“Herbs are the friend of the physician and the pride of the cooks”

Be it finger-licking fast foods or delicious home-cooked meals, herbs add their distinct flavor and aroma to make cuisines more scrumptious. These remarkable leafy shrubs are also deep-rooted in medicinal properties.

And what better than harvesting them fresh from your garden? Here’s how you can grow various herb seeds through easy methods of sowing, germination, and harvest.

10 Best Herbs to start from Seeds  

Grow your thriving herb garden by planting high-grade organic, hybrid, and heirloom herb seeds from Seed World Marketplace.

1. Thyme:

• Thyme is an evergreen perennial aromatic herb used for adding an earthy flavor to savory dishes.

• Thyme seeds can be soaked in water before planting for faster germination. Sow them in spring after the last frost.

• Seed starting soil can be sandy loam soil with organic compost.

• Germination takes place between 1-12 weeks. Once the thyme seedlings reach 4 inches you can transplant them into your garden.

• Thyme plants prefer full sun and require sparse watering of 1 inch every 10-15 days.

2. Basil:

• A herb belonging to the mint family, basil is not only a beloved-culinary topping for pizza, pasta, and more but it's also packed with healing properties.

• Basil seeds can be planted indoors or directly in your garden during spring when the temperature is at least 70 degrees.

• They prefer well-draining soil with slightly acidic content.

• You can expect germination in about 5-7 days. Basil seedlings can be transplanted when they reach 3 inches and develop their first ‘true’ leaves.

• Basil plants grow best in 6-8 hours of sunlight and you only have to water them 1 inch every week.

3. Sage:

• Stuffing's and sausages would be incomplete without the use of sage. This sweet-savory herb can make a perfect addition to these succulent dishes.

• Start sowing sage seeds during late spring when the temperature is between 60-70 degrees.

• The preferred soil type is well-draining, sandy loam soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0.

• Germination takes place in 2-3 weeks and after 2 weeks, sage seedlings can be transplanted.

• Plant them in areas that receive partial to full sun.

4. Rosemary:

• Rosemary is an evergreen shrub used in cooking, natural medicines, and popularly in essential oils.

• Start sowing rosemary seeds about 10-12 weeks before the last frost.

• Rosemary grows well in rocky, sandy soil that’s slightly acidic. Add a dose of balanced fertilizers for vibrant growth.

• Under ideal conditions, seeds germinate in 14-20 days.

• Rosemary plants are drought-resistant and require watering every 1-2 weeks. They grow best in a warm location with 4-7 hours of sunlight daily.

5. Oregano: 

• Is your pizza or pasta lacking flavor? A dash of oregano can make it more appetizing. Grow them fresh from your garden to add to your Italian foods.

• Start Oregano seeds indoors for best results. Germination can occur 7-14 days from sowing.

• Seed starting mix can be well-draining loamy soil with nutrient-rich compost.

• Plenty of sunlight can ensure a strong oregano flavor; move the oregano seedlings to areas with full sun.

• Go easy on watering oregano plants with 1 inch every week. Harvest these earthy flavorsome herbs when they reach 6 inches tall.

6. Lavender:

• Lavender is an aromatic herb that blooms vibrant purple and blue flowers from spring to late summer. This captivating herb can now be grown in your garden from seeds.

• Early spring is the best time to sow lavender seeds. Germination occurs 14-21 days from sowing.

• Moist, well-drained soil with slight alkaline content is a preferred soil type for lavender seedlings.

• Grow them under the direct sun with frequent watering for a full bloom lasting all year.

• Your scented lavenders are ready to harvest when stunning flowers emerge from the shoots.

Check out varieties of Herbs Seeds at our store today! 

7. Spearmint:

• With refreshing minty flavor and aroma, spearmint herbs are the easiest to grow from seeds.

• Spearmint seeds sprout within 10-15 days from planting at room temperature.

• Peat and sand with a neutral pH level are the best soil mediums for spearmint herbs.

• They require full to partial sun exposure to thrive. Medium watering with 1-2 inches every week.

• Infuse this flavorsome mint in your beverages and foods to refresh and cool down for the summer.

8. Cilantro / Coriander:

• Cilantro or coriander is a common herb used in many dishes around the world. It can also be considered a ‘super herb’ as it contains a wealth of nutrients.

• Coriander seeds can be sowed directly in the ground and prefer moist well-drained soil.

• Germination can vary between 7-20 days.

• Cilantro seedlings sprout quickly and spread under the full sun. Keep them well-watered and mulched.

• Your cilantro is ready for harvest when they reach 4-6 inches long, snip the exterior leaves and use them fresh from the garden to the kitchen.

9. Chives:

• Chives are a close relative to garlic, onion, and shallots. With their tall pointy growth and slender bulbs, they are widely used in world cuisines.

• Start seeds outdoors when the temperature is between 60-70 degrees. Chive seeds sprout within 10-14 days from planting.

• Grows well in nutrient-rich and well-draining soil.

• Like most herbs, chive seedlings thrive in full to partial sun.

• Start your spring harvest of chives by cutting the fresh stalks after 60 days from sowing.

10. Parsley:

• Similar to its herb family cilantro, parsley is a great addition as a garnish, condiments, and flavoring. Packed with vitamins and minerals, this herb is a must-have in your garden.

• Parsley seeds sprout slowly compared to other herbs. Soak them in water before sowing for best results.

• It can take about 3 weeks for germination in porous sandy loam soil.

• Transplant the parsley seedlings in full sun for better growth.

• Bunch a handful of parsleys and cut them just above the soil line for a quick harvest.