30 Herbs That Grow in Water

🌿 Herbs That Grow in Water (No Soil Needed)

Growing herbs in water is one of the cleanest and easiest gardening methods.
No soil, no mess, no insects — just fresh herbs growing indoors all year.

This guide explains 30 herbs that can grow in water, including:

  • Best species
  • How to grow them
  • Light & water requirements
  • Beginner mistakes to avoid

🌱 Why Grow Herbs in Water?

  • ✅ No soil required
  • ✅ Ideal for apartments
  • ✅ Less maintenance
  • ✅ Faster rooting
  • ✅ Eco-friendly
  • ✅ Beginner-friendly

🧪 Basic Setup Before You Start

You need:

  • Glass jars or bottles
  • Clean drinking water
  • Healthy herb cuttings (4–6 inches)
  • Bright indirect sunlight

Important tips:

  • Remove leaves below water level
  • Change water every 3–5 days
  • Keep containers clean

🌿 30 Herbs That Grow Easily in Water

1. Basil

Best species: Sweet Basil, Thai Basil

  • Roots in 5–7 days
  • Needs sunlight
  • Pinch tops for bushy growth

2. Mint

Best species: Spearmint, Peppermint

  • Very fast growth
  • Grows in low light
  • Change water often

3. Coriander (Cilantro)

Best species: Slow-bolt coriander

  • Needs bright light
  • Harvest early

4. Parsley

Best species: Flat-leaf parsley

  • Slow rooting
  • Beginner friendly

5. Lemongrass

Best species: East Indian lemongrass

  • Thick stalks root easily
  • Strong aroma

6. Rosemary

Best species: Upright rosemary

  • Slow to root
  • Needs warmth

7. Thyme

Best species: English thyme

  • Use young shoots
  • Bright light required

8. Oregano

Best species: Greek oregano

  • Strong roots
  • Easy care

9. Sage

Best species: Common sage

  • Moderate light
  • Avoid stagnant water

10. Chives

Best species: Common chives

  • Regrows easily
  • Harvest often

11. Green Onion

Best species: Bunching onion

  • Endless regrowth
  • Only roots submerged

12. Garlic Greens

Best species: Softneck garlic

  • Grow from cloves
  • Harvest shoots

13. Dill

Best species: Bouquet dill

  • Fast rooting
  • Short lifespan

14. Fennel

Best species: Florence fennel

  • Use base cutting
  • Mild care

15. Tarragon

Best species: French tarragon

  • Slow but steady growth

16. Lemon Balm

Best species: Common lemon balm

  • Hardy plant
  • Refreshing smell

17. Stevia

Best species: Stevia rebaudiana

  • Natural sweetener
  • Needs sunlight

18. Lavender

Best species: English lavender

  • Roots slowly
  • Avoid excess water

19. Marjoram

Best species: Sweet marjoram

  • Compact growth
  • Easy to manage

20. Bay Leaf

Best species: Bay laurel

  • Slow rooting
  • Use young cuttings

21. Catnip

Best species: Nepeta cataria

  • Fast rooting
  • Strong aroma

22. Vietnamese Coriander

Best species: Persicaria odorata

  • Loves water
  • Tropical herb

23. Watercress

Best species: Nasturtium officinale

  • Naturally aquatic
  • Fast harvest

24. Lemon Basil

Best species: Lemon basil

  • Citrus aroma
  • Easy growth

25. Holy Basil (Tulsi)

Best species: Rama Tulsi

  • Medicinal value
  • Needs sunlight

26. Perilla

Best species: Green perilla

  • Decorative leaves
  • Easy care

27. Shiso

Best species: Green shiso

  • Asian herb
  • Harvest young

28. Fenugreek Greens

Best species: Methi microgreens

  • Grow from seeds
  • Quick harvest

29. Celery Leaves

Best species: Leaf celery

  • Regrows from base
  • Fresh flavor

30. Sorrel

Best species: Garden sorrel

  • Tangy taste
  • Slow growth

☀️ Light & Placement Guide

  • Best window: East or South
  • 4–6 hours indirect sunlight
  • Avoid harsh direct sun

🚫 Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • ❌ Leaves submerged in water
  • ❌ Not changing water
  • ❌ Dirty jars
  • ❌ Low light
  • ❌ Overcrowding cuttings

🌿 Final Tips

  • Start with healthy cuttings
  • Trim roots if too long
  • Harvest regularly
  • Keep water fresh

🌱 Conclusion

Growing herbs in water is simple, affordable, and eco-friendly.
These 30 herbs allow anyone to enjoy fresh flavors without soil or a garden.

Perfect for indoor homes, beginners, and sustainable living.

Happy Growing 🌿

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