Growing herbs at home seemed like a green-thumb dream until I realized some of these aromatic darlings are better left outside. While they promise culinary nirvana and aromatic zen, a few come with quirks that can turn your indoor paradise into a plant-based pandemonium. Whether they’re space hogs, sun worshippers, or just plain finicky divas, let’s explore why these herbs might make you want to rethink your indoor garden adventure. Of course, you’ll also get way better alternatives!
1. Mint
This is the plant that thinks your entire home is its playground. Mint’s roots, known for their invasiveness, can easily overtake any container. You plant a sprig and soon find mint popping up in places you never intended.
While its scent is undeniably refreshing, the plant’s rambunctious growth habit demands more space than the average windowsill provides. There’s a reason gardeners often plant mint inside containers buried in the ground outdoors.
Attempt it inside, and you might soon feel like you’re in a minty jungle, desperately trying to reclaim your living space.
2. Basil
Imagine a plant that loves attention more than a reality TV star. Basil craves sunlight like a sunbather at the beach. Without ample rays, it sulks, drooping dramatically.
What’s worse is its thirstiness; basil drinks water as if it’s always parched. Miss a watering, and it will let you know with a pitiful display of wilting leaves.
For those without south-facing windows or a knack for regular plant care, basil can be more demanding than delightful indoors.
3. Cilantro
Think you’ve got a knack for plants? Cilantro will put you to the test. Known as coriander in some parts of the world, it has a love-hate relationship with its environment.
Cilantro demands cool temperatures but also needs sunlight, a combination often hard to find indoors. It bolts quickly, especially if conditions aren’t just right, leaving you with more flowers than flavorful leaves.
If you’re not vigilant, cilantro might just decide it’s had enough and give up the ghost, leaving you wondering where it all went wrong.
4. Lavender
This herb’s name evokes fields of purple tranquility, but indoors, lavender is more drama than zen. It despises humidity and adores sunny spots, much like a diva seeking the perfect stage.
Without enough light and with excess moisture, lavender’s leaves can wilt, turning your aromatic dream into a droopy disaster.
Unless you live in sun-drenched climates with dry air, you might find keeping lavender indoors akin to raising a capricious pet.
5. Dill
This feathered friend of the herb world might remind you of a wispy, unruly hairstyle. Dill loves to reach for the sky, requiring more vertical space than a small kitchen allows.
Unfortunately, dill is also a fan of bathing in sunlight, which means your dim-lit apartment might leave it looking more like a scraggly mess than a lush addition.
Before you decide to cultivate indoors, consider if you have the space and light this tall herb demands.
6. Rosemary
Rosemary’s needle-like leaves and aromatic scent often promise culinary delight. However, this Mediterranean marvel has a disdain for indoor humidity.
It thrives in dry air and bright light, which can be a tricky combo to achieve inside. A dark, damp kitchen might lead to yellowing leaves and a sad, scentless plant.
If you can’t replicate its ideal conditions, rosemary might just decide to drop its needles, leaving you with little more than a fragrant memory.
7. Parsley
Parsley might seem the picture of health, but it has its quirks. It demands good airflow and ample light, conditions often lacking indoors.
In stuffy kitchens, parsley can develop yellowing leaves, a sign of its unhappiness. The continuous need for fresh air might have you opening windows in mid-winter.
If you’re looking for a low-maintenance herb, you might find parsley’s demands a tad overwhelming, like a houseguest who never leaves.
8. Chives
Chives might seem like the perfect compact herb, but they have their secrets. They thrive on sunlight and space, two things often in short supply indoors.
Without ample light, chives can become thin and sparse, resembling more of a sad haircut than a vibrant garnish.
Before growing them inside, consider if you can provide the sun-drenched real estate they require to thrive, or you might end up with a pot of stringy green regrets.
9. Oregano
Oregano, the Italian kitchen staple, seems easygoing but has a strong preference for bright light. Deprive it of its sun bath, and it can turn leggy and weak.
Inside, where sunlight might be a luxury, oregano’s growth can become sparse, leaving you wanting more.
If your culinary dreams depend on a robust oregano plant, you might end up disappointed unless you can offer it a sunlit spot to bask in.
10. Sage
Sage brings to mind savory dishes and herbal lore, but indoors, it can be quite finicky. This plant prefers dry, sunny environments, much like a seasoned traveler chasing summer.
In humid or dim conditions, sage can develop wilting leaves, a sign of its discontent.
If you’re not ready to cater to its dry and sunny whims, sage might just decide to sulk, leaving you with a pot of unfulfilled potential.
11. Thyme
This herb might be named for patience, but thyme indoors can test yours. It craves sunlight and well-drained soil, a combo that’s tough to master inside.
Without enough light, thyme can grow leggy, stretching towards any available brightness.
If you want a thriving thyme plant, you might need to invest in some serious sunlit space, or you’ll find yourself with more stems than leaves.
