Can herbs grow indoors in winter without a grow light?

Some herbs, like mint and chives, manage on a bright south-facing windowsill. Basil and most others do better with a grow light when days are short.

How long until the herbs are ready to use?

Most kitchen herbs sprout in one to two weeks. They're usually ready for a first light harvest in four to eight weeks, depending on the herb and the light.

Gift idea

Indoor herb garden starter kit

This kit provides everything needed to cultivate fresh herbs right on a kitchen counter or windowsill, perfect for culinary enthusiasts.

An indoor herb garden starter kit gives someone the seeds, soil, pots and instructions to grow fresh herbs on a kitchen counter or windowsill. It suits home cooks, new homeowners and anyone who wants a little green during winter.

Good for

Usually $25–$50Herb growing kits

♡ Add to my wish list

Choose Canada or the United States for local pricing. · affiliate link

Why indoor herb garden starter kit make a good gift

It gives the recipient a small winter project that keeps going for weeks after the holidays.
Fresh basil, parsley or chives make everyday cooking feel a bit more special.
Kits include the basics, so beginners can start without buying extra supplies first.
A few pots of herbs bring colour to a kitchen when it's grey outside.

What to look for

Check which herb seeds come in the kit and whether they match what the recipient likes cooking with.
Confirm the pots fit a typical windowsill and have drainage holes or a tray underneath.
See whether a grow light comes with it, since northern winter light is often too weak.
Look for a growing medium and plant markers in the box, so nothing extra is needed.

Kinds worth searching

Each button opens a narrow Amazon search in your store. Compare a few listings before you choose.

Windowsill pot kit
Kit with grow light
Culinary herb seed set
Mason jar herb kit

Questions people ask

Can herbs grow indoors in winter without a grow light?: Some herbs, like mint and chives, manage on a bright south-facing windowsill. Basil and most others do better with a grow light when days are short.
How long until the herbs are ready to use?: Most kitchen herbs sprout in one to two weeks. They're usually ready for a first light harvest in four to eight weeks, depending on the herb and the light.

Keep browsing

More herb growing kits

See all

Representative photo-style image of compact vertical herb garden system — generated, not a specific product

Gift ideaUsually $50–$100

Indoor herb garden starter kit

Why indoor herb garden starter kit make a good gift

What to look for

Kinds worth searching

Questions people ask

More herb growing kits

Compact vertical herb garden system

Gourmet kitchen herb seed collection

Herbal tea garden starter kit

Kids' learn-to-grow herb kit