Fresh herbs are often grown in small patio containers, but some herbs can also grow surprisingly well in plain water.

This method is simple, clean, and requires very little space. Many people grow herbs this way on a kitchen windowsill, where the plants are easy to harvest while cooking.

Growing herbs in water works best with herbs that naturally grow from soft stems. Once established, these small cuttings can continue producing fresh leaves for several weeks.

For anyone who enjoys cooking with fresh herbs, it can be an easy way to keep a small supply growing indoors.

Herbs (and Similar Plants) That Grow Well in Water

Several common kitchen herbs root easily in water and can continue growing for a period of time without soil.

Examples include:

• basil
• mint
• oregano
• thyme
• rosemary
• parsley
• dill
• chives
• lemon balm
• green onions

These herbs develop small roots when stems or root ends are placed in water, allowing them to continue growing indoors for several weeks.

Softer herbs like basil, mint, parsley, and dill usually root the fastest and are often the easiest for beginners to start with.

Chives and green onions can also be grown in water using the root ends left from cooking, which makes them especially convenient to regrow in the kitchen.

Growing Green Onions in Water

Green onions are one of the easiest plants to regrow from kitchen scraps.

Simply place the root ends of green onions in a small jar with about one inch of water, making sure the white root portion is covered while the green tops remain above the water.

Place the jar in a sunny spot, such as a kitchen windowsill, and change the water every one to two days to keep it fresh.

New green shoots usually begin appearing within one to two days, and the onions can often be harvested again within one to two weeks.

Growing Chives in Water

Chives can also grow well in water and are often propagated using the white root ends.

Place the root ends in a small jar with about half an inch of water, just enough to cover the roots.

Chives tend to grow quickly and may be ready for light harvesting in about ten days.

To keep them healthy, change the water every few days so the roots remain fresh and do not develop odors.

How to Start Herbs in Water

Starting herbs in water is very simple.

1. Cut a healthy stem about 4–6 inches long from the herb plant.
2. Remove leaves from the lower portion of the stem so they will not sit in the water.
3. Place the stem in a small jar or glass of water.
4. Set the jar in a bright location with indirect sunlight.

Within about one to two weeks, small roots often begin to appear along the stem.

Once roots form, the herb can continue growing in water for several weeks as long as the water is refreshed regularly.

A simple glass jar or mason jar works well for this.

See mason jars on Amazon

Changing the Water

To keep herbs healthy, change the water every few days.

Fresh water helps prevent cloudiness and keeps the roots healthy.

If the stems begin growing roots, you may notice the plants becoming fuller as new leaves develop.

Some people continue growing herbs this way for several weeks, while others eventually transfer rooted stems to small containers of soil.

Where to Keep Herbs Growing in Water

Herbs growing in water usually do best in bright but indirect light.

A kitchen windowsill or a nearby counter that receives natural daylight often works well.

If herbs receive too much direct sunlight, the water may warm quickly, which can stress the plants.

A simple spot near a window is usually enough for herbs to grow steadily.

Harvesting Herbs Grown in Water

Herbs grown in water can be harvested the same way as herbs grown in containers.

Trim small amounts from the stems regularly so the plant continues producing new leaves.

If you are growing herbs regularly, it can also help to know how to trim and store fresh herbs properly, so extra herbs can be used later.

You can read more about that in How to Trim and Store Fresh Herbs.

Growing Herbs at Home

Herbs can be grown in several simple ways depending on the space you have available.

If you prefer growing herbs outdoors, you may also find it helpful to read Growing Fresh Herbs in Patio Containers, which explains how to start a small herb garden using pots or planters.

If pets share your yard or patio space, you may also want to read Herbs to Avoid Growing Around Pets, which explains which herbs may be better avoided in areas where dogs or cats may roam.

Gigi Says

Fresh herbs don’t need a large garden.

Sometimes a small jar of water near the kitchen window is enough to keep a few herbs growing and ready for everyday meals.