What Are The Easiest Herbs To Grow From Seed? 8 Beginner-Friendly Edibles Anyone Can Grow

Whether you are a novice or professional gardener, choosing the easiest herbs to grow from seed can open the door to a plentiful stash of healthy, tasty edibles and aromatic accents. So are herbs easy to grow from seed, you may be wondering? Absolutely! Many of our favorites are simple to grow at home.

It’s ok if you’re a beginner – you can plant herb seeds for a range of annual, biennial and perennial herbs that are perfect for pots and herb garden planters (and a few that are great for sowing out as well). These seeds are relatively inexpensive, readily available, and take little more than good soil, warmth, sunlight and water. So, here are the best herbs to grow from seed.

Choose the Easiest Herbs To Grow From Seeds

Whether you’re looking to create a simple windowsill medley of container herbs or grow a dedicated herb garden, there are some herbs that you can be sure will go the distance, even if you don’t have much experience – or are worried that you might not have much time to devote to their care. Here are some of the best herbs to grow indoors from seed.

1. Basil

This wonderful herb comes in many varieties, each with subtly different flavor characteristics. The classic Genovese is the base for delicious pesto. Thai basil imparts a unique flavor to certain Asian dishes. There are also bespoke culinary breeds such as the Culinary Blend from Park Seed, available in the Gardening Know How Shop. Basil requires well-draining soil. A purchased potting or seed starting mix is sufficient to start basil seeds.

You can grow basil indoors in a container if you can provide it with eight hours of sunlight, or place the container under a plant light. Sow the seeds on the surface of pre-moistened soil and dust a little soil over them. Keep the container moderately wet and place it in a very sunny, warm location. Once the seedlings have two pairs of true leaves, pot them up individually to grow on. Basil plants are some of the easiest herbs to grow from seeds indoors.

2. Chives

Chives are started from tiny black seeds. Both the stems and brightly colored flowers are edible. Use well-draining potting soil and a shallow container, plus some Chive Seeds from Park Seed, available in the Gardening Know How Shop. When growing chives from scratch, sow the seeds on the surface and press them into the soil. Water the soil and keep the flat or pot in a warm location until germination.

To enhance sprouting, place a clear cover or bag over the flat. Remove this once daily to prevent the build-up of evaporating liquid. Once the chives are large enough, transplant them to containers and keep them in full sun. Snip the stems as needed for a fresh, gentle onion flavor.

3. Catnip

This one is for all you cat people, since it is not used in human cuisine, although it is a relative of mint. You will need to start your seed somewhere your furry friend cannot disturb. Use a shallow flat filled with a well-draining medium.

Sow the seeds a quarter of an inch (60mm) below the surface of the soil. The seeds may take up to three weeks to sprout. Once the little plants are a few inches (8cm) tall, gently remove them and pot them up individually. You can grow some outside and leave a potted catnip plant indoors for kitty browsing.

4. Parsley

Being able to grow parsley adds lively color and fresh flavor to many dishes. It is also great as a decoration for food and an excellent digestive aid. Certain curled types, such as Lisette from Park Seed, available in the Gardening Know How Shop, develop a dense, lush mass of edible leaves. To grow parsley indoors, it is best to soak the seed before planting. This will soften the seed coat and allow the embryo to emerge more readily.

Plant the seed a quarter of an inch (60mm) deep and keep the container moderately moist. Thin the seedlings as they emerge to leave each an inch (2.5cm) to grow. You can eat those thinnings so don’t throw them out! Keep the container in the brightest light possible and transplant the seedlings to containers when they are large enough to handle.

5. Dill

One of the easiest herbs to grow from seeds indoors is dill. This flavorful plant has the ability to self-sow and can become a nuisance but is easy to control by cutting off the flowering heads. Dill weed shouldn't be confused with pickling dill. Dill varieties such as Bouquet from Park Seed, available in the Gardening Know How Shop, are commonly used in conjunction with citrus flavors and paired with seafood.

To grow dill, use a container about 4-6 inches (10-15cm) deep. Fill the container with potting soil and moisten it. Scatter the seeds on the surface of the soil, covering them with just a light scattering of soil. Keep the plant where temperatures are at least 60 degrees Fahrenheit (15.6°C) in a location that receives at least six hours or more of sunlight. Seedlings emerge in a couple of weeks. Thin them to a few inches (8cm) apart.

6. Sorrel

Sorrel is not commonly used but it imparts a tangy, citrus flavor to dishes. It only takes a small amount to add the flavor and is added at the end of cooking to keep the freshness. Sorrel seeds can take up to six weeks to germinate.

To grow sorrel herbs from scratch, sow them in a pot filled with good soil and water. Place the container where it is warm and bright. Once the seedlings emerge, thin them and keep the pot moist and in a location with at least six hours of light.

7. Marjoram

I always think of marjoram as a kinder, gentler cousin of oregano. It is quite easy to grow marjoram herbs indoors and start them from seed. All you need is well-draining potting soil, a shallow flat, water, and some bright light. The seeds need to be kept quite warm to germinate. Place the flat on top of the refrigerator or on a seed starting heat mat.

Thin the seedlings and pot them up separately when they are large enough to handle. Marjoram is a tender perennial. It may be moved outdoors for the growing season and brought back inside when temperatures drop.

8. Sage

Common sage is a perennial plant that may be grown indoors. Select small containers and fill them with pre-moistened soil. Press the seeds into the surface of the soil. To grow sage successfully, keep the container slightly moist, in a warm location, and near a sunny location. Thin the sage plants and move them as required to larger containers. Pinch off leaves as needed and to help keep plants bushy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Other Great Herb and Seed Ideas to try

• Looking for a head start on your spring gardening? Follow our guide on the best times to start planting seeds for different plants and planting zones.
• If you fancy mixing up your edibles with your ornamentals, our guide on beautiful herbs that belong in flowerbeds can help you expand your edimental horizons.
• Would you like to grow plants for seeds you can enjoy as a nutritious treat? This roundup of tasty edible seeds is great for your garden – and your diet!
• Kickstart your year of epic herb gardening with the very best selections! Check out the selection of specially curated herb seeds in the Gardening Know How Shop.

This article features products available from third party vendors on the Gardening Know How Shop.