Herb Seeds and Herb Plants
Grow basil, cilantro and dill from seed. They're fast annuals, and fresh sowings every few weeks keep you supplied all summer. Rosemary, lavender and thyme are slow from seed, so most people buy them as live plants and harvest the same month. This collection has both, from everyday culinary herbs to medicinal and tea herbs like chamomile, lemon balm and skullcap.
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How to choose herbs
- Annual herbs: basil, cilantro, dill and chamomile finish in one season. Sow them from seed, and sow cilantro and dill every 3 weeks because they bolt.
- Perennial herbs: thyme, oregano, sage, mint, chives and lavender come back for years in the right zone. A live plant skips a slow first season.
- Indoors: basil, chives, parsley and mint grow well on a bright sill or under a small grow light. Rosemary and lavender struggle indoors without strong light.
- Mint spreads. Plant it in a container, or it'll take over the bed.
Herb growing guide
| Herb | Life cycle | Best start | Light |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basil | Annual | Seed, soil above 70°F | Full sun |
| Cilantro | Annual | Seed, cool weather | Sun to part shade |
| Rosemary | Perennial, zones 7 to 10 | Live plant or cutting | Full sun |
| Thyme, oregano | Perennial | Seed or live plant | Full sun |
| Mint | Perennial, spreads | Live plant or cutting | Sun to part shade |
| Lavender | Perennial, zones 5 to 9 | Live plant | Full sun, dry soil |
What to skip
- Rich, constantly wet soil for Mediterranean herbs. Rosemary, thyme, oregano and lavender taste better and live longer in lean, well-drained soil.
- Letting basil flower. Pinch the tops weekly and the plant stays leafy for months instead of going to seed.
FAQ
What herbs are easiest to grow from seed?
Basil, chives, dill, cilantro and parsley. Parsley's slow to sprout (2 to 4 weeks), so soak it overnight first.
Can I grow herbs indoors all year?
Yes, with enough light. A south window works in summer. In winter, most herbs need a grow light for 12 to 14 hours a day.
Why does my cilantro bolt so fast?
Heat and long days trigger flowering. Grow it in spring and fall, choose a slow-bolt variety and sow small batches often.
Should I buy rosemary as seed or a plant?
A plant. Rosemary seed germinates poorly and takes a year to reach harvest size.
Related collections
Vegetable Seeds · Flower Seeds · Grow Lights for Seedlings · Pots and Containers
