Herbs for Indoors / Windowsill Growing

Lemongrass – Seeds (Cymbopogon flexuosus)

Lemongrass is a wonderfully fragrant herb, widely used in Asian cuisine for its fresh citrus flavor. This versatile plant can be grown in containers, kitchen gardens, or even indoors on a sunny windowsill. Both the leaves and stems are edible, perfect for curries, teas, marinades, and stir-fries. An attractive, clump-forming grass, it also adds a decorative touch to herb borders.

How to Grow

• Sow indoors: February – April in trays or pots of seed compost with gentle heat.

• Transplant: When seedlings are large enough, pot on or plant outdoors after the last frost.

• Soil: Fertile, free-draining soil in full sun.

• Spacing: 30–40 cm apart.

• Keep soil moist and protect from cold.

Key Features

• Fragrant herb with citrus aroma

• Essential for Asian cooking

• Edible stems and leaves

• Can be grown in pots, containers, or beds

• Attractive clump-forming grass

Ideal For

• Asian-inspired dishes, teas, and marinades

• Herb gardens, borders, and container growing

• Indoor growing on sunny windowsills

Sowing & Harvest

• Sow: February – April

• Harvest: July – October (leaves and stems when mature)

Quick Tip

For a continuous harvest, cut stalks at the base while leaving the plant to regrow. In cooler climates, grow in pots and overwinter indoors.

Lemon Balm – Seeds (Melissa officinalis)

Lemon Balm is a hardy perennial herb valued for its refreshing lemon-scented leaves. Perfect for teas, desserts, and savory dishes, it also makes a soothing herbal remedy often used to promote relaxation. Its fragrant foliage attracts bees and pollinators, while its resilience makes it an easy-to-grow choice for gardens, pots, or borders.

How to Grow

• Sow indoors: March – May in trays at 18–20°C.

• Sow outdoors: May – July in a sunny or lightly shaded spot.

• Thin or transplant seedlings to 30 cm apart.

• Prefers fertile, well-drained soil.

• Cut back after flowering to encourage fresh growth.

Key Features

• Hardy perennial with refreshing lemon scent

• Aromatic leaves for teas, salads, and cooking

• Excellent for herbal remedies and relaxation

• Attracts bees and pollinators

• Easy to grow in borders or containers

Ideal For

• Herbal teas and drinks

• Culinary use in sweet and savory dishes

• Herb gardens, borders, and patio pots

Sowing & Harvest

• Sow: March – July

• Harvest: May – October

Quick Tip

Pick leaves early in the morning for the best flavor and fragrance.

Lavender ‘Hidcote’ Blue – Seeds (Lavandula angustifolia)

Lavender ‘Hidcote’ Blue (Lavandula angustifolia) is a classic compact variety prized for its deep violet-blue flower spikes and aromatic foliage. Ideal for borders, herb gardens, and containers, it attracts bees and butterflies while providing fragrant blooms for cutting and drying. Hardy and low-maintenance, it’s perfect for sunny, well-drained locations.

Why Grow "Hidcote Blue"

• Deep violet-blue fragrant flower spikes

• Compact, tidy growth ideal for borders and containers

• Attracts pollinators such as bees and butterflies

• Excellent for cutting, drying, and culinary use

Key Features

• Type: Hardy perennial (Lavandula angustifolia)

• Height: 30–45 cm

• Flowering: June–August

• Position: Full sun, well-drained soil

• Uses: Borders, herb gardens, containers, pollinator-friendly planting

Ideal For

• Herb and cottage gardens

• Pollinator-friendly borders

• Container planting and edging

• Fragrant bouquets and dried arrangements

Sowing & Growing

• Sow indoors: February–April in seed trays

• Germination: 14–28 days at 18–22°C

• Transplant seedlings into pots or borders after last frost

• Space 25–30 cm apart for compact growth

• Prefers sunny, well-drained soil; avoid overwatering

Hyssop Seeds (Hyssopus officinalis)

Grow a timeless herb with Hyssop (Hyssopus officinalis), a fragrant perennial prized for its aromatic leaves and striking blue-purple flowers. Traditionally used in herbal teas, remedies, and as a seasoning, hyssop also attracts pollinators and adds beauty to borders, herb gardens, and containers. Hardy and versatile, it’s an essential plant for both culinary and medicinal use.

