An herb that would grow well on a windowsill with limited light?

Question

I have an empty flowerpot and I'm trying to decide what to plant. It lives on my kitchen windowsill. I tried growing mint, but there really wasn't enough light for that and the plant had a very hard time. Something I would use more often would be nice too. Suggestions?

Answer 1

Mint really is about your best candidate for limited light indoors. It's the most adaptable for light and water conditions. All the other herbs suggested here are sun lovers. For a single season, you might get any one of them to grow, but they will get tall and stretchy and it will be a challenge to regulate their water. All of the aromatic herbs like Ocimums (basil), rosemary and thyme require a lot of sun to produce potent aromatic oils. They'll become attenuated and yellow in low light conditions. The limited air flow in most houses will not evaporate water as quickly as all these herbs like, so don't water unless the plant is really dry.
How about trying something that is pretty, even though it's not useful in the kitchen. African Violets, maybe?

Answer 2

African violets require bright, but mostly indirect, light intensity. They can handle a little indirect light, in the early part of the day, although midday sun is too much for them to handle and direct sunlight during these hours could cause sunburn. If your plant is not getting enough light, the leaves will turn yellow in color and the leaves and stems may begin to elongate. Lack of light may also keep your plant from producing flowers. It is important that when you water your African violets that you do not get water in the crown of the plant or on the leaves because this could cause disease and rot to set in. Many African violet growers recommend placing the plant’s pot directly into a bowl of water and letting the plant absorb the water from the roots to ensure that water doesn’t get on the foliage. If you would rather water from the top you can just be extra careful and place the water spout directly in the potting medium. African violets like to be evenly moist but never soggy. You’ll need to water more frequently in the hot summer months and less frequently in winter. It is recommended to use tepid water, because cold water can shock the plant’s roots.

Answer 3

I think that mint needs less sun than other herbs, so your window must not get much light. Mint usually grows anywhere outdoors, even under trees. How about a nice aloe vera? I have one growing in a north-facing window, and doing well. It's not exactly an herb, but it does have medicinal properties, and is excellent for kitchen burns or sunburn.

Answer 4

maximum herbs like 70+F yet mild is extra significant. basil must be the finest to make stronger, 4 - 6 inches deep will do tremendous. shop the blooms pinched out of basil, you'll see the version in new leaves and blooms. conserving the blooms %. off will make the plant thicker and shop the basil sweet. you may try thyme and oregano in case you get sufficient solar. i'm getting the concept this window container purely isn't drained, be very careful no longer to over water. do not enable vegetation dry out; yet you may wait till they inform you they prefer water. at the same time as a plant is thirsty you may tell; it droops somewhat, the colour is off only a touch, you may might want to hit upon how you may study your vegetation and also you'll. a plant getting particularly decrease than optimal water is happier than on getting too a lot water.

Answer 5

Mint should be your perfect candidate. It loves water and shade. You have to keep it pinched down or it will look like hell. Lemon balm is a good one and always try basil. Basil is a member of the mint family, though, so you have to keep it pinched back too.

Answer 6

Lavender will do okay in a window if you plant it outside next spring. Use for food, bath, hair, pillows, arrangements, etc.

Answer 7

Garlic onion

Answer 8

you could try basil but keep the tips sniped or it will just get tall and spindly.
thyme should grow nicely in a pot also.

Answer 9

thyme, chives.

Answer 10

chives.