Imagine snipping fresh basil for pasta or mint for tea without ever stepping outside, or even touching a bag of potting soil. It sounds almost too easy, but many herbs are happy to grow in nothing more than water. With the right setup, you can keep a little indoor “herb bar” going year-round, giving you fresh flavor at your fingertips whenever you need it.
Growing herbs in water isn’t just convenient, it’s clean, space-saving, and surprisingly fun. No mess from soil, no worries about garden pests, and no need for a sunny backyard. A few jars on a windowsill or a simple glass container can keep your herbs thriving, as long as you give them fresh water and a bit of light.
From fast-growing favorites like green onions to classics like rosemary and oregano, plenty of herbs will reward you with steady growth in a glass of water. Ahead, you’ll find 12 Herbs You Can Grow With Just Water All Year Round, proof that a year-round kitchen garden might be simpler than you think.
1. Fresh Mint That Thrives in Water
Mint brings a cool aroma and lush greenery to any corner of your home. Growing it in water means you’ll enjoy its vibrant leaves without worrying about soil.
Placed in a jar or glass, mint roots quickly and keeps producing year-round. All it needs is a little sunlight and fresh water every few days.
This herb adds flavor to teas, salads, and sauces. Snip what you need, and it keeps giving.
2. Sage That Grows Freely in Water
Sage brings a rustic charm to any kitchen with its soft, gray-green leaves. Its strong aroma makes it a favorite for seasoning roasts, soups, and stews.
Placing sage cuttings in a glass of fresh water lets the roots form quickly. It keeps thriving near a sunny window where light can reach.
Fresh leaves are always within reach for cooking. A simple snip transforms everyday meals with flavor.
3. Thyme That Thrives in Water
Thyme carries a gentle, earthy fragrance that enriches countless dishes. Its tiny leaves are loaded with flavor, making it a must-have in every kitchen.
Placed in a glass jar, thyme sprigs grow roots and stay fresh with simple care. Bright light and regular water changes help it flourish year-round.
Snip a few stems whenever cooking needs a boost. This herb gives soups, meats, and sauces a rich taste.
4. Lemon Balm That Grows Easily in Water
Lemon balm brings a fresh citrus aroma that lifts the mood and soothes the senses. Its bright green leaves are often used in teas and refreshing drinks.
Placed in a jar with clean water, cuttings root quickly and stay lush with little effort. A sunny windowsill helps this herb thrive throughout the year.
Every harvest offers a calming touch for both kitchen and wellness. Snip a few leaves to enjoy their gentle flavor.
5. Lavender That Flourishes in Water
Lavender brings a calming scent and beautiful purple blooms that brighten any room. Its fragrance is known to ease stress and promote restful sleep.
Placed in a clear jar with water, lavender cuttings root well when given bright light. A sunny window helps this herb keep its charm all year.
Fresh sprigs can be used in teas, sachets, or even homemade oils. Each stem carries both beauty and wellness.
6. Growing Herbs on a Sunny Windowsill
Fresh herbs like oregano, mint, and basil flourish in simple glass jars filled with water. Their green leaves bring life and fragrance to any kitchen space.
Placed near a bright window, these cuttings root easily and continue to thrive with only regular water changes. No soil is needed for them to stay healthy.
Each snip adds flavor to meals and keeps cooking fresh. Having them close by makes everyday dishes more vibrant.
7. Basil That Grows Fresh in Water
Basil fills the air with a sweet, peppery scent that brings warmth to any kitchen. Its tender green leaves are loved in sauces, salads, and fresh pesto.
Placed in a simple jar of water, basil stems root fast and stay lush with regular care. Sunlight streaming through a window keeps it thriving.
Every harvest offers flavor at your fingertips. A quick snip turns ordinary meals into something special.
8. Marjoram That Grows Easily in Water
Marjoram adds a gentle, sweet flavor that pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables and meats. Its tender green leaves also carry a lovely fragrance.
Placed in water, marjoram cuttings send out roots and stay vibrant with little care. A bright spot on the windowsill keeps it thriving throughout the seasons.
Each stem brings a fresh touch to meals. Snip a few leaves and enjoy its subtle, savory taste anytime.
9. Rosemary That Grows Strong in Water
Rosemary offers a bold aroma and sharp flavor that enhances roasts, stews, and bread. Its needle-like leaves bring both taste and fragrance to the kitchen.
Placed in a glass of fresh water, rosemary cuttings develop roots and stay green with steady care. Sunlight keeps the stems healthy and full of life.
Every sprig you trim carries a burst of flavor. This herb is always ready to lift home cooking.
10. Chives That Grow Fresh in Water
Chives bring a mild onion flavor that lifts eggs, soups, and salads. Their long green stalks add both taste and a bright touch to the plate.
Placed in water, cuttings root fast and stay healthy with simple care. A sunny windowsill keeps them growing strong through every season.
Each trim brings fresh garnish to the kitchen. Snip a few stalks and enjoy their crisp, gentle flavor.
11. Cilantro That Stays Fresh in Water
Cilantro adds a bright, zesty note to salsas, curries, and salads. Its leafy green stems bring both flavor and freshness to everyday cooking.
Placed in a jar with water, cilantro roots quickly and keeps growing with steady care. A sunny window helps it stay lush throughout the year.
Every harvest gives a burst of taste to dishes. Snip a handful and enjoy its crisp, herbal touch.
12. Parsley That Grows Fresh in Water
Parsley brings a crisp, clean flavor that brightens soups, salads, and sauces. Its curly green leaves also add a touch of beauty as a garnish.
Placed in a jar of water, parsley stems root well and stay healthy with simple care. Sunlight streaming through a window helps it flourish all year.
Each harvest gives a fresh boost to meals. Snip a handful and enjoy its lively taste anytime.
13. Dill That Stays Fresh in Water
Dill brings a feathery texture and a bright, tangy flavor that pairs beautifully with fish, pickles, and salads. Its green fronds also add charm to any kitchen.
Placed in a glass of water, dill cuttings root easily and stay fresh when given steady light. A sunny windowsill helps it thrive all year long.
Each harvest adds zest to dishes. Snip what you need and enjoy its lively flavor right away.
