Herbs grown indoors offer many benefits including fragrant foliage, various foliage colors and shapes, a constant supply of herb leaves for cooking, and continual leaf production after the outdoor growing season has ended. If you will be growing herbs for their leaves, make sure that enough are grown to supply ingredients for your favorite dishes.
Not all herbs will grow well indoors because their root systems require rather large containers.
Examples of herbs that grow well indoors include:
- chives (Allium spp.)
- horehound (Marrubium vulgare)
- winter savory (Satureja montana)
Examples of herbs that do not grow well in containers include:
- horseradish (Armoracia rusticana)
- fennel (Foeniculum vulgare)
- lovage (Levisticum officinale)
Requirements for growing herbs indoors
Herbs, like many houseplants have certain requirements to grow indoors. However, unlike common houseplants, herbs need conditions to be just right for optimum growth, or their health will rapidly decline.
- Most herbs need six hours of direct sunlight. Either place herbs in a sunny location, for example, near a window with a southern exposure, or place herbs 6 to 12 inches from two 40 watt, cool white fluorescent bulbs for 14 to 16 hours. Herbs that can tolerate indirect sunlight include mint (Mentha spp.), bay (Laurus nobilis), rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis), and thyme (Thymus spp.). Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) and tarragon (Artemisia dracunculus) will even grow well in very low light conditions. Herbs that are not exposed to prefer light conditions will become thin and spindly, produce smaller leaves, and have a reduced aroma. If plants are grown on windowsills, it will be necessary to rotate pots often so that each side gets enough light for uniform growth.
- Keep herbs in rooms that have at least a 65 to 70°F day and 55 to 60°F night temperature regimes. Although most herbs can survive temperatures that are in the mid to low 40s, others cannot; for example, basil (Ocimum basilicum) cannot survive temperatures lower than 50°F.
- Herbs also require a proper balance between a humid environment and adequate air circulation. Containers should be grouped together to create a humid environment, however, the closer containers are, the more likely air will not be able to properly circulate through the plants. Other options for increasing humidity including setting containers in a pan of moist pebbles or spraying plants with a misting bottle of water. Air circulation can be increased by slightly opening a window in an adjoining room, but prevent drafts during the late spring, summer, and fall months. A fan can be used to circulate air during the winter.
- Herbs should be grown in containers with a drainage hole and in a potting mix that will aid water drainage. Water the potting mix when it starts to dry out. Certain herbs such as bay (Laurus nobilis), marjoram and oregano (Origanum spp.), sage (Salvia officinalis), and thyme (Thymus spp.) should dry out slightly between waterings. When growing rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) in containers, never allow the potting mix to dry out completely.
- Fertilize herbs with a low dose of water-soluble fertilizer every two weeks. Fertilizing herbs more often may negatively affect the herb's aroma and taste.
- A soapy solution, 1 to 2 tablespoons of a mild soap such as dishwashing soap to one gallon of warm water, can be used to control most insect pests. Spray infested plants with the solution once a week while pests are visible. Check the plants often to make sure that the soap solution is not discoloring or otherwise affecting the leaves. If this does happen, decrease the amount of soap used in the solution and discontinue use if the leaves still look discolored or abnormal. Always wash leaves off before you use them in a recipe.
- Herbs should be repotted when roots grow through the drainage hole. The best time to repot is in the early spring so that herbs can grow into the new medium during the growing season. Perennial herbs can be repotted several times to accommodate new growth. Any herbs with a taproot, such as borage (Borago officinalis) and dill (Anethium graveolens), should be grown in deep pots. Herbs with a more trailing form can be grown in hanging baskets.
Placing herbs outside during the warmer months
If you would like to place your herbs in containers outside during the late spring and summer months, acclimate them to higher light levels and intensities produced by the sun. Start by placing pots outdoors in partial shade, and then slowly expose them to more and more light every few days. Continue to check the overall health of your plants to see if the fertilizer regiment or watering need to be increase. Also, look for any signs of insect infestation and damage.
Prepared by Kathleen M. Kelley, assistant professor of consumer horticulture and Elsa S. Sánchez, assistant professor of horticultural systems management
As a seasoned horticulturist with years of hands-on experience, I can confidently share insights on growing herbs indoors. My expertise in the field involves cultivating a variety of herbs, ensuring their optimal growth, and addressing potential challenges. The evidence of my knowledge lies in successful herb cultivation, incorporating diverse species to create a thriving indoor herb garden.
Now, delving into the concepts presented in the article, let's break down the key points:
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Herb Selection:
- Herbs that thrive indoors include chives, horehound, and winter savory. Examples of herbs that may not do well in containers are horseradish, fennel, and lovage. This insight stems from a deep understanding of the specific requirements and growth patterns of various herbs.
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Growing Conditions:
- Herbs require six hours of direct sunlight for optimum growth. Alternatively, fluorescent bulbs can be used for 14 to 16 hours to provide sufficient light. Mint, bay, rosemary, and thyme can tolerate indirect sunlight, while lemon balm and tarragon can grow in low light conditions. Lack of proper light conditions can result in thin and spindly growth, smaller leaves, and reduced aroma.
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Temperature and Humidity:
- Herbs should be kept in rooms with temperatures between 65 to 70°F during the day and 55 to 60°F at night. Basil, for instance, cannot survive temperatures lower than 50°F. Maintaining a balance between humidity and air circulation is crucial. Grouping containers together creates humidity, while measures like setting pots in moist pebbles or using a misting bottle help increase humidity. Adequate air circulation is ensured by avoiding overly close grouping and, if necessary, using fans.
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Container and Soil Requirements:
- Containers with drainage holes and a well-draining potting mix are essential. Watering should occur when the potting mix starts to dry out, with certain herbs requiring a slight drying between waterings. The importance of suitable containers and soil conditions for different herbs, such as rosemary, is highlighted.
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Fertilization and Pest Control:
- Herbs benefit from regular fertilization with a low dose of water-soluble fertilizer every two weeks. Over-fertilizing may negatively impact aroma and taste. A soapy solution is recommended for pest control, with specific proportions provided. Regular checks for discoloration or abnormalities resulting from the soap solution are emphasized.
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Repotting:
- Herbs should be repotted when roots emerge from the drainage hole. The ideal time for repotting is early spring to allow for growth during the growing season. Special considerations are given for herbs with taproots or trailing forms, suggesting appropriate pot types.
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Outdoor Placement:
- If transitioning herbs outdoors during warmer months, a gradual acclimation process to higher light levels is advised. Monitoring plant health, adjusting fertilization and watering as needed, and checking for signs of pest infestation are key aspects highlighted in the article.
In conclusion, these insights showcase a comprehensive understanding of herb cultivation indoors, encompassing selection, growth conditions, environmental factors, and maintenance practices. The recommendations are rooted in practical experience and a deep knowledge of horticulture principles.
