17 Best Winter Herbs For Growing Indoors During The Cold And Chilly Season!

We can’t believe winter is almost here! But don’t let the frosty weather dampen your gardening spirits. Instead, take the herb garden inside your home with these 17 winter herbs perfect for indoor growing.

Imagine stepping into your cozy kitchen on a chilly morning and being greeted by the fragrant aroma of these 17 fresh indoor herbs, including classic culinary staples with epic, exotic flavors.

Fresh basil rosemary parsley thyme and mint growing on a small balcony.

Sound enticing?

Then grab your growing pots.

Let’s plant some indoor herbs!

17 Best Winter Herbs For Growing Indoors During The Chilly Season!

We love growing nearly any indoor herbs. But the following 17 are our favorites.

1. Cilantro

Lovely potted cilantro plant growing on a sunny windowsill.

We know not all homesteaders eat cilantro. But it’s perfect for indoor growing! This cool-season crop thrives in chilly temperatures, so it loves growing indoors during winter, even if it’s a tad brisk in your home. Cilantro also has a bold, zesty flavor that upgrades homemade salsas, curries, guacamoles, soups, tacos, and marinades.

Full-Grown Size: 12 to 18 inches tall, 6 to 8 inches wide.
Minimum Pot Size: 1 to 2 gallon pot, 8 to 10 inches deep.
Daily Sunlight: 4 to 6 hours.
Temperature Zone: 50 to 70°F.

Did you know cilantro produces edible coriander seeds if temperatures exceed 80 degrees? Two herbs for the price of one!

2. Chives

Healthy and thick potted green chives growing on a sunny windowsill.

Homegrown chives offer a delicious touch of spring to your winter kitchen! These hardy little alliums are incredibly forgiving, perfect for your first indoor herb. Their mild onion flavor adds a fresh zing to soups, egg dishes, homemade dips, salads, and baked potatoes.

Full-Grown Size: 12 to 18 inches tall.
Minimum Pot Size: 0.5 to 1 gallon pot, 6 inches deep.
Daily Sunlight: 4 to 6 hours.
Temperature Zone: 60 to 70°F.

Chive blossoms are beautiful and edible. Try sprinkling them over a salad for a color pop and a subtle oniony kick! Snip chives with scissors instead of pulling them out for the best flavor.

3. Rosemary

Watering lovely green basil and rosemary plants growing in small pots.

Transport yourself to the Mediterranean with the aromatic wonder of rosemary. This woody herb is a winter survivor, excellent for those who forget to water now and then. Its needle-like leaves infuse roasted lamb, pork, chicken, beef, turkey, fish, and vegetables with an unforgettable flavor.

Full-Grown Size: 2 to 3 feet tall (when mature).
Minimum Pot Size: 2 to 3 gallon pot, 12 inches deep.
Daily Sunlight: 6 to 8 hours.
Temperature Zone: 60 to 65°F.

Rosemary is one of the easiest indoor herbs to grow, and it tastes scrumptious, making it an easy win. Remember, rosemary prefers drier, so let the soil dry out between waterings.

4. Mint

Fresh and healthy mint plant growing in water on a sunny windowsill.

Mint is the natural refresher of the herb world, ready to take over your indoor garden with its vigorous growth! This refreshing crop has countless varieties, from classic peppermint to exotic chocolate mint. It’s ideal for teas, cocktails, salads, desserts, jams, infusions, and even as a natural air freshener. But – plant it in a separate container, or it might bully your other indoor herbs.

Full-Grown Size: 12 to 18 inches tall.
Pot Size Needed: 1 to 2-gallon pot, 8 to 10 inches deep.
Daily Sunlight: 4 to 6 hours
Temperature Zone: 65 to 70°F.

Are you feeling stressed? Rub a fresh mint leaf in your fingers and take a deep breath. Its aroma helps us relax, unwind, and savor the simple things in life!

5. Oregano

Beautiful oregano and thyme plants growing in small pots.

Growing oregano adds the authentic taste of Tuscany to your homemade dishes. This Mediterranean herb is a tough cookie, tolerating less-than-ideal conditions with grace. Its robust flavor is heavenly for homemade pizzas, pasta sauces, stews, roasted veggies, and Greek salads. For the most flavorful leaves, harvest oregano just before it flowers.

Full-Grown Size: 8 to 12 inches tall, 12 to 18 inches wide.
Minimum Pot Size: 1-gallon pot, 6 to 8 inches deep.
Daily Sunlight: 6 to 8 hours.
Temperature Zone: 60 to 70°F.

In ancient Greece, brides and grooms wore oregano wreaths during wedding ceremonies to symbolize joy – maybe that’s why pizza makes everyone so happy!

6. Tarragon

Beautiful tarragon harvested on a fancy earthenware plate atop a lovely wooden table.

Add a touch of French culinary culture to your winter herb garden with tarragon. This delicate herb with a subtle anise flavor is a critical player in French cuisine. It’s perfect for flavoring chicken dishes, vinaigrettes, salad dressings, herb butter, infused oils, and béarnaise sauce. Tarragon can be a bit finicky, so ensure good air circulation to prevent mildew.

