Growing herbs indoors doesn’t have to be difficult, even if your kitchen doesn’t get much sunlight. Many herbs thrive in low-light conditions, making them perfect for brightening up your cooking space. These herbs can grow well on a windowsill or tucked away in a shady corner, offering fresh flavors for your meals all year round.
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Mint
Mint is one of the easiest herbs to grow indoors, even if your kitchen lacks bright light. This hardy herb loves cooler environments and can thrive with just a little indirect sunlight. Its refreshing flavor makes it perfect for teas, desserts, and even savory dishes. You’ll enjoy a steady supply of mint with minimal effort, as it grows quickly and can be harvested regularly. Just be sure to plant it in a container, as mint has a tendency to spread.
Parsley
Parsley is a great herb for low-light kitchens, offering fresh, crisp flavor year-round. Whether you choose flat-leaf or curly parsley, this herb doesn’t require a lot of sun and can still grow well in partial shade. It’s perfect for garnishing meals or adding to soups and salads. With a little water and occasional trimming, parsley will continue to thrive indoors. Plus, it’s easy to grow from seeds or buy as a small plant.
Chives
Chives are another wonderful low-light herb that adds a mild onion flavor to dishes. They grow well in low to moderate light, and all you need is a small pot by the window. Chives are perfect for sprinkling on top of eggs, soups, and salads. Regular trimming encourages the plant to keep producing, so you’ll always have fresh chives on hand. They’re also great for beginners, as they require little maintenance.
Cilantro
Cilantro is perfect for kitchens with less sunlight, as it can easily adapt to low-light conditions. Its fresh, citrusy flavor makes it a favorite for salsa, guacamole, and many other dishes. Cilantro grows quickly, and regular harvesting will encourage more growth. Just keep the soil moist, and this herb will flourish indoors. It’s an excellent choice for small spaces or windowsills with limited light.
Lemon Balm
Lemon balm is a fragrant herb that does surprisingly well in low-light kitchens. With its light citrus scent and flavor, it can add a refreshing twist to teas and desserts. Lemon balm can tolerate shade, making it ideal for indoor growing in lower light. It’s easy to care for, requiring only occasional watering and pruning to keep it bushy. This herb also makes a beautiful addition to your indoor garden.
Oregano
Oregano is a hardy herb that can grow in less-than-ideal lighting conditions. It thrives in partial shade and doesn’t need direct sunlight to flourish indoors. Known for its earthy flavor, oregano is perfect for Italian dishes, soups, and sauces. Once it’s established, it requires very little care, making it a great option for beginners. Regular pruning helps keep the plant healthy and encourages new growth.
Thyme
Thyme is a versatile herb that can grow well even in a low-light kitchen. Its woody, aromatic leaves are perfect for adding depth to soups, roasted meats, and vegetables. Thyme doesn’t need much sunlight, making it a great indoor herb for shady windowsills. It requires minimal watering and care, making it an easy addition to your indoor herb garden. You can snip off small sprigs to use in your cooking whenever needed.
Basil
While basil usually prefers sunlight, there are certain varieties like ‘Dark Opal’ and ‘Cinnamon’ basil that can tolerate lower light. These varieties will still give you that signature basil flavor for your pasta, salads, and pizzas. Keeping the plant in a warm spot and regularly watering it will help it thrive in your kitchen. Even in low light, basil can grow well if it’s given proper care. It’s perfect for adding fresh herbs to your meals year-round.
Tarragon
Tarragon is an underappreciated herb that can grow well in lower light conditions. Its slightly sweet, anise-like flavor makes it great for seasoning fish, chicken, and sauces. It doesn’t need much sunlight and does well with indirect light, making it ideal for kitchen corners. Tarragon is also easy to grow and requires minimal maintenance. With regular pruning, it’ll continue to thrive indoors.
Sage
Sage is a robust herb that doesn’t require direct sunlight to grow well. Its velvety leaves offer a strong, savory flavor that pairs well with roasted meats, vegetables, and stuffing. Sage is relatively low-maintenance, only needing occasional watering and trimming. It can grow well in partial shade, making it a great choice for indoor herb gardens. Plus, it’s perfect for adding flavor to hearty winter dishes.
Dill
Dill is a delicate herb that surprisingly thrives in low-light conditions. Its feathery leaves are perfect for seasoning fish, potatoes, and pickles. Dill grows well in indoor containers with indirect sunlight and needs only occasional watering. This herb can be harvested regularly, and the more you trim, the more it grows. Dill’s light and fresh flavor make it a wonderful addition to your kitchen herb collection.
Rosemary
While rosemary typically loves the sun, it can still grow in your cooking. Whether you have a small apartment or just a dimly lit space, these herbs are resilient and don’t need much sunlight to thrive. From adding a burst of flavor to your dishes to creating a fresh and green environment, these herbs are perfect for any kitchen. Let’s dive into some of the best low-light herbs you can start growing today.
This article originally appeared on RetailShout.
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