Growing herbs in water is a space-saving, low-maintenance way to cultivate fresh herbs year-round. This method, known as hydroponics, allows plants to thrive in water without the need for soil, offering a clean and convenient solution for indoor gardening. It’s perfect for those with limited space or who want to avoid dealing with soil altogether.
Here, we’ll explore 13 common herbs that can grow well in water, and we’ll provide tips on how to care for them to ensure they stay healthy and productive.
1. Basil
Basil is one of the easiest and most popular herbs to grow in water. Known for its sweet and aromatic leaves, basil can grow quickly and abundantly if given the right conditions.
Basil is perfect for making pesto, adding to salads, and seasoning Italian dishes.
How to grow basil in water:
- Take a cutting of 4-6 inches from a mature basil plant, ensuring you snip just below a leaf node.
- Remove the lower leaves and place the stem in a glass of water, ensuring the leaf nodes are submerged.
- Change the water every few days, and in about two weeks, roots should begin to develop.
2. Mint
Mint is a hardy herb that grows rapidly in water. With its refreshing flavor, it’s ideal for teas, desserts, and beverages. Mint has a robust root system that easily adapts to water-based growth.
Mint can be used in iced teas, cocktails like mojitos, and as a garnish for various dishes.
How to grow mint in water:
- Snip a 5-6 inch cutting from an established mint plant, just below a node.
- Place the cutting in a jar of water, ensuring the water covers the nodes.
- Mint will root quickly, often within a week. Once rooted, it can grow vigorously.
3. Rosemary
Rosemary is an aromatic herb with needle-like leaves that can be propagated in water, though it requires more patience than other herbs.
Rosemary is excellent for seasoning roasted meats, potatoes, and soups.
How to grow rosemary in water:
- Take a cutting from a new growth stem, about 6-8 inches long.
- Remove the lower leaves and place the cutting in a glass of water.
- Change the water regularly, and roots should appear in 3-4 weeks. Rosemary grows more slowly than mint or basil but can thrive with the right care.
4. Oregano
5. Thyme
Thyme is a versatile herb with small, fragrant leaves that grow well in water. It is an excellent addition to a variety of dishes and medicinal teas.
Thyme is great for seasoning soups, stews, and roasted vegetables.
How to grow thyme in water:
- Snip a cutting from the soft, green part of a thyme plant.
- Remove the leaves from the bottom half of the cutting.
- Place the cutting in water and put it in a sunny location. It may take a little longer (up to 4 weeks) for roots to develop, but thyme will eventually adapt to the water environment.
6. Sage
Sage is another hardy herb that grows well in water. It has fuzzy, grayish-green leaves and is commonly used in cooking and home remedies.
Sage is perfect for stuffing, savory dishes, and herbal teas.
How to grow sage in water:
- Take a 5-6 inch cutting from a healthy sage plant, cutting just below a node.
- Remove the lower leaves, leaving only a few at the top.
- Place the cutting in a glass of water, and roots should appear in about 2-3 weeks.
7. Lemon Balm
Lemon balm, with its lemony fragrance and mild mint flavor, is perfect for growing in water. It’s part of the mint family and has similar growing requirements.
Lemon balm is great for herbal teas, salads, and soothing remedies.
How to grow lemon balm in water:
- Take a cutting from a healthy plant, about 4-6 inches long.
- Remove the bottom leaves and place the stem in water.
- Place the jar in a sunny location, and in about 2 weeks, the roots will begin to form.
8. Cilantro
Cilantro, also known as coriander, is a popular herb in various cuisines. While it typically prefers soil, it can be propagated in water with care.
This herb is essential in Mexican, Indian, and Southeast Asian cooking, great for garnishing curries, tacos, and salads.
How to grow cilantro in water:
- Take a cutting from a mature cilantro plant, about 4-6 inches long.
- Remove the lower leaves and place the cutting in a jar of water.
- Cilantro roots develop more slowly, taking up to 3 weeks, but it can thrive in water once established.
9. Onion
Onions are versatile and can be easily grown in water, making them ideal for small-space gardening. Growing onions this way allows for fresh green shoots that can be harvested quickly for culinary use.
The green onion shoots are perfect for garnishing salads, soups, and other dishes.
How to grow onion in water:
- Cut off the bottom 1-2 inches of an onion with visible root stubs.
- Place the onion base in a shallow dish of water, ensuring only the root area is submerged.
- Change the water every 2-3 days, and place the dish in a sunny spot.
- Onion roots typically start growing within a week, and green shoots will follow soon after.
10. Garlic
Garlic can be easily grown in water, allowing you to produce fresh garlic greens for culinary use. This low-maintenance method is perfect for growing garlic indoors without the need for soil.
The garlic greens can be snipped and used as a flavorful garnish for salads, stir-fries, and soups.
How to grow garlic in water:
- Select a large garlic clove and place it in a shallow dish with the pointed side up.
- Add just enough water to cover the bottom of the clove.
- Place the dish in a sunny location, and change the water every 2-3 days.
- Within a week, roots and green shoots will begin to grow from the clove.
11. Tarragon
Tarragon is a fragrant herb often used in French cooking. It can be grown in water, although it requires a sunny spot to thrive.
Tarragon is great for adding to chicken, fish, and egg dishes, and for making herb-infused vinegars.
How to grow tarragon in water:
- Take a cutting from new growth, about 5-6 inches long.
- Strip the lower leaves and place the cutting in water.
- Keep the jar in a sunny window, and in 2-3 weeks, roots will begin to form.
12. Ginger
Ginger is a flavorful root that can be propagated in water, providing fresh growth for both culinary and medicinal use. This method allows ginger to sprout easily indoors, making it a convenient way to cultivate it year-round.
Ginger can be used for teas, soups, and as a spice in many dishes. Fresh ginger shoots are also edible and flavorful.
How to grow ginger in water:
- Select a fresh ginger rhizome with visible eyes or buds.
- Soak the ginger piece in water overnight, then place it in a shallow dish with the buds facing upward.
- Add enough water to partially submerge the ginger and place it in indirect sunlight.
- Change the water every few days, and within 2-4 weeks, new shoots and roots will begin to develop.
13. Lavender
Lavender is a fragrant herb that can be propagated in water, although it requires patience. Its calming scent and beautiful flowers make it worth the effort.
Lavender is commonly used for making tea, infused oils, and in aromatherapy products.
How to grow lavender in water:
- Take a cutting from new growth, about 4-6 inches long.
- Remove the lower leaves and place the cutting in water.
- Lavender roots slowly in water, typically taking up to 4-6 weeks to form.
How to Care for Herbs Growing in Water
Once you’ve propagated your herbs in water, here are some tips to keep them healthy and growing strong:
- Change the Water Regularly: Change the water every 3-5 days to prevent stagnation and the growth of bacteria. Fresh water provides essential oxygen for root development.
- Provide Adequate Light: Most herbs need at least 6 hours of bright, indirect sunlight each day. If you’re growing herbs indoors, place them near a sunny window or under a grow light.
- Monitor for Root Growth: As the roots develop, make sure they remain healthy and white. If you notice any slimy or discolored roots, trim them away to avoid spreading disease.
- Add Liquid Fertilizer: Herbs growing in water may benefit from a diluted liquid fertilizer every couple of weeks to ensure they get the nutrients they need.