Full-Grown Size: 18 to 24 inches tall.
Minimum Pot Size: 2-gallon pot, 12 inches deep.
Daily Sunlight: 6 to 8 hours.
Temperature Zone: 60 to 70°F.

This herb has an old-school reputation for helping folks stay energized. Ancient Medieval Europeans used to slip tarragon into their shoes to ward off fatigue during long walks!

7. Thyme

Aromatic potted thyme growing indoors on a table.

This tiny-leaved herb packs a punch of flavor and is incredibly versatile in the kitchen. It’s also one of the easiest herbs to grow, making it perfect if you can’t decide which indoor herb to try first. Thyme pairs wonderfully with roasted vegetables, soups, bread, biscuits, baked meats, and fruit desserts. For bushier growth, pinch back the stems regularly.

Full-Grown Size: 6 to 12 inches tall.
Minimum Pot Size: 0.5 to 1 gallon pot, 6 inches deep.
Daily Sunlight: 6 hours.
Temperature Zone: 60 to 70°F.

This mighty herb has an ancient reputation for providing courage. In the Middle Ages, ladies would embroider thyme sprigs as tokens for their knights.

8. Sage

Lovely potted sage plant with light green leaves.

Embrace the cozy vibes of winter with aromatic sage. This velvety-leaved herb is not just for Thanksgiving stuffing – it’s a powerhouse of flavor that pairs beautifully with winter squashes, pork, flatbread pizza, tea, scrambled eggs, and brown butter sauces. Sage is drought-tolerant, so let the soil dry out between waterings to prevent root rot.

Full-Grown Size: 18 to 24 inches tall.
Minimum Pot Size: 1 to 2 gallon pot, 10 to 12 inches deep.
Daily Sunlight: 6 to 8 hours.
Temperature Zone: 60 to 70°F.

Sage is famous for smudging ceremonies to help purify spaces. It also makes a great air freshener. Try burning a few leaves to clear the air after cooking strong-smelling foods!

9. Basil

Transplanting a small basil plant into a larger container.

Fresh basil brings a taste of summer to your winter kitchen. While this sun-loving herb can be challenging to grow indoors, the reward of fragrant, homegrown basil in winter is worth the effort. Grow it in your sunniest spot and trim it often to prevent flowering. Your margherita pizzas, pesto, herb butter, and Caprese salads will thank you!

Full-Grown Size: 12 to 24 inches tall.
Minimum Pot Size: 1 to 2 gallon pot, 8 to 10 inches deep.
Daily Sunlight: 6 to 8 hours.
Temperature Zone: 70 to 80°F.

In India, basil (especially holy basil or tulsi) is considered sacred and often grows around temples. We welcome this holy herb into our homes!

10. Parsley

Lovely parsley plant growing in a terracotta pot on window sill.

Don’t relegate parsley to the role of a mere garnish – this nutrient-packed herb deserves center stage in your winter garden! Whether you prefer the curly or flat-leaf variety, parsley adds a fresh, herbaceous zest to soups, herb sauces, salads, homemade rice dishes, and tabbouleh.

It’s also straightforward to grow indoors. Just be patient – you might need to wait up to three weeks for your parsley seeds to germinate!

Full-Grown Size: 12 to 18 inches tall.
Minimum Pot Size: 1 to 2 gallon pot, 8 to 10 inches deep.
Daily Sunlight: 6 hours.
Temperature Zone: 60 to 70°F.

Did you know that Ancient Romans and Greeks wore parsley wreaths to ward off drunkenness at feasts? Parsley wreaths also represent ceremony, honor, and victory.

11. Dill

Funny tabby cat playing with a dill plant and other homegrown herbs and plants.

Fresh dill brings the tangy taste of summer pickles to your winter kitchen. This feathery herb is surprisingly easy to grow indoors and adds a delightful anise-like flavor to pickle brines, seafood dishes, potato salads, and homemade dips. For the best flavor, harvest dill leaves just before the plant flowers. Dill also has a taproot, so choose a deep pot to keep it happy.

Full-Grown Size: 2 to 3 feet tall.
Minimum Pot Size: 2-gallon pot, at least 12 inches deep.
Daily Sunlight: 5 to 6 hours.
Temperature Zone: 60 to 70°F.

Ancient Egyptians used dill as a soothing medicine and a charm against witchcraft. We’ll take all the mystical protection we can get, especially if it’s flavorful and easy to grow.

12. Fennel

A small fennel plant growing wildly in a tiny black pot.

This Mediterranean native brings a licorice-like flavor to your winter culinary creations. While outdoor fennel can grow quite large, container-grown fennel is more manageable. Use the feathery fronds in salads and the bulb in roasted vegetable medleys, veggie sautées, or homemade sausages.