How to Grow

• Sow seeds indoors in spring or directly outdoors after the last frost.

• Use well-drained, light soil in a sunny location.

• Sow seeds 0.5 cm deep and thin seedlings to 30–40 cm apart.

• Keep soil lightly moist until germination (14–21 days).

• Harvest leaves and flowers throughout summer for fresh or dried use.

Key Features

• Aromatic herb with blue-purple blooms

• Culinary, medicinal, and herbal tea uses

• Attracts bees, butterflies, and pollinators

• Hardy perennial, easy to grow

• Adds beauty and fragrance to the garden

Ideal For

• Herb gardens, borders, and containers

• Herbal teas, remedies, and cooking

• Attracting pollinators and beneficial insects

• Gardeners seeking hardy, multipurpose plants

Sowing

• Best time: Spring indoors or after frost outdoors

• Depth: 0.5 cm

• Spacing: 30–40 cm apart

• Prefers full sun and well-drained soil

Quick Tip

• Trim plants after flowering to encourage bushier growth and a second flush of blooms.

Sweet Marjoram – Seeds (Tender Perennial Aromatic)

Sweet Marjoram is a fragrant, tender perennial herb prized for its delicate, sweet flavor. Perfect for seasoning soups, sauces, salads, and roasted dishes, it adds a subtle aromatic touch to your culinary creations. Compact and easy to grow, Sweet Marjoram is ideal for garden beds, containers, and herb gardens.

How to Grow

• Sow seeds indoors from February to April, lightly covering with soil.

• Maintain 18–22°C until germination.

• Transplant seedlings outdoors after the last frost in a sunny, sheltered spot.

• Prefers well-drained soil and regular watering.

• Trim regularly to encourage bushy growth and prevent flowering.

Key Features

• Tender perennial aromatic herb

• Sweet, delicate flavor for culinary use

• Compact, bushy growth habit

• Ideal for garden beds, containers, and herb gardens

• Perfect for fresh use or drying

Ideal For

• Flavoring soups, sauces, and roasted dishes

• Gardeners seeking aromatic, easy-to-grow herbs

• Kitchen herb collections and container gardening

Sowing & Harvest

• Sow: February to April

• Depth: Lightly covered

• Harvest: May to October

Quick Tip

• Regularly snip leaves to encourage fresh growth and prevent the plant from flowering too early.

Holy Basil Herb Seeds (Ocimum sanctum)

Sacred in Ayurvedic tradition, Holy Basil (Ocimum sanctum), also known as Tulsi, is a fragrant and highly valued herb cherished for its medicinal and culinary uses. With its spicy, clove-like aroma and lush green foliage, it adds beauty to the garden and wellness to your kitchen. A must-have for herb lovers and holistic gardeners.

How to Grow

• Sow indoors in early spring or directly outdoors after the last frost.

• Use light, well-drained soil in a sunny location.

• Sow 0.5 cm deep and keep soil moist until germination.

• Thin seedlings to 25–30 cm apart.

• Regular harvesting encourages bushy growth.

Key Features

• Sacred Ayurvedic herb known as Tulsi

• Distinct clove-like aroma and flavor

• Rich in antioxidants and medicinal properties

• Attractive green foliage with purple flowers

• Easy to grow in pots, beds, or herb gardens

Ideal For

• Herbal teas and remedies

• Traditional and modern cooking

• Home apothecaries and wellness gardens

• Indoor pots or sunny outdoor spots

Sowing

• Best time: Spring after frost

• Depth: 0.5 cm

• Spacing: 25–30 cm apart

• Prefers sunny, warm conditions with well-drained soil

Quick Tip

• Pinch back growing tips to encourage bushiness and a longer harvest season.