12. Bay Laurel
The noble bay laurel, often associated with culinary triumphs, prefers spacious outdoor realms. Indoors, space can be a constraint, leading to stunted growth.
This plant prefers bright light and ample room, which can be challenging to provide inside.
If you dream of plucking fresh bay leaves from your windowsill, be ready to offer it the spacious, sunlit stage it desires, or it may remain a mere shadow of its potential.
13. Fennel
Fennel, with its feathery fronds, is more suited to sprawling gardens than confined indoor quarters. It requires abundant light and space to flourish.
In a cramped apartment, fennel can stretch out, becoming leggy and sparse.
Before deciding to grow fennel indoors, consider whether you can provide it with the sun-soaked expanse it yearns for, or prepare for a lanky, unhappy plant.
14. Tarragon
Tarragon, the French culinary darling, can be a challenge indoors. It needs plenty of light and well-draining soil, conditions that often elude indoor spaces.
In dim or humid environments, tarragon’s leaves can yellow, a clear sign of its dissatisfaction.
If you’re dreaming of fresh tarragon for your béarnaise sauce, you might need to reconsider, or prepare to face a disgruntled plant.
15. Coriander
While coriander is a kitchen staple, it often struggles indoors. It requires a precise balance of light and moisture, which can be difficult to maintain in a typical household. Coriander is prone to bolting in high temperatures common indoors, leading to premature flowering and poor leaf production.
This herb is susceptible to pests and fungal diseases if not kept in ideal conditions. Growing coriander outdoors, where it can receive the right amount of sunlight and airflow, usually results in a healthier plant.
16. Lemon Balm (Super Easy To Grow)
Lemon balm, with its delightful citrusy aroma, is a joy to grow indoors. This herb thrives in well-drained potting soil and needs a sunny spot to flourish. Regular watering is key, but be careful not to overwater. Pruning encourages bushy growth, making it a perfect addition to teas or salads.
These fragrant leaves can uplift your mood and environment. Its calming properties are well known, and having it at your fingertips is a real treat. The plant’s resilience makes it a favorite for beginners and seasoned gardeners alike.
17. Chervil (Excellent Alternative)
Chervil’s delicate, fern-like leaves add a touch of sophistication to any dish. This herb flourishes in partial shade, making it ideal for indoor growing. A rich, well-drained soil will help it thrive, along with regular watering.
Its subtle anise flavor is a chef’s delight, perfect for infusing soups and sauces. With chervil at hand, enhancing your culinary creations becomes effortless. Its elegant appearance complements its culinary prowess, making it a must-have for indoor gardeners seeking both form and function.
18. Green Onions (For Absolute Beginners)
Green onions are a versatile herb that’s incredibly easy to grow indoors. Simply place the white bulb ends in a glass of water and watch them flourish in no time. The bright, fresh stalks thrive in sunlight, making them a cheerful addition to any kitchen.
Using green onions adds a crisp, mild flavor to dishes, and having them readily available is a culinary blessing. Their ability to regrow after cutting is nothing short of magical. This simplicity in growth is why they are a top choice for indoor herb gardening enthusiasts.
19. Peppermint (Excellent Choice)
Peppermint’s vibrant aroma is enough to refresh any room. This hardy herb is best grown in a pot to control its rapid spread. It loves indirect sunlight and well-drained soil, making it adaptable to indoor environments.
The cooling sensation of peppermint leaves is perfect for teas or desserts. Its robust nature ensures a steady supply of fresh leaves, ready for use. By including peppermint in your indoor garden, you bring both a flavorful and fragrant experience to your home.
20. Vietnamese Coriander (Low-Maintenance)
Vietnamese coriander is a wonderful herb that thrives indoors. Its narrow, pointed leaves are perfect for adding a spicy, peppery kick to dishes. The plant enjoys warm, humid conditions and plenty of light.
Caring for this herb involves regular watering and occasional trimming to promote growth. It’s a fantastic option for those looking to add some exotic flair to their home cooking. Vietnamese coriander’s unique flavor profile is a delightful surprise for those seeking to expand their culinary horizons.
21. Creeping Thyme (Won’t Cause You A Headache)
Creeping thyme is an excellent indoor herb, known for its aromatic small leaves and sprawling growth. This herb likes a sunny spot and well-drained soil, making it effortless to nurture indoors.
Its savory aroma and flavor are ideal for seasoning meats and vegetables. As it grows, its cascading nature makes it a beautiful addition to any herb collection. This aesthetic appeal, coupled with its culinary versatility, makes creeping thyme a beloved choice for indoor gardeners.
22. Microgreens (For Lazy Gardeners)
Microgreens are a delightful and easy choice for indoor growing. These young greens, sprouted from various herbs, are packed with flavor and nutrients. Growing them requires shallow containers, good quality soil, and ample sunlight.
These tiny greens add a burst of freshness and color to any dish, from salads to sandwiches. Their quick growth cycle means you can enjoy a constant supply of fresh greens. This accessibility and variety make them a favorite among home gardeners eager to experiment with different flavors.