Have you ever wanted fresh herbs on hand without having to dig through the soil, move heavy pots, and clean up the mess that gardening leaves behind? Good news: there are herbs that you can grow simply in water! Forget dirty fingers and bags of soil – all you need is a few glass jars, clean water, and a little light.
This is the perfect solution for those of you who live in an apartment without garden or your cactus is dying of thirst. Good news: there are herbs that you can grow simply in water! Plus, you'll save money by not having to buy fresh herbs every week. So, are you ready to have a mini herb garden on your kitchen shelf? Let's see which herbs thrive in water and how to care for them!
Herbs You Can Grow in Water
1. Parsley – a humble but versatile kitchen hero
Parsley is indispensable in salads, soups, sauces… in fact, everywhere. To grow it in water, cut off a few healthy stems (at least 10 cm long), remove the lower leaves so they don’t rot in the water, and place them in a jar of water. Place it in a bright place (not in direct sunlight!) and change the water every few days. In a few weeks, it will start to sprout roots – and voilà, you’ll always have fresh parsley on hand!
2. Mint – refreshment for the soul and body
Mint is the queen of refreshing drinks – from lemonades to mojito. If you want to grow it in water, cut off a few twigs and place them in a jar. You’ll soon see tiny white roots, which means it’s on its way. Since it grows like a weed (literally), prune it occasionally to keep it lush. Just be careful—if left unchecked, it can quickly become the new master of your kitchen.
3. Spring onions – a miracle that just keeps growing and growing
If you have spring onions in your fridge, you already have a fully functional herb garden! Simply place them in a jar with a few inches of water so that the roots are submerged. They will soon start sprouting new leaves, and you will have an endless supply of onions for salads, soups, and sandwiches. The key to success? Changing the water every few days and getting some sunlight.
4. Basil – the fragrant queen of Italian cuisine
No pizza is complete without fresh basil, right? To grow basil in water, cut off a few stems (at least 10 cm long), remove the bottom leaves and place them in a jar. After a few weeks, they will have roots – then you can decide whether to transplant them into the ground or leave them in the water. Regular pruning encourages growth, so feel free to use the leaves for your culinary masterpieces!
5. Sage – medicine and spice in one
Sage is not only a great addition to dishes, but also a real home doctor – it helps with digestion, soothes coughs and even freshens breath (although garlic still wins the battle of smells). To grow in water, cut off a few young sprigs and place them in a jar. Sage loves light, so provide it with a windowsill with a good view. Changing the water every three days will prevent mold from forming.
6. Rosemary – a hardy aromatic wonder
Rosemary is not for those in a hurry – it grows slower than other herbs, but it is extremely hardy. Cut a few semi-woody twigs, remove the lower leaves and place them in water. Roots usually appear within two to four weeks. Once you see them, you have won! Rosemary is ideal for roast potatoes, meat or as a natural room freshener.
Tips for successfully growing herbs in water
✔ Use glass jars – plastic can release unwanted substances.
✔ Change the water every few days – fresh water = happy plant.
✔ Choose a bright spot, but not too much sun. – herbs are not fans of sunburn.
✔ Add a drop of liquid fertilizer – if you want to accelerate growth and have even more lush plants.
Who would have thought that you could have a mini herb garden right on your kitchen shelf? No soil, no mess, just fresh herbs that you can use anytime. Growing in water is simple, organic and saves you a few euros on your everyday cooking. Try it today and let your kitchen smell of fresh spices! 🌿💦
