We use herbs in our daily lives in different kinds of products, so the demand for herbs is usually very high; that’s why gardeners often look for the best herbs to grow indoors in pots. This blog post will discuss indoor herbs to grow inside your house.
What are Herbs?
Herbs are plants with beautiful smells and different odor properties. Growing herbs indoors is more challenging than it seems. Nowadays, herbs are used in many industries, the most famous of which are fragrances, pharmaceuticals, and flavors.
Herbs come from the leaves of plants. People often mix spices and herbs, but they are different.
Difference Between Spices and Herbs
Spices come from roots, dried leaves, and seeds of plants or the outer layer of trees. Some examples are fennels, lovage, and mace. On the other hand, herbs are made up of the leaves of plants that are adorable and have longer freshness.
Best Herbs to Grow Indoors
1. Basil
Basil is one of the famous herbs due to its versatile nature. It can be used in salads, sauces, soups, and other daily food products. The scientific name of basil is “Ocimum basilicum.” A proper environment is needed to grow these herbs in indoor pots.
Put it in a large pot because of its big leaves. When its leaves reach seven inches, cut them and keep them away from quick growth. Aside from these general uses, basil is also used for medical purposes as it contains antioxidant and anti-inflammatory elements.
2. Catnip
If you focus on its name, it must come to your mind that this herb is related to pets. If this is what you’re thinking, you’re right. Catnip is one of the indoor herbs used to grow. Catnip has a unique compound in its stem and leaves named “nepetalactone.” Catnip’s scientific name is “Nepeta cataria,” and it is primarily found in Europe and Asia.
It is experienced that it changes your cat’s behaviors, such as licking, rubbing, and rolling. It is easy to grow as compared to basil and other popular herbs.
3. Chive
Chive is another popular plant similar to onion and garlic. It is easy to grow, needs average water, and survives in minimum sunlight. It has long leaves, making it beautiful, and often used in salads and soups.
Chive is mainly found in Europe and Asia, and its scientific name is “Allium schoenoprasum.” Gardners love purple-pink flowers when they bloom at the right time.
4. Lemon Balm
Lemon balm has a unique lemon scent and flavor, which is why people call it lemon balm. Scientifically, lemon balm is called Melissa officinalis.
It is mainly used to add a surprise taste to beverages and desserts, as seen in TV shows and movies, and is also used in salads, sauces, and soups. It needs a small amount of fertilizers, is easy to grow, and can survive in natural sunlight.
5. Oregano
Oregano is usually used to season several dishes, especially in Italian and Greek cuisines. Because of its unique smell, people love to see it at their parties and special gatherings. It is used as a dried herb, and its leaves should be crushed before adding to dishes.
Apart from its normal use, it is also used in the medical industry as it has antimicrobial properties. It needs less than average sunlight and low water to survive naturally. It is scientifically known as “Origanum vulgare.”
6. Parsley
Parsley comes in two types: curly type and flat-leaf type. Flat-leaf parsley has more culinary value than curly-type parsley. Parsley covers many products, including salads, soups, sauces, marinades, and seafood.
Parsley is valuable in the medical field as it contains vitamins A, C, and K. It is beneficial with a proper diet. It is used fresh and dried in both states. The scientific name of Parsley is “Petroselinum crispum.”
7. Rosemary
Rosemary is known for its needle-like leaves and extraordinary fragrance. Its origin is Mediterranean, and its scientific name is “Rosmarinus officinalis.” Rosemary is used in dishes like roasted meats, grilled vegetables, and breads.
It is also used with other spices and herbs like thyme and oregano. When grown inside a house, its beautiful flowers give your garden an attractive look.
8. Sage
Sage is known for its gray-green leaves and fuzzy texture, distinguishing it from other leading and popular herbs. It could be best to grow it inside your house as it is used in vegetables, meats, sauces, and salads. It is also good to go with other herbs like rosemary and oregano.
It is used in medicines known to improve cognitive function and digestive health. To grow properly, it needs an excellent drainage system and average sunlight.
Conclusion
This guide will help you to select suitable herbs according to your surroundings and requirements and also tell you how to grow herbs indoors. If you find this article interesting, give your feedback in the comment section.