Full-grown size: 18 to 24 inches tall (in containers).
Minimum Pot Size: 3-gallon pot, 12 to 14 inches deep.
Daily Sunlight: 6 to 8 hours.
Temperature Zone: 60 to 70°F.

Fennel is another herb with tons of mystical and magical lore. Many believe this delicious herb can help ward off evil spirits, curses, and bad luck.

13. Catnip

Curious cat nibbling on some homegrown catnip.

Feline-friendly homesteads should always have fresh catnip on hand. While it might make your cats frenzy, catnip is also a soothing tea herb for humans. It’s easy to grow indoors and offers a mild, minty flavor. But be warned. Your curious house kittens will likely devour it before you get a chance to harvest any for yourself!

Full-Grown Size: 12 to 18 inches tall.
Minimum Pot Size: 1 to 2 gallon pot, 8 to 10 inches deep.
Daily Sunlight: 5 to 6 hours.
Temperature Zone: 60 to 70°F.

Catnip tea with a dash of cream makes a relaxing bedtime treat for humans that can help you catch some Z’s without counting sheep!

14. Lemon Balm

A lovely Melissa plant growing in an old fashioned terracotta pop sitting on a windowsill.

The cheerful, lemony scent of lemon balm is perfect for brightening dreary winter afternoons. This member of the mint family is a breeze to grow indoors and adds a citrusy zing to teas, salads, and desserts like sorbets or pastries. Lemon balm is famous for its relaxing properties, making it one of our favorite wintertime herbs to grow for a stress-busting cup of tea.

(Pinch back the stems regularly to keep them bushy and prevent flowering!)

Full-Grown Size: 12 to 24 inches tall.
Minimum Pot Size: 1 to 2 gallon pot, 8 to 10 inches deep.
Daily Sunlight: 4 to 6 hours.
Temperature Zone: 60 to 70°F.

Lemon balm isn’t only for growing indoors. It’s also a remarkable outdoor spring flower that attracts boatloads of bumblebees, native bees, and butterflies.

15. Lemongrass

Large flowerpot stuffed with a massive lemongrass crop.

This tall, grassy Southeast Asian herb infuses soups, curries, and teas with a refreshing citrus flavor. While it’s typically a warm-weather plant, lemongrass can thrive indoors with the proper care. Start with a small lemongrass plant from your nursery rather than seeds for the best results. Then, keep your lemongrass on a warm, sunny windowsill.

Full-Grown Size: 2 to 3 feet tall.
Minimum Pot Size: 3-gallon pot, 12 to 14 inches deep.
Daily Sunlight: 6 to 8 hours.
Temperature Zone: 70 to 80°F.

Lemongrass is a natural mosquito repellent. Rub the leaves on your skin for a fragrant, chemical-free bug defense during summer gardening sessions!

16. Marjoram

Lovely potted marjoram plant growing on a cloudy day.

Introduce the delicate cousin of oregano to your indoor herb garden with sweet marjoram! This tender perennial offers a milder, sweeter flavor than oregano, perfect for tasty, savory dishes. Try pairing marjoram with chicken, fish, pork, lamb, seafood, or vegetables.

Full-Grown Size: 12 to 18 inches tall.
Minimum Pot Size: 1-gallon pot, 6 to 8 inches deep.
Daily Sunlight: 6 to 8 hours.
Temperature Zone: 60 to 70°F.

In ancient Greece, marjoram was famous for wedding wreaths, symbolizing love and happiness. Perhaps that’s why it’s called the herb of happiness!

17. Bay Laurel

Beautiful organic laurel tree with bright green bay leaves.

We saved the most legendary herb for last. Add a dash of classical grace to your herb garden with a bay laurel tree! This slow-growing evergreen shrub provides aromatic bay leaves that are helpful for flavoring soups, stews, and sauces. While it can grow quite large outdoors, container-grown bay laurel stays manageable.

(The bay leaves are one of the best ways to flavor soups, stews, tomato sauce, curry, stocks, and broths. But remember to remove the bay leaves before eating! They add a lovely floral and earthy flavor, but the texture of the leaf itself is somewhat chewy and leathery.)

Full-grown Size: 2 to 3 feet tall (in containers).
Minimum Pot Size: 3 to 5-gallon pot, at least 14 inches deep.
Daily Sunlight: 4 to 6 hours.
Temperature Zone: 60 to 65°F.

The most exciting thing about bay laurel shrubs is they can survive for over a century – or more! Even if yours doesn’t last that long, everyday bay laurel specimens can survive over a decade.

Conclusion

There you have it, fellow green thumbs – 17 fantastic herbs to brighten your home and tantalize your taste buds all winter. These hardy herbs offer a world of flavors, scents, and a dash of history right at your fingertips. They help keep the gardening magic alive even when Jack Frost comes knocking. Your winter meals (and your mood) will thank you!

What about you?

Are you growing indoor herbs this year?
Do you grow indoor herbs for their fragrance, air-cleaning qualities, or culinary delights?
Do you grow any indoor winter herbs that we should have included?

Thanks for reading.

Have a great day!