Herbs from seed: sowing, soil, containers, care and problems
Most culinary herbs are easy from seed. Soft-leaved annuals (basil, cilantro, dill) germinate within a couple of weeks, while perennial herbs (thyme, sage, rosemary, lavender) are slower and often easier from cuttings or plants.
Germination and sowing
Many herb seeds are tiny and need light: press onto the surface and do not cover. Sow fast-bolting herbs such as cilantro, dill and chervil directly and in succession, because they do not like transplanting. Start basil indoors in warmth. The herb table below gives temperatures and days.
Soil, light and pH
Use a fine seed-starting mix, then a free-draining potting mix. Mediterranean herbs prefer lean, neutral-to-alkaline soil and sun; mint and parsley tolerate a moister, richer mix. Indoors give 14 to 16 hours of bright light from grow lights.
Potting up, containers and growing without soil
Pot seedlings on when they have a couple of true leaves; harden off before moving outside. Herbs do well in pots, vertical planters, windowsills and hydroponic or aeroponic systems with a gentle nutrient feed.
Care and harvesting
Water when the surface dries, feed lightly, pinch tips for bushy plants and harvest little and often. Removing flower buds extends the harvest of basil and many others.
Companions, pests and diseases
Basil beside tomatoes is a traditional pairing; dill and cilantro attract beneficial insects; mint is best kept in a pot. Aphids and whitefly are the usual pests, controlled by washing off or soap spray. Damping off, root rot and mildew follow overwatering and poor airflow: see the troubleshooter.
Plants in this guide
| Plant | Germination temp | Depth | Days | Light | Before sowing |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Basil Ocimum basilicum | 65 to 80°F | ¼ in (6 mm) | 5 to 10 | Cover | Nothing needed |
| Borage Borago officinalis | see page | ¼ to ½ in (6 to 12 mm) | 7 to 14 | Cover | Nothing needed |
| Chamomile Matricaria chamomilla | see page | surface | 10 to 14 | Needs light | Nothing needed |
| Chervil Anthriscus cerefolium | see page | barely covered | 10 to 14 | Needs light | Nothing needed |
| Chives Allium schoenoprasum | see page | ¼ in (6 mm) | 7 to 14 | Either | Nothing needed |
| Cilantro (coriander) Coriandrum sativum | see page | ¼ to ½ in (6 to 12 mm) | 7 to 10 | Cover | Nothing needed |
| Dill Anethum graveolens | 65 to 70°F | ¼ in (6 mm), barely covered | 7 to 21 | Needs light | Nothing needed |
| Fennel (leaf) Foeniculum vulgare | see page | ¼ in (6 mm) | 7 to 14 | Either | Nothing needed |
| Lavender Lavandula angustifolia | see page | barely covered | 14 to 21 | Needs light | Nothing needed |
| Lemon balm Melissa officinalis | see page | barely covered | 7 to 14 | Needs light | Nothing needed |
| Mint Mentha spp. | see page | barely covered | 10 to 14 | Needs light | Nothing needed |
| Oregano and marjoram Origanum vulgare | 65 to 70°F | barely covered | 7 to 14 | Needs light | Nothing needed |
| Parsley Petroselinum crispum | 65 to 85°F | ¼ in (6 mm) | 14 to 30 | Cover | Nothing needed |
| Rosemary Salvia rosmarinus | see page | barely covered | 14 to 21 | Either | Nothing needed |
| Sage Salvia officinalis | see page | ¼ in (6 mm) | 7 to 21 | Either | Nothing needed |
| Summer savory Satureja hortensis | see page | barely covered | 7 to 14 | Needs light | Nothing needed |
| Thyme Thymus vulgaris | see page | barely covered | 14 to 21 | Needs light | Nothing needed |