy soil, requiring only morning sun and afternoon shade.

7. Oregano

oregano plant herbs indoors

This Mediterranean staple loves the sun. Place it in a south-facing window to intensify its aromatic oils.

8. Rosemary

rosemary plant herbs indoors

Mimic its native habitat with lots of sunlight and let the soil dry between waterings to keep this herb happy.

9. Thyme

thyme plant herbs indoors

Prefers sunny conditions and well-drained soil, ideal for adding depth to dishes with its earthy flavor.

10. Bay Laurel

bay laurel herb plant in pot

Needs bright light but protection from cold drafts, making it suitable for indoor growth.

11. Sage

sage herb plant in pot indoors

Enjoys plenty of sunlight. Allow its soil to dry out between waterings to prevent root rot.

12. Tarragon

tarragon herb plant in pot

A fan of dry, warm conditions. Ample sunlight encourages the development of its distinctive anise-like flavor.

13. Dill

dill herb plant in pot

Requires deep pots to accommodate its long roots and plenty of sunlight to flourish.

14. Tulsi

tulsi herb plant

Also known as Holy Basil, Tulsi prefers warm conditions with ample sunlight, often used in teas to promote wellness and reduce stress.

15. Peppermint

peppermint herb plant in pot

Keep in its own pot to control growth. Prefers cooler conditions with indirect light.

16. Lavender

lavender herb plant in pot

Needs full sun and good air circulation. Its fragrance can help promote relaxation and sleep.

17. Chervil

chervil herb plant

Thrives in cooler, shaded areas. Its delicate flavor is perfect for gourmet dishes.

18. Turmeric

turmeric herb plant

Requires warm, humid conditions with indirect sunlight. Known for its vibrant color and various health benefits.

19. Chamomile

chamomile herb plant

Thrives in sunny locations with well-drained soil. Renowned for its calming properties, ideal for brewing a relaxing bedtime tea.

20. Marjoram

marjoram herb plant

Prefers sun with some afternoon shade in hotter climates. Adds a sweet, citrusy flavor to dishes.

21. Catnip

catnip herb plant

Not just for cats; enjoys the sun and partial shade. Can be used in teas to help reduce anxiety, cramping, and more.

22. Stevia

stevia herb plant

Craves sunlight to sweeten your teas and desserts naturally.

23. Lemongrass

lemongrass herb plant

Requires full sun and moist soil to impart a fresh, lemony tang to your cooking.

24. Aloe

aloe vera herb plant

Needs plenty of sunlight and well-draining soil. Known for its medicinal properties, including soothing burns and skin irritations.

25. Winter Savory

winter savory herb plant

Enjoys full sun and well-drained soil, perfect for adding a peppery zest to beans and meats.

How to Grow Herbs Indoors: Tips for a Thriving Indoor Garden

herbs in pots growing indoors on windowsill

Set the Stage with Proper Drainage

Healthy roots need room to breathe, and that’s where drainage steps in. Use pots with enough drainage holes to keep water from lingering and suffocating roots. Clay or terracotta pots work wonders—they’re porous, letting moisture escape and air circulate. This setup mirrors the natural drainage herbs enjoy outside, giving your plants a solid start.

Harness Natural Light

Herbs are sun lovers. Position your pots on a south- or west-facing windowsill for maximum exposure. Got a dim corner or short winter days? Bring in some reinforcements with LED grow lights. These mimic the sun’s spectrum, ensuring your herbs soak up enough light to stay vibrant and flavorful, no matter the season.

Pick the Right Soil for Happy Herbs

Not all dirt is created equal. Use a high-quality potting mix for indoor plants—it’ll drain well while holding the nutrients your herbs need. Mix in a touch of perlite or peat moss to boost aeration and prevent compacted soil. Skip the garden soil; it can introduce pests and lacks the ideal texture for potted plants.

Water Wisely

Indoor herbs often suffer from too much love—specifically, overwatering. Only water when the top inch of soil feels dry so the roots grow deeper, making your plants sturdier. Adjust your watering schedule based on the herb; some, like rosemary, thrive on less frequent watering, while others, like mint, enjoy a bit more moisture.

Feed Sparingly for Flavorful Growth

Indoor herbs don’t need a heavy hand with fertilizer. Apply an organic fertilizer every 4-6 weeks. Over-fertilizing might make your plants lush, but it can dull their flavors. Look for a balanced fertilizer to keep your herbs healthy without compromising their signature taste and aroma.

Prune and Harvest Like a Pro

Regular trimming keeps your herbs productive and tidy. Snipping top leaves encourages bushier growth, ensuring a steady supply of fresh herbs. Morning is the best time to harvest—essential oils are the most concentrated, packing the biggest punch in flavor and aroma. Just don’t overdo it; taking more than one-third of the plant can slow its recovery.

Tackle Common Challenges with Confidence

pruning herb plant in pot indoors

Winter Woes

Cold drafts and shorter days can challenge your herbs. Counteract this by setting up grow lights 6-12 inches above the plants for 12-16 hours a day. Keep the temperature between 65-75°F, and protect your herbs from dry air caused by heating systems.

Pesky Pests

Even indoors, pests can find their way to your plants. Maintain good air circulation and clean your growing area regularly to prevent infestations. If trouble arises, treat the plants with neem oil or a gentle spray of soapy water—effective, natural remedies that keep your herbs safe.

Conclusion

Growing herbs indoors means fresh, flavorful additions are always within reach. With proper drainage, light, and care, you’ll have a flourishing herb garden that’s as practical as beautiful. Whether you’re a seasoned grower or new to the plant world, these tips will keep your herbs thriving, adding a little green magic to your home.

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6 Comments

  1. I’m curious, so do you have several different locations for your indoor herbs? I wanted to grow some in my kitchen in a hanging creative way, that didn’t really work out. I was hoping to see what you do, actually.

    1. Hey Kimberlee, my kitchen has a big window, and my dining/living area is full of them, so I use the windowsills for my plants. Check your kitchen’s light direction and hours of sunlight. This helps determine the right plants for your space. Mine gets indirect light, so I stick to lower-light herbs, like thyme, mint, chives, and lemon balm.

  2. This is perfect timing as I’m getting organized to start my seeds! I love growing outside but may need to plant some herbs for indoors this year. Thank you for the encouragement.