Growing herbs in water has some great perks:
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Super easy to maintain: No soil means no weeds, no pests, and no fuss.
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Fresh herbs year-round: Keep them indoors and have fresh flavours whenever you need them.
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Look great and space-saving: A row of herb-filled jars makes a beautiful addition to your kitchen windowsill.
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Budget-friendly: No need to buy fresh herbs every week when you can just keep regrowing them!
The best herbs to grow in water
Not all herbs thrive in water, but many do! Here are some of the best ones to try:
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Basil – One of the easiest herbs to grow in water. Loves warmth and bright light.
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Mint – A fast grower with a refreshing scent. Perfect for tea and cocktails.
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Rosemary – Takes a little longer to root, but once it does, it flourishes.
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Oregano – Grows well in water and adds a delicious punch to dishes.
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Thyme – Delicate but easy to grow, just make sure it gets enough light.
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Sage – Slow to root but does well once established.
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Lemon Balm – Has a lovely citrusy scent and grows quickly.
How to grow herbs in water
First you need some healthy cuttings. Ask a friend or neighbour if they are happy to share a few and snip a 10-15cm stem from a fresh, healthy herb plant. It's best to choose stems that haven’t flowered yet.
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Remove the lower leaves: Strip off any leaves that would sit below the waterline to prevent rotting.
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Place in water: Use a glass jar or a bottle filled with fresh water. If possible, use filtered water instead of tap water to avoid chemicals like chlorine.
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Provide plenty of light: Herbs need 6-8 hours of bright, indirect sunlight. A sunny windowsill is perfect!
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Change the water regularly: Swap out the water every few days to keep it fresh.
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Watch for roots: Most herbs start growing roots in about 1-2 weeks. Some may take longer, like rosemary or sage.
How long do herbs last in water?
Some herbs will keep growing in water indefinitely, while others might need occasional re-cutting or replacing.
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Basil, mint, and oregano can thrive in water for months with regular trimming.
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Rosemary and sage may eventually slow down but can last for weeks before needing a fresh start.
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Thyme and lemon balm do well for a while but may need to be transferred to soil after a few months for long-term growth.
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If your herbs start to look weak or develop slimy stems, try taking new cuttings and starting over.
Tips for success
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Use clear glass jars: This makes it easy to monitor root growth and water levels.
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Add a little liquid fertiliser: Every few weeks, a tiny drop of liquid plant food can keep your herbs thriving.
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Trim regularly: Frequent harvesting encourages growth and prevents them from becoming leggy.
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Rotate for even light: If they’re leaning toward the window, turn the jars occasionally.
Growing herbs in water is a fun, low-maintenance way to keep fresh flavours at your fingertips. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, this simple method makes it easy to enjoy homegrown herbs all year round.
Happy watery herb-growing!
