Growing your own herbs indoors doesn’t require a big garden or even soil. With just a few cuttings, clean water, and a sunny windowsill, you can grow fresh, flavorful herbs all year long—right in your kitchen. Whether you’re short on space or just want a low-maintenance way to enjoy homegrown ingredients, herbs you can grow indoors in water are a fantastic solution.
This guide will walk you through 8 easy and practical herbs you can grow in water, along with expert tips on how to care for them.
Why Grow Herbs Indoors in Water?
Growing herbs in water—also known as hydroponic propagation—has many advantages:
- No soil mess: Clean and easy setup for apartments or indoor kitchens.
- Low maintenance: Just change the water weekly and ensure adequate light.
- Fresh flavors year-round: Perfect for cooking, teas, or garnish.
- Cost-effective: Start from store-bought herbs or clippings from your garden.
Key Facts About Growing Herbs in Water
- Use non-chlorinated or filtered water to avoid damaging delicate roots.
- Glass jars, mason jars, or recycled bottles work perfectly as containers.
- Place herbs in indirect bright sunlight—windowsills facing east or south are ideal.
- Change the water every 5–7 days to prevent rot or algae buildup.
- Trim regularly to encourage fuller growth and to prevent legginess.
8 Herbs You Can Grow Indoors in Water
1. Basil
Why it works: Basil loves warmth and humidity, making it ideal for kitchen windows.
How to grow: Cut 4–6-inch stems below a leaf node and remove lower leaves. Place in a glass of water near a sunny window. Roots will appear in 5–10 days.
Pro Tip: Don’t let it flower—pinch off flower buds to keep it leafy and productive.
2. Mint (Peppermint or Spearmint)
Why it works: Mint grows rapidly and easily adapts to water propagation.
How to grow: Take a cutting just below a leaf node and place it in a jar with water. Mint thrives in partial sunlight and can quickly outgrow its container—so trim often.
Pro Tip: Mint can release oils into the water, so change it regularly to avoid cloudiness.
3. Oregano
Why it works: Oregano roots well in water and adds a punch of flavor to Italian and Mediterranean dishes.
How to grow: Snip 4-inch cuttings and place them in water, removing lower leaves. Once rooted, it will thrive in bright light.
Pro Tip: Harvest often to encourage bushy, robust growth.
4. Rosemary
Why it works: Although slower to root, rosemary grows well in water with patience.
How to grow: Cut a soft, green (not woody) 4–6-inch stem and strip the lower leaves. Place in water in a warm area with bright light. It may take 2–3 weeks to root.
Pro Tip: Rosemary prefers a consistent environment—avoid moving it frequently.
5. Thyme
Why it works: Delicate and aromatic, thyme grows quickly in water and enhances everything from roasts to soups.
How to grow: Cut a 4-inch stem, remove the bottom leaves, and place in water. Keep it in a sunny spot and snip frequently.
Pro Tip: Don’t overcrowd the stems in jars; air circulation helps prevent mildew.
6. Sage
Why it works: Sage has a strong aroma and works well in culinary or medicinal uses. It grows moderately well in water.
How to grow: Use a 4–5-inch soft stem cutting and place it in a jar of water in a sunny area. Roots should appear within two weeks.
Pro Tip: Sage doesn’t like overly damp conditions—allow the cutting to dry slightly between water changes.
7. Chives
Why it works: Chives are one of the easiest herbs to grow indoors in water, and they regenerate quickly after trimming.
How to grow: Place a bunch of store-bought chives in a jar with an inch of water. Make sure roots are submerged. Place in a bright location and trim as needed.
Pro Tip: Replace chives every few months from fresh cuttings to keep growth vibrant.
8. Lemon Balm
Why it works: This citrus-scented herb from the mint family is ideal for teas and calming remedies.
How to grow: Cut 4–6-inch stems and remove lower leaves. Place in a clear container in indirect light. Roots appear in about 10 days.
Pro Tip: Lemon balm is sensitive to too much sun—bright but indirect light is best.
FAQs About Growing Herbs Indoors in Water
Q1: Do herbs grow forever in water?
A: While many herbs can live for months in water, they may eventually decline. To extend life, propagate new cuttings every 4–6 weeks.
Q2: Can I grow herbs in tap water?
A: Avoid chlorinated tap water. Let tap water sit out overnight to release chlorine, or use filtered/distilled water for best results.
Q3: How often should I change the water?
A: Every 5–7 days. Refresh more often if the water becomes cloudy or algae starts forming.
Q4: Do I need fertilizer?
A: Not always necessary, but adding a liquid hydroponic fertilizer once every few weeks can boost growth.
Q5: What kind of container should I use?
A: Any clear glass or plastic container will do. Mason jars, recycled bottles, or even test tubes can work as long as they’re clean.
Conclusion: Start Your Indoor Herb Garden Today
You don’t need soil or a green thumb to grow fresh herbs year-round. With just a few cuttings and some water, you can create a thriving indoor herb garden that’s perfect for small kitchens or sunny windowsills. These herbs you can grow indoors in water are not only easy and sustainable, but they also bring a burst of flavor and fragrance into your daily life.
So grab some jars, snip a few stems, and watch your indoor garden bloom—no dirt required!
