Who says you need a garden or even soil to grow herbs? Not true! Some of the tastiest and most fragrant herbs out there can grow just fine in nothing but water. Yup, no messy potting mix, no need to dig around—just a sunny windowsill, a glass jar, and a bit of H₂O.
Whether you’re short on space, new to gardening, or just want a no-fuss way to keep your kitchen stocked with fresh herbs, this method’s a game-changer. Let’s dive into 11 herbs that don’t mind wet feet and will happily grow in water year-round.
Why Grow Herbs in Water?
Before we jump into the herb list, here’s why this method is catching on fast:
- Zero mess – No soil = no dirt on your counters.
- Low maintenance – Just top up the water and you’re golden.
- Year-round supply – Indoors, these herbs don’t care what season it is.
- Budget-friendly – Start with store-bought herbs or kitchen scraps.
Ready to set up your countertop herb oasis? Let’s look at the best herbs to get started.
1. Basil
Basil loves water and warmth—two things your sunny kitchen window can offer. Simply snip a stem just below a leaf node, remove the lower leaves, and pop it in a jar of water. Within days, you’ll see roots forming.
🔁 Keep It Going: Change the water every few days and trim often to encourage bushy growth.
2. Mint
Spearmint, peppermint, chocolate mint—you name it, it’ll grow. Mint’s vigorous nature makes it perfect for water growing. It roots lightning fast and can even get a little wild, so keep it trimmed.
🌱 Tip: Keep your mint in its own container. It loves to spread and can hog nutrients from others.
3. Oregano
This pizza-perfect herb roots well in water and brings loads of flavor with just a few leaves. Snip a fresh stem, strip the bottom leaves, and stick it in a jar on your windowsill.
🔥 Pro Tip: Once rooted, snip back often—oregano thrives when harvested regularly.
4. Thyme
This delicate little herb is surprisingly hardy in water. Thin, woody stems root in about a week or two. Keep it in a warm, sunny spot and enjoy its citrusy-earthy scent all year.
💧 Watch Out: Thyme doesn’t like soggy bottoms—don’t submerge the whole stem.
5. Rosemary
Rosemary takes a bit longer to root, but once it gets going, it’s pretty unstoppable. Opt for soft, young stems rather than older woody ones.
🕯️ Bonus: It makes your kitchen smell amazing and helps repel insects.
6. Sage
Yes, sage can be grown in water too! It’s a little slower to root than mint or basil, but be patient—it’s worth the wait. Choose tender, non-woody stems and keep the leaves above the waterline.
🍂 Care Note: Sage prefers bright but indirect light. Too much sun and it’ll droop.
7. Lemon Balm
Part of the mint family, lemon balm is a citrusy herb that lifts any tea or salad. It roots easily in water and does best when harvested frequently.
🍋 Pro Tip: Pinch off flower buds to keep it growing strong and leafy.
8. Tarragon
French tarragon is a hidden gem that’s perfect for herb butter, dressings, and chicken dishes. Snip fresh shoots in spring or summer, and they’ll root in about 2 weeks.
🌞 Keep It Cozy: Tarragon loves a warm window and hates the cold.
9. Chives
Want an herb that practically grows itself? Chives are it. You can regrow them in water straight from the grocery store—just place the white ends in a jar and watch them spring back.
✂️ Use It Up: Snip with scissors as needed, and they’ll keep coming back.
10. Cilantro
Trickier than most, but still doable. Cilantro stems will root in water, especially in cooler months. It prefers cooler temps and indirect light, so skip the scorching window spots.
🌿 Heads-Up: Cilantro has a short life cycle—harvest often and rotate new cuttings in.
11. Stevia
Looking for a natural sweetener? Stevia’s your guy. It’ll grow in water as long as it gets plenty of light and warmth. Take soft stem cuttings and be patient—it’s a slow starter.
🍭 Sweet Deal: Once rooted, you can use the leaves to sweeten tea, yogurt, and more.
How to Set Up Your Water Herb Garden
Here’s the beauty of it—you only need a few basics:
What You’ll Need:
- Glass jars, vases, or recycled bottles
- Fresh herb cuttings (or store-bought bundles)
- Clean water (filtered if possible)
- A sunny windowsill or under-cabinet grow light
Steps:
- Cut the Herb: Choose healthy stems, 4–6 inches long. Snip just below a node.
- Strip Leaves: Remove any leaves that’ll sit below the water line.
- Place in Water: Pop the stems in a clear jar with about 2 inches of water.
- Change Water Regularly: Every 2–3 days is ideal to keep bacteria at bay.
- Watch Them Grow: Roots should appear within a week or two for most herbs.
Final Thoughts
Growing herbs in water is one of the easiest ways to keep fresh flavors right at your fingertips. No matter the season, these 11 herbs will thrive with just a bit of light, love, and a splash of water. Whether you’re snipping basil for pasta or mint for mojitos, your indoor herb garden’s got you covered.
So go ahead—turn that sunny windowsill into your new favorite “green” space. Your taste buds will thank you!
