Herb Seeds

What Are the Best Herb Seeds for Beginners?

If you’re trying your hand at gardening for the first time, herb seeds are a great place to start. They’re perfect for container gardens and are generally ready to harvest sooner than vegetables. Plus, there’s plenty of options to choose from, depending on your tastes.

Some of the easiest herbs to grow from seeds include:

• Basil
Chives
• Cilantro
• Dill
• Mint
• Oregano
• Thyme

If you’re specifically interested in growing herbs indoors or in raised beds, check out our collection of herbs for containers.

Can I Grow Herb Seeds Indoors?

Yes, herbs are great for indoor gardening. The key is to sow herb seeds in nutrient-rich soil in well-draining pots and place them in a sunny location. South and west-facing windows are ideal for growing herbs inside.

Because different herbs may have different requirements, plant one type of seed per pot. And think about placement as well. Leafy herbs like mint and basil tend to prefer more humid environments than Mediterranean herbs like container gardening sage, rosemary, and thyme.

When Is the Best Time to Plant Herb Seeds?

Early spring is generally the best time to plant herb seeds. It depends, however, on whether you’re starting the seeds indoors or sowing them directly in the ground.

Here are some tips for when to plant herb seeds:

• Cool season herbs like dill, parsley, and cilantro can be sown directly as soon as the soil is workable in early spring.
Warm season herbs like basil, oregano, and mint should be planted only after the soil has warmed to 60-70℉.
• Woody perennial herbs like sage, rosemary, and thyme can be directly planted in the fall so they can establish a strong root system over the winter.

If you’re starting herb seeds indoors, aim for 6–8 weeks before the last projected frost in your area. It’s also a good idea to harden off the seedlings before planting by gradually acclimating them to outdoor conditions.

How Long Do Herb Seeds Take to Grow?

The time it takes for herbs to grow depends on the variety and the conditions. It generally takes about 2–15 days for seeds to germinate and sprout. From there, it can be anywhere from a few weeks to a few months before the herbs are ready to harvest.

Perennial herbs need time to get established before they’re ready for harvest—usually 2-3 months. Soft herbs like cilantro and basil may be ready for light harvesting as soon as 45–60 days, but be careful not to overharvest too early.

Sow Effortlessly with Park Seed

At Park Seed, we understand the importance of quality. Our seeds are 100% non-GMO and rigorously tested to exceed federal germination standards by at least 5%. And if you want to enjoy the benefits of premium seed with no fuss, check out the Sow Effortless collection.

Perfect for beginner gardeners, the Sow Effortless collection includes optimally spaced seed tapes, discs, and mats. All you have to do is embed them in soil, water, and wait.

Ready to grow your garden? Check out our full collection of vegetable seeds to find the perfect companion plants for your herbs.