How to Grow Herbs Indoors During Winter

Growing herbs indoors during winter is a great way to have access to fresh flavor all year long. With the right techniques and conditions, it’s easy to grow a variety of herbs indoors even when it’s cold outside In this comprehensive guide, I’ll share everything you need to know to grow herbs successfully indoors in winter.

Why Grow Herbs Indoors in Winter?

There are a few key reasons why you may want to grow herbs inside during the winter

• Access to fresh herbs year-round – Growing indoors allows you to have fresh herbs to cook with no matter the season. Dried herbs lose flavor over time.

• Overwinter tender plants – Some herbs like rosemary and lemon balm can’t withstand freezing temps. Bringing them inside over winter protects them.

• Fun winter gardening – Caring for herb plants provides enjoyment during dreary winter months.

• Decor – Herbs add pleasant greenery and aroma to indoor spaces in winter.

Best Herbs for Indoor Growing

While most culinary herbs will grow indoors, some are better suited for indoor cultivation than others. The best herbs for indoor winter growing include:

• Basil – Grows quickly from seed indoors. Pinch back tips to encourage bushy growth.

• Parsley – Soak seeds 24 hours before sowing to speed germination. Prefers cool temps.

• Oregano – Does well in low light. Tolerates some dryness.

• Chives – Grow well indoors in pots. Divide clumps from the garden.

• Thyme – An easygoing herb that isn’t too fussy.

• Rosemary – Bring mature plants inside. Requires excellent drainage.

• Cilantro – Quick to grow from seed. Will bolt rapidly so plan accordingly.

• Sage – Tolerates low humidity well. Take cuttings from outdoor plants.

Growing Herbs Indoors: Conditions and Care

To grow herbs successfully indoors, there are some key conditions to provide:

Light

Herbs need at least 4-6 hours of direct sun daily from a south or west-facing window. If light is insufficient, use supplemental fluorescent lighting. Rotate plants periodically for even exposure.

Temperature

Daytime temps of 65-75°F are ideal for most herbs with nights around 55-60°F. Avoid drafty areas.

Water

Allow the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings. Take care not to overwater, as soggy soil leads to root rot.

Humidity

Many herbs prefer 40-60% relative humidity. Increase humidity by misting, grouping plants, or using a humidifier.

Soil

Use a commercial potting mix or make your own using compost, coconut coir, perlite or vermiculite. Ensure excellent drainage.

Fertilizer

Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer every 2-4 weeks during active growth. Too much fertilizer can diminish flavor.

Containers

Choose containers with drainage holes. Clay, plastic, and ceramic pots all work well. Make sure pots are large enough.

How to Grow Herbs Indoors from Seeds

Many culinary herbs can be grown indoors from seed. Here’s a simple process:

• Fill starter pots or cells with moist seed starting mix. Sow seeds just below the surface.

• Place in a warm, bright spot until germination. Thin seedlings if needed.

• Transplant into final containers once seedlings have 2-4 true leaves.

• Transition to a sunny window and care for as described above. Harvest once established.

Herbs that grow well started from seed include basil, cilantro, dill, parsley, chives, oregano, thyme, and sage. Soak parsley seeds 24 hours before planting to speed germination.

Growing Herbs Indoors from Cuttings

Another option is propagating herbs from stem cuttings:

• Take 3-6 inch cuttings from the tip of healthy, new growth. Remove flowers and lower leaves.

• Dip the cut end in rooting hormone (optional). Insert into moist propagating mix.

• Place in bright area, keeping soil moist. Roots should develop in 2-4 weeks.

• Transplant into containers once rooted. Grow on as normal.

Rosemary, thyme, sage, and mint are particularly easy to root from cuttings.

Overwintering Outdoor Herbs

You can also overwinter outdoor herbs by bringing them inside for the winter:

• Pot up plants from the garden, keeping as much of the root ball intact as possible.

• Allow 1-2 weeks for the plants to adjust to lower light levels before bringing all the way indoors.

• Cut back any leggy growth before moving inside. Transition gradually to indoor conditions.

• Water sparingly at first. Resume normal care once adjusted.

Perennial herbs like rosemary, lemon balm, bay, sage, thyme and oregano can be overwintered nicely indoors.

Troubleshooting Common Indoor Herb Problems

Here are some common issues and how to resolve them:

• Leggy, weak growth – Insufficient light. Provide supplemental lighting.

• Yellowing leaves – Overwatering or nutrient deficiency. Allow soil to dry out more between waterings and fertilize.

• Wilt despite moisture – Root rot from overwatering. Improve drainage and water less frequently.

• White crusty deposits – Hard water or salt accumulation. Flush soil regularly to prevent.

• Pale new growth – Cool temperatures. Raise temperature within ideal range for the herb.

• Flowers/bolting – Maturity. Pinch back flowers to prolong harvest.

Harvesting and Preserving Herbs

• Snip leaves as needed. Cut back to a leaf node to encourage regrowth.

• Harvest in morning after dew dries but before heat of day.

• Rinse and pat dry leaves. Store in air-tight container in fridge.

• Freeze leaves in ice cube trays with water or oil.

• Make herb butters, oils, vinegars, pesto.

• Dry herbs by hanging bundles or using a dehydrator. Store in airtight jars.

Growing basil indoors during winter is achievable with proper light and temperature conditions. Basil thrives with at least six hours of sunlight daily, or supplemental grow lights.