Are you wondering how long it takes for your indoor herb garden to fully mature? The answer depends on the herb you are growing.
In this article, we provide the germination time, seed planting depth, temperature range for optimal germination, optimal number of hours of sunlight required per day, outdoor plant spacing, outdoor pot size, how much watering seedlings need for germination, how many days until plants reach maturity, and companion planting based on sun, soil, and watering requirements for seven popular herbs: parsley, basil, dill, lavender, mint, thyme, and chives.
Parsley
- Germination time: 14-21 days
- Seed planting depth: 1/4 inch
- Temperature range for optimal germination: 70-85°F
- Optimal number of hours of sunlight required per day: 6-8 hours
- Outdoor plant spacing: 6-8 inches
- Outdoor pot size: 8-10 inches
- Indoor plant spacing: 6-8 inches
- Indoor pot size: 8-10 inches
- How much watering do seedlings need for germination: Keep soil moist but not waterlogged
- How many days until plants reach maturity: 70-90 days
- Companion planting: Plant with tomatoes, peppers, and carrots
Basil
- Germination time: 5-10 days
- Seed planting depth: 1/4 inch
- Temperature range for optimal germination: 70-85°F
- Optimal number of hours of sunlight required per day: 6-8 hours
- Outdoor plant spacing: 12-18 inches
- Outdoor pot size: 8-10 inches
- Indoor plant spacing: 12-18 inches
- Indoor pot size: 8-10 inches
- How much watering do seedlings need for germination: Keep soil moist but not waterlogged
- How many days until plants reach maturity: 60-90 days
- Companion planting: Plant with tomatoes, peppers, and oregano
Dill
- Germination time: 10-14 days
- Seed planting depth: 1/4 inch
- Temperature range for optimal germination: 60-70°F
- Optimal number of hours of sunlight required per day: 6-8 hours
- Outdoor plant spacing: 12-18 inches
- Outdoor pot size: 8-10 inches
- Indoor plant spacing: 12-18 inches
- Indoor pot size: 8-10 inches
- How much watering do seedlings need for germination: Keep soil moist but not waterlogged
- How many days until plants reach maturity: 70-90 days
- Companion planting: Plant with cucumbers, lettuce, and onions
Lavender
- Germination time: 14-21 days
- Seed planting depth: 1/8 inch
- Temperature range for optimal germination: 70-75°F
- Optimal number of hours of sunlight required per day: 8-10 hours
- Outdoor plant spacing: 12-18 inches
- Outdoor pot size: 12-16 inches
- Indoor plant spacing: 12-18 inches
- Indoor pot size: 12-16 inches
- How much watering do seedlings need for germination: Keep soil moist but not waterlogged
- How many days until plants reach maturity: 90-120 days
- Companion planting: Plant with rosemary, sage, and thyme
Mint
- Germination time: 10-15 days
- Seed planting depth: 1/4 inch
- Temperature range for optimal germination: 65-75°F
- Optimal number of hours of sunlight required per day: 12-16 hours
- Outdoor plant spacing: 18-24 inches
- Outdoor pot size: 12-16 inches
- Indoor plant spacing: 18-24 inches
- Indoor pot size: 12-16 inches
- How much watering do seedlings need for germination: Keep soil moist but not waterlogged
- How many days until plants reach maturity: 90-120 days
- Companion planting: Plant with basil, chamomile, and parsley
Thyme
- Germination time: 7-14 days
- Seed planting depth: 1/4 inch
- Temperature range for optimal germination: 70-75°F
- Optimal number of hours of sunlight required per day: 6-8 hours
- Outdoor plant spacing: 12-18 inches
- Outdoor pot size: 8-10 inches
- Indoor plant spacing: 12-18 inches
- Indoor pot size: 8-10 inches
- How much watering do seedlings need for germination: Keep soil moist but not waterlogged
- How many days until plants reach maturity: 90-120 days
- Companion planting: Plant with basil, oregano, and rosemary
Chives
- Germination time: 10-14 days
- Seed planting depth: 1/4 inch
- Temperature range for optimal germination: 60-70°F
- Optimal number of hours of sunlight required per day: 6-8 hours
- Outdoor plant spacing: 6-8 inches
- Outdoor pot size: 8-10 inches
- Indoor plant spacing: 6-8 inches
- Indoor pot size: 8-10 inches
- How much watering do seedlings need for germination: Keep soil moist but not waterlogged
- How many days until plants reach maturity: 80-100 days
- Companion planting: Plant with carrots, parsley, and tomatoes
Remember, the time it takes for an indoor herb garden to fully mature depends on the herb you are growing and how you care for it.
According to Kelly Riley at EatingWell: “When growing herbs indoors, it’s important to choose the right container. Make sure the container has drainage holes to prevent water from pooling at the bottom and causing root rot.”
By following the guidelines on sun, soil, and watering requirements, you can ensure that your indoor herb garden thrives.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I water my indoor herb garden?
Water your indoor herb garden when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.
Can I use regular potting soil for my indoor herb garden?
Yes, you can use regular potting soil for your indoor herb garden, but make sure it is well-draining and does not contain any added fertilizers.
Can I grow multiple herbs in the same pot?
Yes, you can grow multiple herbs in the same pot as long as they have similar sun, soil, and watering requirements.
