Herbs are some of the easiest and most rewarding plants to grow in containers. A few pots on a patio, balcony or sunny windowsill can supply fresh basil, parsley, mint and thyme all season, often for less than the cost of buying cut herbs at the store. Containers also let you keep herbs right by the kitchen door and move them to follow the sun.
This guide covers which herbs grow best in pots, how to set them up and how to keep them productive.
Best Herbs for Containers
Easy Annuals and Biennials
- Basil: Loves heat and sun. Pinch tips regularly to keep it bushy.
- Parsley: Tolerates some shade and cooler weather. Flat-leaf and curly types both grow well in pots.
- Cilantro: Prefers cool weather and tends to bolt (flower) in heat. Sow in succession.
- Dill: Tall but grows well in deeper pots.
- Chervil: Prefers cool, partially shaded spots.
Hardy Perennials
- Chives: Very easy, tolerant of many conditions and often come back each year.
- Thyme: Likes sun and well-drained soil; do not overwater.
- Oregano: Sun-loving and easy, spreads to fill a pot.
- Sage: Prefers sun and drier soil.
- Mint: Vigorous and spreads aggressively in the ground, which makes containers ideal for it.
Tender Perennials
- Rosemary: Needs sun and excellent drainage. In cold climates, it is often brought indoors or treated as an annual.
- Lemongrass: Grows well in large pots in warm weather.
- Bay laurel: A slow-growing shrub that does well in containers and can be moved indoors in cold areas.
Choosing Containers
Size
Bigger pots hold more soil and moisture, so they dry out less quickly. As a general guide:
- Small herbs (thyme, chives): pots around 6 to 8 inches wide
- Medium herbs (basil, parsley, oregano): around 8 to 12 inches
- Large herbs (rosemary, sage, lemongrass, bay): 12 inches or more
You can also combine several herbs in a larger container or window box if they share similar needs.
Drainage
Every container needs drainage holes. Herbs sitting in waterlogged soil can develop root rot.
Material
| Material | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Terracotta | Breathable, good for herbs that like dry soil | Dries out quickly, heavier, can crack in freezing weather |
| Plastic | Lightweight, holds moisture, inexpensive | Less breathable |
| Glazed ceramic | Attractive, holds moisture | Heavy, can be costly |
| Fabric grow bags | Good drainage and air flow | Dry quickly |
| Self-watering pots | Helpful for thirsty herbs | Can keep Mediterranean herbs too wet |
Grouping by Water Needs
- Drier conditions: Rosemary, thyme, sage, oregano
- More moisture: Basil, parsley, cilantro, mint, chives
Plant herbs with similar needs together.
Potting Mix
Use a quality potting mix designed for containers rather than garden soil, which compacts in pots. For Mediterranean herbs like rosemary and thyme, some gardeners add extra perlite or coarse sand for faster drainage.
Sunlight
Most herbs need at least six hours of direct sun for best growth and flavor. Basil, rosemary, thyme, oregano and sage especially like full sun. Parsley, chives, cilantro and mint tolerate partial shade.
Growing Herbs Indoors
A bright, south- or west-facing window is best indoors. In darker homes or during winter, a small grow light can help herbs stay compact and productive.
Planting
- Fill the container with moistened potting mix, leaving room at the top for watering.
- Plant transplants at the same depth they were growing in their nursery pots.
- Sow seeds at the depth on the packet. Herbs like basil, cilantro and dill grow easily from seed. See starting seeds indoors.
- Water gently to settle the soil.
Some herbs, such as rosemary, thyme and oregano, can be slow from seed, so many gardeners buy transplants.
Watering
Container herbs dry out faster than garden plants, especially in hot, windy weather.
- Check soil moisture by pushing a finger an inch or two into the soil.
- Water thoroughly when the top layer is dry, until water runs out the bottom.
- Let Mediterranean herbs dry out more between waterings.
- Do not let pots sit in water. Empty saucers after watering.
- In hot weather, some containers may need water every day.
Feeding
Potting mixes contain limited nutrients that wash out with watering. Many herbs benefit from occasional feeding with a balanced, diluted fertilizer or compost, following label directions. Avoid over-fertilizing, which can produce lots of leaves with less flavor.
Harvesting
Regular harvesting keeps many herbs bushy and productive.
- Basil: Pinch stems just above a pair of leaves. Remove flower buds to prolong leaf production.
- Parsley and cilantro: Cut outer stems at the base, letting inner stems keep growing.
- Chives: Cut leaves an inch or two above the soil.
- Thyme, oregano and rosemary: Snip sprigs, leaving plenty of green growth. Avoid cutting into old, bare wood.
- Mint: Cut stems regularly to keep plants compact.
A general rule is to avoid removing more than about a third of the plant at once.
Common Problems
| Problem | Likely cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Leggy, pale growth | Not enough light | Move to a sunnier spot or add grow light |
| Yellowing leaves | Overwatering or poor drainage | Water less; check drainage holes |
| Wilting in heat | Underwatering or small pot | Water more often or use a larger pot |
| Bolting (flowering early) | Heat or day length | Harvest often; sow cilantro and dill in succession |
| Aphids | Common on soft growth | Spray off with water; check undersides of leaves |
Overwintering Herbs
- Hardy perennials like chives, thyme, oregano and mint can often stay outdoors in many climates, but containers are more exposed to cold than garden soil. Group pots in a sheltered spot, wrap them or move them to an unheated garage.
- Tender herbs like rosemary, lemongrass and bay can be moved indoors to a bright window in cold climates.
- Annual herbs like basil can be harvested heavily before frost or started from new seed indoors.
See our guide to preparing your garden for winter.
Ideas for Small Spaces
- Window boxes for a mix of compact herbs
- Vertical planters or wall pockets on balconies
- Tiered plant stands to maximize sun
- Hanging baskets for trailing thyme or oregano
- A kitchen windowsill with three or four favorite herbs
Frequently Asked Questions
Which herb is easiest for beginners?
Chives, mint, parsley and basil are among the easiest to grow in containers.
Can I grow herbs in the same pot?
Yes, if they have similar needs. Combine drought-tolerant Mediterranean herbs together and keep moisture lovers separate. Grow mint alone because it spreads aggressively.
Why is my basil turning black?
Basil is sensitive to cold. Temperatures that are too cool can damage leaves. Keep basil in warm conditions and avoid placing it outdoors too early.
How often should I water container herbs?
It depends on pot size, weather and the herb. Check soil moisture daily in hot weather and water when the top inch or so is dry.
Can I grow herbs indoors all year?
Many herbs can grow indoors with enough light. A sunny window or grow light helps keep them healthy.
The Bottom Line
Herbs are perfect for containers. Choose pots with drainage, use a quality potting mix, give them plenty of sun, group by water needs and harvest often. A few pots by the kitchen door can supply fresh flavor all season long.
Editorial note: Backyard Bloomer is independent and reader-supported. This guide is based on research into manufacturer documentation, published specifications and widely accepted best practices; we have not been paid to mention any product. If we add affiliate links in the future, they will be clearly disclosed per our Affiliate Disclosure.