Ever been green with envy admiring your neighbor’s lush herb garden while yours looks like it needs to pick up the speed and catch up? Or perhaps you’re an eager gardener who desires to harvest fresh herbs quickly.
You see, certain fast-growing herbs can turn your kitchen windowsill into a verdant paradise in no time. Picture this: You snipping off sprigs of fragrant basil and oregano from plants grown by your own hands – all ready for that savory dish you’ve been craving.
Intrigued yet?
Stick around till the end of this post, and we won’t just reveal these quick-to-grow wonders. We’ll also share valuable tips for creating conditions that promote rapid growth.
Table Of Contents:
- 13 of the Fastest Growing Herbs and Their Harvest Times
- Which Fast-Growing Herbs Should You Choose to Grow?
- How to Start Growing Fast-Growing Herbs
- Caring for Fast-Growing Herbs
- FAQs in Relation to Fastest Growing Herbs
- Conclusion
13 of the Fastest Growing Herbs and Their Harvest Times
If you’re a beginner indoor gardener, or simply someone who cares about their health and wellness, growing your own herbs can be an incredibly rewarding experience. Not only do they add fresh flavors to your meals, but many also have medicinal properties that can boost your overall well-being.
But let’s face it – we live in a fast-paced world and waiting for plants to grow isn’t always on the top of our priority list. That’s why I’ve compiled this list of some of the fastest-growing herbs for all my impatient green thumbs out there.
These harvest times are based on starting seeds or growing runners.
Note: Different varieties of the same plant can affect harvest times. Remember every plant is unique. So these are general time frames but be sure to look at the specifics of your variety to grow with the most up-to-date information.
1. Cilantro
Cilantro, known as coriander in some parts of the world, is one of those love-it-or-hate-it kind of herbs (it’s not you cilantro; it’s genetics). But my taste buds love it! It takes around 50-55 days before harvest.
2. Basil
Basil is a favorite among chefs worldwide due to its sweet aromatic flavor perfect for pasta dishes and homemade pesto sauce! Basil seeds germinate quickly, usually within five to seven days, and is ready for harvesting after 60-80 days.
3. Dill
A staple ingredient in pickles and fish recipes, dill grows rapidly from seedlings with maturity reached at about 50-60 days post-planting.
The rest includes…
- Mint: This refreshing herb is ready to pick in as little as 60-70 days.
- Lemon Balm: These grow quickly and can be harvested within 65-75 days of planting! The germination takes a little longer than some herbs – about 3 weeks.
- Parsley: It takes around 70-80 days before maturity.
- Thyme: A perennial favorite, thyme typically matures in between 75-90 days post-seeding. Some take much longer so be sure to pick a fast-growing variety.
- Oregano: Oregano plants mature at about 80-90 days after planting, but you can start harvesting leaves when the plant reaches a height of four inches (usually around two months).
- Sage: Sage grows fast and hardy. You’ll have fresh sage leaves for your recipes within just under 75-90 days!
- Marjoram: This is another tasty herb that takes roughly 80-95 days until harvest.
- Chives: Growing chives indoors is a fantastic beginner herb, tastes delicious, and only takes 80 days to harvest.
- Rosemary: Honestly, this is not a fast-growing herb FROM SEED. Buy this one as a transplant and you can start harvesting the plant within several weeks after your plant gets settled into its new pot.
So there you have it – ten herbs that will sprout up before you know it. Happy gardening!
Which Fast-Growing Herbs Should You Choose to Grow?
Consider all the ways you will use your herbs. The more ways you can use your plant adds to the enjoyment of growing your little green friend.
Purpose
Culinary 👩🍳
You might want to think about what kinds of meals you typically cook at home. If Italian cuisine makes up most of your diet (who doesn’t love pasta?), basil would be an excellent choice since it grows rapidly and adds a fresh flavor boost.
On the other hand, if tacos Tuesday is a non-negotiable tradition in your household – cilantro might just become your new best friend.
Herbal Medicine 🌿
Will you use your herbs for medicine, oils, or other health needs? Match up the medicinal properties of plants to your goals and then make a decision.
Aesthetics 😌
Do you want to grow herbs just to add some green to your house? Perfectly good reason. Look online at how the plants you are considering look when they fully mature to see if it’s the right vibe for your room.
Consider Your Space
The first thing you should consider when choosing herbs to grow indoors is space. Not every herb will fit in that cute little pot on your windowsill! Some, like mint, spread out quickly and need more room while others, such as chives or thyme, are more compact.
Sunlight Requirements
Adequate sunlight exposure is crucial for fast-growing herbs. Most require at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day so make sure there’s enough light coming through those window panes before planting anything.
Or you can choose to get grow light to supplement. Here’s a guide on choosing grow lights for herbs.
Annual or Perennial
Do you want to grow your herbs for a short period and be done at the end of the year (annuals) or do you want to grow them year-round and come back if they die back (perennial)?
Maintenance Level
Last but not least: maintenance level! As much fun as gardening can be – nobody wants high-maintenance houseplants that demand constant attention (we already have kids/pets/partners/jobs!).
So opt for hardy, low-maintenance herbs like oregano or parsley that won’t throw a tantrum if you forget to water them once in a while.
In the end, growing your own indoor herb garden is about more than just speedy results. It’s about nurturing something with your own hands and reaping the benefits of fresh, home-grown ingredients for your meals.
So go ahead – get those green thumbs dirty!
How to Start Growing Fast-Growing Herbs
If you’re a beginner indoor gardener looking for an easy and rewarding start, growing herbs is the way to go. Not only are they among the fastest-growing plants, but they also offer numerous health benefits.
But here comes the question: should you grow your herbs from seeds or buy herb transplants? Let’s explore both options.
Growing Herbs from Seeds
Growing herbs from seeds can be a fun and fulfilling process. You get to witness the entire life cycle of your plant – from seedling sprout to full-grown herb!
Plus, it’s often cheaper than buying mature plants. However, patience is key here as some varieties may take longer to germinate and reach maturity compared with others.
Starting off with easy-to-grow varieties like basil, cilantro, or dill could make this journey less daunting for beginners.
Choose a good seed starting medium as well. Espoma’s seed starting mix is organic and rich in nutrients to give your seedlings a good head start.
Buying Herb Transplants
If waiting isn’t really your thing (we understand!), then buying herb transplants might be more up your alley.
These young plants have already been started in a greenhouse setting by professionals who know exactly what they’re doing – so all that’s left for you is to plant them in their new home!
You’ll typically find popular choices such as rosemary, thyme or mint at most garden centers or even in the grocery store. I’ve bought several plants this way. They tend to be hanging out near the vegetable section and are easy to pick up. 🪴
