Most people assume herbs can only grow in soil. But in reality, many of the most popular culinary and medicinal herbs grow just as well – and often better – in nothing but water.
This simple method, sometimes called water growing or hydroponic herb growing, allows you to grow fresh herbs year-round without dirt, mess, or complicated equipment.
All you need is a glass jar, a bright windowsill, and a few healthy cuttings.
For small apartments, winter gardening, busy households, or anyone who struggles to keep potted plants alive, water-grown herbs are one of the easiest and most reliable ways to have fresh greenery on hand at all times.
Here are 14 herbs that thrive in water all year long, why they work so well this way, and how to keep them healthy long-term.
Why Some Herbs Grow So Well in Water
Many herbs evolved to root quickly from cuttings and survive in moist environments.
Their stems naturally produce adventitious roots when placed in water, allowing them to absorb nutrients directly without soil.
Water-grown herbs benefit from:
- Constant hydration
- No risk of overwatering
- No soil-borne pests
- Faster root development
- Cleaner indoor growing
- Minimal maintenance
Because water delivers moisture directly to the stem, these herbs often grow faster and stay greener than their soil-grown counterparts.
How to Grow Herbs in Water Successfully
Before choosing your herbs, it helps to understand the simple process that makes this method work so reliably.
Start with fresh, healthy cuttings from an existing herb plant. Each cutting should be about four to six inches long and cut just below a leaf node. Remove the lower leaves so none sit in the water.
Place the cutting in a clean glass jar or bottle filled with room-temperature water. Make sure only the stem is submerged, not the leaves.
Set the jar in bright, indirect light. A sunny kitchen windowsill works perfectly.
Change the water every three to five days to prevent stagnation and bacterial growth.
Once roots form, you can keep growing the herb in water indefinitely or transplant it into soil.
1. Basil
Basil is one of the easiest herbs to grow in water.
It roots quickly and produces long, white roots within days. Basil thrives in bright light and grows continuously when trimmed regularly.
Water-grown basil often stays softer, greener, and more fragrant than soil-grown plants.
Pinch off flowering tips to keep it producing leaves.
2. Mint
Mint grows aggressively in water.
It roots within days and continues producing new leaves indefinitely. Mint prefers bright indirect light and cooler indoor temperatures.
It’s perfect for tea, desserts, smoothies, and fresh garnishes. Because mint spreads rapidly, water-growing it keeps it contained.
3. Rosemary
Rosemary takes longer to root than softer herbs, but once established, it thrives in water. It prefers bright light and clean water.
Change the water frequently and remove any decaying stem tips. Once rooted, rosemary produces fragrant sprigs year-round.
4. Thyme
Thyme grows surprisingly well in water.
It roots slowly but becomes very resilient once established. Thyme prefers bright light and fresh water.
Water-grown thyme stays compact and aromatic.
5. Oregano
Oregano adapts beautifully to water growing. It roots quickly and produces lush foliage indoors.
Oregano prefers bright indirect light and consistent water changes. Trim regularly to encourage bushier growth.
6. Sage
Sage is another woody herb that thrives in water. It roots more slowly but becomes stable once established.
Sage prefers bright light and cooler indoor temperatures. Water-grown sage produces flavorful leaves year-round.
7. Lemongrass
Lemongrass is one of the most impressive water-grown herbs. It roots easily from grocery store stalks.
Place the base of the stalk in water and watch roots form within days.
Lemongrass thrives in bright light and warm indoor temperatures.
8. Chives
Chives grow exceptionally well in water.
They root quickly and continue producing fresh shoots indefinitely. Chives prefer bright indirect light.
Trim them regularly to stimulate new growth.
9. Parsley
Parsley grows well in water with consistent care. It roots within one to two weeks.
Parsley prefers bright indirect light and frequent water changes. Water-grown parsley stays tender and vibrant.
10. Cilantro
Cilantro grows surprisingly well in water when started from cuttings.
It roots within days and produces fresh leaves quickly.
Cilantro prefers cooler indoor temperatures and bright indirect light. Harvest regularly to prevent flowering.
11. Lavender
Lavender can grow in water long-term.
It roots more slowly but becomes stable once established. Lavender prefers bright light and clean water.
Water-grown lavender produces fragrant foliage and occasional blooms.
12. Lemon Balm
Lemon balm thrives in water. It roots rapidly and produces lush growth.
Lemon balm prefers bright indirect light. Its calming citrus scent makes it perfect for indoor spaces.
13. Stevia
Stevia grows exceptionally well in water. It roots quickly and produces sweet leaves year-round.
Stevia prefers bright light and warm temperatures. Water-grown stevia stays compact and productive.
14. Tarragon
Tarragon adapts well to water growing. It roots steadily and produces flavorful leaves.
Tarragon prefers bright indirect light and consistent water changes. Trim often to keep it bushy.
Why Water-Grown Herbs Are Perfect for Year-Round Growing
- Water-growing removes most of the problems people face with herbs.
- No soil means no overwatering.
- No soil means no fungus gnats.
- No soil means no root rot from soggy pots.
- No messy spills or moldy potting mix.
- Because water-grown herbs live indoors, they’re protected from frost, heat waves, drought, and pests.
- You can harvest fresh herbs even in the middle of winter.
How Long Do Herbs Live in Water?
Many herbs live indefinitely in water when properly maintained.
Soft-stem herbs like basil, mint, oregano, and lemon balm thrive long-term.
Woody herbs like rosemary, sage, thyme, and lavender grow more slowly but remain healthy for months or years.
Replacing cuttings every few months keeps plants vigorous.
Common Mistakes That Kill Water-Grown Herbs
- Letting water become stagnant
- Not changing water regularly
- Submerging leaves in water
- Using dull or dirty jars
- Placing herbs in low light
- Allowing algae to grow
Fixing these issues makes water-growing nearly foolproof.
Growing herbs in water all year long is one of the simplest, cleanest, and most reliable ways to keep fresh herbs in your home.
