Best Edible Herbs to Grow Indoors: Easy Favorites & Care Tips

Growing herbs indoors is like having a mini garden right in your kitchen—fresh, fragrant, and always ready to take your cooking up a notch. It’s perfect if you don’t have outdoor space, want year-round access to your favorite herbs, or just love having some greenery around the house.

That said, not all herbs are equally low-maintenance. Some are super easy and practically grow themselves, while others need a little more love and attention. In this post, we’ll walk you through the best edible herbs to grow indoors, how to take care of them, the best spots to place them, when to plant, and how to use them—whether you’re tossing them into dinner or brewing a calming cup of tea. Plus, we’ll flag which ones are safe for pets and which you’ll want to keep out of reach.

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Basil

• Soil & Care: Well-draining, nutrient-rich potting soil. Pinch off flowering tips to encourage leaf growth.

• Light & Water: Needs 6+ hours of sunlight daily (south-facing window or grow light). Keep soil moist, not soggy.

• Temperature: 18–27°C (65–80°F). Avoid cold drafts.

• Planting Time: Spring or anytime indoors with warmth and light.

• Lifespan: Annual, but you can extend its life indoors with pruning.

• Harvesting & Preservation: Snip leaves from the top down. Can be dried but best used fresh. Freeze in olive oil for long-term use.

• Best Location: Sunny windowsill or under a grow light.

• Uses:

  • Fresh: Pasta, salads, pesto. Adds a sweet, slightly peppery flavor.

  • Infusion: Mild digestive aid, may help reduce inflammation.

Easy to grow | Caution: Not safe for pets (especially cats)

Chives

• Soil & Care: Light, loamy soil. Trim regularly to prevent flowering.

• Light & Water: Likes full sun but tolerates partial light. Water when the topsoil feels dry.

• Temperature: 15–24°C (59–75°F).

• Planting Time: Spring is ideal, but they can be grown indoors year-round.

• Lifespan: Perennial; will regrow even after trimming.

• Harvesting & Preservation: Snip leaves close to the base. Can be frozen or dried, though drying reduces flavor.

• Best Location: East or south-facing window.

• Uses:

  • Fresh: Soups, baked potatoes, omelets. Mild onion flavor.

  • Infusion: Can be made into a tea, though uncommon. May aid digestion.

Very easy to grow | Pet-safe

Mint

• Soil & Care: Moist, well-draining soil. Can be invasive—grow in its own pot.

• Light & Water: Prefers indirect bright light. Water often to keep soil consistently moist.

• Temperature: 18–24°C (65–75°F).

• Planting Time: Spring or anytime indoors.

• Lifespan: Perennial indoors with regular pruning.

• Harvesting & Preservation: Harvest stems just above the node. Dry or freeze leaves for later use.

• Best Location: Kitchen window with indirect light.

• Uses:

  • Fresh: Teas, desserts, salads, mojitos. Adds a cool, refreshing flavor.

  • Infusion: Classic herbal tea. Aids digestion and relieves nausea.

Moderately easy to grow | Caution: Not safe for pets

Parsley

• Soil & Care: Rich, moist potting soil. Fertilize monthly.

• Light & Water: Needs full sun (at least 6 hours). Keep soil slightly moist.

• Temperature: 15–26°C (60–79°F).

• Planting Time: Spring, or year-round indoors with light.

• Lifespan: Biennial but grown as an annual indoors.

• Harvesting & Preservation: Cut outer stems at the base. Can be dried or frozen.

• Best Location: Bright kitchen or sunlit shelf.

• Uses:

  • Fresh: Garnishes, soups, sauces. Bright, slightly bitter taste.

  • Infusion: May act as a mild diuretic.

Easy to grow | Pet-safe in small amounts

Rosemary

• Soil & Care: Well-draining sandy soil. Avoid overwatering.

• Light & Water: Needs at least 6 hours of direct light. Let soil dry between watering.

• Temperature: 18–24°C (65–75°F). Doesn't like sudden temperature changes.

• Planting Time: Spring or fall.

• Lifespan: Perennial indoors with proper care.

• Harvesting & Preservation: Snip sprigs as needed. Excellent dried or fresh.

• Best Location: Bright window or sunroom.

• Uses:

  • Fresh or dry: Roasted meats, potatoes, bread. Adds a piney, earthy flavor.

  • Infusion: Can help improve focus and circulation.

Requires more care | Caution: Toxic to pets

Thyme

• Soil & Care: Sandy or well-draining soil. Avoid overwatering.

• Light & Water: Needs full sun. Water when soil is dry to the touch.

• Temperature: 16–24°C (60–75°F).

• Planting Time: Early spring.

• Lifespan: Perennial indoors.

• Harvesting & Preservation: Cut stems just before flowering. Dries very well.

• Best Location: Bright windowsill.

• Uses:

  • Fresh or dry: Stews, meats, marinades. Warm, earthy taste.

  • Infusion: Supports respiratory health and has antibacterial properties.

Moderately easy | Caution: Can cause mild stomach upset in pets

Oregano

• Soil & Care: Light, well-draining soil. Don’t over-fertilize.

• Light & Water: Needs lots of light. Allow soil to dry between waterings.

• Temperature: 18–24°C (65–75°F).

• Planting Time: Late spring.

• Lifespan: Perennial indoors with light and pruning.

• Harvesting & Preservation: Snip stems. Excellent dried; intensifies flavor.

• Best Location: South-facing window.

• Uses:

  • Fresh or dry: Pizza, pasta sauces, Greek and Italian dishes. Bold and peppery flavor.

  • Infusion: Can soothe coughs and support digestion.

Easy to moderate | Caution: May irritate pets in large quantities

Cilantro (Coriander)

• Soil & Care: Moist, well-draining soil. Doesn’t transplant well—start from seed.

• Light & Water: Needs full sunlight. Water regularly to keep soil evenly moist.

• Temperature: 10–22°C (50–72°F).

• Planting Time: Spring or fall.

• Lifespan: Annual. Bolts quickly in heat.

• Harvesting & Preservation: Harvest leaves early. Freeze or chop and store in oil. Doesn’t dry well.

• Best Location: Cool, sunny spot.

• Uses:

  • Fresh: Mexican, Indian, Thai dishes. Fresh and citrusy flavor.

  • Infusion: Coriander seeds (not leaves) used in digestion-supporting teas.

Trickier indoors | Pet-safe

Tips for Indoor Herb Success

• Rotate pots weekly so herbs don’t lean toward the light.

• Use containers with drainage holes to prevent root rot.

• Trim regularly to encourage bushy growth and prevent flowering.

• Pair herbs with similar light and water needs if growing together.

With a little care and the right placement, you can keep your favorite herbs thriving all year long—adding life to your kitchen and flavor to every meal.