Herb Sage – Seeds

(Salvia officinalis)

Herb Sage is a hardy perennial herb prized for its aromatic leaves and culinary versatility. Perfect for seasoning meats, soups, and sauces, its gray-green foliage also adds texture and fragrance to herb gardens. Easy to grow and drought-tolerant once established, it attracts pollinators and enhances both edible and ornamental plantings.

Why Grow Herb Sage?

• Aromatic leaves for culinary and medicinal use

• Hardy perennial, drought-tolerant once established

• Attracts bees and pollinators

• Adds texture and fragrance to gardens

Key Features

• Type: Perennial herb

• Height: 30–60 cm

• Flowers: Blue-purple, late spring to summer

• Position: Full sun

• Soil: Well-drained, moderately fertile

Ideal For

• Herb and culinary gardens

• Pollinator-friendly plantings

• Containers, borders, and rockeries

• Perennial garden beds

Sowing & Growing

• Sow indoors: February–April in seed trays

• Sow outdoors: April–May directly in prepared soil

• Germination: 14–21 days at 18–20°C

• Spacing: 25–30 cm apart

• Care: Moderate watering; prune after flowering to encourage fresh growth

Peppermint – Seeds (Mentha piperita)

Peppermint is a vigorous, aromatic perennial herb with refreshing, minty leaves. Known for its intense flavor and fragrance, it is perfect for teas, desserts, cocktails, sauces, and herbal remedies. Easy to grow and highly versatile, Peppermint thrives in containers, garden beds, and herb gardens, making it a must-have for any culinary or medicinal collection.

How to Grow

• Sow seeds indoors from February to April, lightly covering with soil.

• Maintain 18–22°C until germination.

• Transplant seedlings outdoors after the last frost in a sunny or partially shaded spot.

• Prefers moist, well-drained soil and regular watering.

• Trim regularly to encourage bushy growth and prevent flowering.

Key Features

• Aromatic, perennial herb with strong minty flavor

• Fast-growing and easy to cultivate

• Ideal for teas, desserts, sauces, and cocktails

• Thrives in containers and garden beds

• Suitable for culinary and medicinal use

Ideal For

• Fresh and dried herbal teas, desserts, and beverages

• Herb gardens, containers, and small spaces

• Gardeners seeking aromatic and multipurpose herbs

Sowing & Harvest

• Sow: February to April

• Depth: Lightly covered

• Harvest: May to October

Quick Tip

• Regular harvesting of leaves encourages vigorous growth and keeps the plant flavorful.

Herb Licorice – Seeds (Glycyrrhiza glabra)

Description:
Grow your own natural sweetener and medicinal herb with Herb Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra). This hardy perennial produces long roots renowned for their sweet flavor and traditional herbal uses. With attractive feathery foliage and pale blue-lavender flowers, licorice is both decorative and useful in the garden. Ideal for herb gardens and natural remedy enthusiasts, it thrives in sunny, well-drained soil and rewards patience with valuable roots after two to three years of growth.

Key Features

• Perennial herb with sweet, aromatic roots

• Pale blue-lavender summer flowers

• Valued for culinary and medicinal purposes

• Attractive feathery foliage

• Long-lived and easy to maintain once established

Ideal For

• Herb and medicinal gardens

• Cottage and wildlife gardens

• Edible landscapes

• Homegrown natural remedies

Sowing & Growing

• Sow Indoors: February–April

• Transplant Outdoors: May–June

• Germination: 14–21 days at 18–22°C

• Spacing: 45–60 cm apart

• Height: 90–120 cm

• Light: Full sun

• Soil: Deep, fertile, well-drained

Care Tips

• Water regularly during dry periods

• Harvest roots after 2–3 years of growth

• Mulch to retain soil moisture

• Protect from frost in colder climates