Growing herbs indoors is a simple and rewarding way to keep fresh flavors at your fingertips, even without soil. With just water and a little care, you can cultivate an abundant herb garden that thrives all year round. Here’s a guide to the 12 best herbs to grow in water and how to keep them flourishing.
Basil
How to Grow: Cut healthy basil stems and place them in a jar of water.
Care Tips: Keep the jar in bright, indirect light and replace the water every few days.
Uses: Perfect for pesto, salads, and garnishing dishes.
Mint
How to Grow: Place mint cuttings in a jar with water. This herb grows rapidly, making it an easy choice.
Care Tips: Change the water every 3–4 days and ensure the jar gets indirect sunlight.
Uses: Ideal for teas, mojitos, and freshening up salads.
Green Onions
How to Grow: Place the root ends of green onions in water, ensuring the roots are submerged.
Care Tips: Keep them in a sunny spot and watch them regrow within days.
Uses: Great for garnishing soups, noodles, and stir-fries.
Thyme
How to Grow: Snip fresh thyme sprigs and place them in a glass of water near a sunny window.
Care Tips: Trim regularly to encourage growth.
Uses: Adds depth to soups, stews, and roasted dishes.
Oregano
How to Grow: Oregano cuttings root quickly in water and can thrive year-round.
Care Tips: Replace water every few days and give it plenty of light.
Uses: Essential for pizzas, pastas, and marinades.
Rosemary
How to Grow: Rosemary cuttings may take longer to root, but the effort is worth it. Place sprigs in water and wait for roots to develop.
Care Tips: Position near a sunny window and be patient.
Uses: Perfect for meats, breads, and roasted vegetables.
Sage
How to Grow: Place sage cuttings in a jar of water to maintain a steady supply.
Care Tips: Keep in indirect sunlight and trim occasionally to promote growth.
Uses: A classic herb for stuffing, meats, and stews.
Chives
How to Grow: Submerge the cuttings in water, and they’ll quickly sprout new growth.
Care Tips: Change the water frequently and provide good light.
Uses: A must-have for garnishing eggs, soups, and salads.
Lemon Balm
How to Grow: Lemon balm thrives in water and grows quickly when kept in bright light.
Care Tips: Keep the water fresh to prevent wilting.
Uses: Perfect for teas, cocktails, and desserts.
Cilantro
How to Grow: Place cilantro cuttings in water and enjoy continuous fresh herbs.
Care Tips: Keep the jar in a sunny spot and change the water weekly.
Uses: Essential for Mexican, Indian, and Asian cuisines.
Parsley
How to Grow: Submerge parsley stems in water, keeping the leaves above the surface.
Care Tips: Provide bright, indirect light and replace the water every few days.
Uses: A versatile herb for soups, salads, and garnishes.
Tarragon
How to Grow: Tarragon cuttings root well in water, making it a fantastic addition to your kitchen.
Care Tips: Keep the jar in a well-lit area and trim as needed.
Uses: Adds a unique flavor to fish, chicken, and sauces.
How to Start Growing Herbs in Water
Step 1: Select Fresh Herb Cuttings
Choose healthy stems from mature herb plants.
Cut 4–6-inch-long pieces and remove leaves from the lower half of each stem to prevent rotting.
Step 2: Place in Water
Use a clear glass or jar filled with fresh water.
Submerge the stems but keep the leaves above the waterline.
Step 3: Provide Proper Lighting
Place the jar in a spot that receives bright, indirect sunlight. Avoid direct sunlight as it may overheat the herbs.
Step 4: Change Water Regularly
Replace the water every 2–3 days to keep it fresh and prevent bacterial growth.
Step 5: Harvest Regularly
Regular trimming encourages growth and prevents the herbs from becoming too woody or leggy.
Benefits of Growing Herbs in Water
Convenience: No soil mess, just clean and simple gardening.
Cost-Effective: Save money on store-bought herbs by growing your own supply.
Space-Saving: Perfect for small spaces, apartments, or even windowsills.
Year-Round Availability: Keep fresh herbs at your fingertips, regardless of the season.
Growing herbs in water is a straightforward and rewarding way to enjoy fresh flavors year-round. Whether you’re an experienced gardener or a beginner, these 12 herbs are easy to grow and maintain. From garnishing dishes to elevating recipes, your water-grown herb garden will bring convenience and freshness to every meal.