To grow herbs in water, cut a 4 to 6 inch stem just below a leaf node, strip the lower leaves and stand it in a jar of clean water on a bright windowsill. Change the water every 3 to 5 days. Basil and mint root in about 1 to 2 weeks, and both can live in water for months.
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A jar of basil on the kitchen windowsill is one of the easiest ways to have fresh herbs all year. Many herbs will grow roots in plain water, and some will keep growing there for months.
It works because the stem of a soft herb is ready to make roots wherever it touches moisture. Cut a stem, give it water and light, and new roots appear from the nodes, the small bumps where leaves join the stem. Here is how to do it well.
Which herbs grow well in water
| Herb | How easy |
|---|---|
| Basil | Very easy, roots in about 1 to 2 weeks |
| Mint | Very easy, roots in about 1 week |
| Lemon balm | Very easy |
| Sage and oregano | Easy, a little slower |
| Rosemary and thyme | Slow and less reliable |
| Green onions and chives | Easy, regrow from the white root end |
Woody herbs like rosemary and thyme prefer to root in soil or a damp sand mix. Soft herbs are the best choice for water.
How to grow herbs in water step by step
- Take a fresh cutting. Cut a healthy stem 4 to 6 inches long, just below a leaf node. Choose a stem without flowers.
- Strip the lower leaves. Remove any leaves that would sit under water, since they rot quickly.
- Stand it in a clean jar. Use room temperature water, and make sure at least one node is under the surface.
- Give it bright, indirect light. A sunny windowsill works, but avoid scorching afternoon sun through glass.
- Change the water every 3 to 5 days. Rinse the jar so slime and algae never build up.
Keeping herbs healthy in water
Water has no nutrients, so herbs living in it long term need a little help. Add a few drops of liquid houseplant fertilizer at about a quarter of the normal strength once a month. Too much fertilizer burns the fine roots and clouds the water.
Use only what you need. Pick a few leaves at a time from the top, and leave plenty of foliage on the stem so the plant can keep feeding itself.
Moving herbs from water to soil
When the roots are 2 to 3 inches long, you can move a cutting into a pot of soil. Water roots are slightly different from soil roots, so the plant may sulk for a week or two. Keep the soil moist, not soggy, during that time and keep the pot out of hot sun.
Many gardeners keep one jar of basil in water for cooking and another plant in a pot. For soil watering, see our guides to basil, mint and herbs in general. Our guide to growing plants in water covers houseplants too.
Herbs In Water FAQ
Can basil grow in water forever?
It can live in water for months with fresh water and a little diluted fertilizer. Most plants do better and grow bigger after moving to soil.
How long do herbs take to root in water?
Basil and mint often root in 1 to 2 weeks. Sage and oregano can take 2 to 4 weeks.
Do herbs in water need fertilizer?
If they stay in water for more than a few weeks, yes. A few drops of weak liquid fertilizer once a month is enough.
We turn horticulture research and real growing experience into plain-English watering schedules you can actually follow.