Growing herbs in water is an easy, space-saving solution for indoor gardeners or those with limited outdoor space. Not only does this method keep your kitchen filled with fresh herbs year-round, but it also minimizes the need for soil and frequent watering. Here are seven herbs that thrive in water and how you can grow them at home.
1. Basi
Basil is one of the most popular herbs for water propagation. It’s a favorite in the kitchen for its aromatic leaves, perfect for sauces, salads, and garnishes.
- How to grow: Start by taking a cutting of basil (about 4-6 inches long) from a healthy plant, ensuring it has at least two pairs of leaves. Place the stem in a glass of water, making sure no leaves are submerged to prevent rot. Change the water every few days, and within 2-3 weeks, roots should start to form. Once the roots are about 2 inches long, you can either transfer the plant to soil or continue growing it in water.
2. Mint
Mint is incredibly easy to grow in water and can quickly spread if planted in soil, making it an ideal candidate for contained water growth. It’s perfect for teas, desserts, and refreshing drinks like mojitos.
- How to grow: Take a mint cutting from a healthy plant and strip the leaves off the lower half of the stem. Place the stem in a glass jar or bottle filled with water, and change the water every 3-4 days. Within 1-2 weeks, roots will begin to form. Mint does well in indirect sunlight, making it great for indoor growing.
3. Oregano
Oregano is a hardy herb that flourishes in water. This Mediterranean staple is great for seasoning pizzas, soups, and pasta dishes.
- How to grow: Cut a sprig of oregano about 5-6 inches long from an existing plant. Place the cutting in a glass of water on a sunny windowsill. Keep the water fresh by changing it every few days. Once roots form (usually in 2-3 weeks), you can either pot the plant or leave it in water for continuous growth.
4. Thyme
Thyme is a resilient herb that adapts well to water-based growing. It’s commonly used in seasoning meats, soups, and stews, and its medicinal properties are also highly valued.
- How to grow: Snip off a fresh thyme cutting about 3-4 inches long. Place the stem in a container of water and change the water every 2-3 days to keep it fresh. Thyme will start growing roots in about 2-4 weeks, after which it can be kept in water or transferred to a pot.
5. Rosemary
Although rosemary can take longer to root in water compared to other herbs, it’s worth the wait. This fragrant herb is great for roasting meats and vegetables and can even be used in homemade skincare.
- How to grow: Cut a 6-8 inch stem from a mature rosemary plant. Strip the lower leaves and place the stem in a glass of water. Keep the rosemary in a sunny spot and change the water every few days. Roots may take up to 6-8 weeks to appear, but once they do, rosemary can be grown in water indefinitely.
6. Sage
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