Aromatic Herbs to Grow Indoors
We have already learned that growing houseplants can clean and purify our indoor air. If we grow aromatic herbs we can also fill our home with sweet scents.
We really know these things already as gardeners, but these reminders put fresh ideas in our minds for our own homes. Several aromatic herbs are easy to grow indoors, even for the indoor plant challenged gardeners like me. But simply potting up these herbs does not automatically emit fresh aromas in your home. And meeting the needs of many of these plants is not always easy indoors.
We know that growing plants indoors does help clean the air. But many of the houseplants commonly grown are successful indoors because they have very low light requirements. Herbs in general require much more light and heat. Some of the most aromatic plants and herbs will have a very difficult time thriving without specific conditions or growing equipment.
Growing herbs indoors, and any other plant requiring warm bright sunlight, will be most successful in a south facing window. Our winter days in the north are short and cold, and a south facing position should provide more than 6 hours of good sunlight and warmth. Herbs with lower light requirements may grow satisfactorily in an east or west facing window, but of course afternoon sun coming in from the west will be warmer. Any of these conditions are at best only adequate. If you are using a grow light the more demanding plants can receive more than 12 hours of full spectrum light. Generally herbs will be most flavorful when grown in full light.
Perennial herbs are easiest to grow indoors by starting with garden center bedding plants. Many annual plants can be rooted from cuttings and perpetuated in the same way. Some herbs are best seeded and can be perpetuated with succession planting. In addition to where and how to grow, selecting aromatic herbs to grow indoors can also provide you with cooking herbs and aromatics for aromatherapy or mulling.
Although generally pleasantly scented, most plants release very little aroma unless agitated in some way. Place herbs where you pass frequently to enjoy the soft scents, or where they are easily touched or brushed to release best aroma. Heat and warm sunshine, which your plants will need to thrive, will also enhance the ambient aromas. You can also use aromatherapy methods with your aromatic herbs. Make potpourri with dried herbs to scatter in shallow bowls. Herbs and spices can be mulled in warmers or small slow cookers.
Best Aromatic Herbs to Grow Indoors
Rosemary A perennial herb, Rosemary should be started with nursery plants for best results. Requires long hours of southern bright light and a warm location. A highly aromatic herb great for cooking. Release the aroma of its essential oils by crushing needles or even just run a closed hand over a stem.
Basil Easily rooted from cuttings. Requires long hours of southern bright light and a warm location. Basil is somewhat difficult to grow indoors, it really prefers tons of bright sun. Run your hand over the plant to release stronger scent. But for as long as it will thrive, it will be fresh for teas and beverages or cooking.
Oregano A perennial herb, start with nursery plants. Requires long hours of southern bright light and a warm location. Great herb for cooking.
Thyme A perennial herb, start with nursery plants. Requires long hours of southern bright light and a warm location. Thyme might be somewhat tolerant of a west facing position.
Tarragon Requires long hours of southern bright light and a warm location and may not survive more than a few months indoors with the limited light. And if it does, it will require a dormant period in early winter. Enjoy it will it lives, then pot up another one. Aroma is negligible until you harvest tips.
Mint A perennial herb, but can be easily rooted from cuttings. Tolerates 6 hours of sun and a cooler location. Mint grows aggressively and there are many varieties to choose from.
Lavender Requires long hours of southern bright light and a warm location through summer, but by fall it will likely begin to wither from not enough light. Calming and soothing lavender promotes better sleep and relieves anxiety.
Lemon Balm Requires long hours of southern bright light and a warm location and may not survive more than a few months indoors with the limited light.
Experiment with other aromatic herbs if you have sufficient sunlight through winter or use a grow light. If you do, certainly there are other wonderful aromatics to grow. These aromatic herbs can be used to create wonderful essential oils (even without distilling, by infusing in a crock pot) to scent your home, in addition to cleaning your air as they grow.