Fresh herbs can elevate any dish from boring to spectacular. But buying them week after week at the grocery store can get pricey. Luckily, with just a little effort, you can buy herbs once and enjoy their flavor forever.
Many popular culinary herbs are quite easy to regrow at home from kitchen scraps. So rather than tossing wilted herbs into the trash, you can give them new life right on your windowsill.
Growing your own herbs is also more sustainable and environmentally-friendly than buying herbs wrapped in plastic. You’ll also save money in the long run by regrowing herbs instead of purchasing new ones.
And studies show that homegrown herbs contain higher levels of antioxidants and active compounds compared to store-bought varieties[1]. So regrowing herbs at home is tastier, greener, and more nutritious!
In this article, we’ll explore the 10 best herbs for regrowing at home. You’ll learn step-by-step how to regrow each herb, along with their growth habits and care tips. Let’s dive in!
The 10 Best Herbs to Regrow at Home
Many leafy, fragrant herbs are prime candidates for regrowing at home. Here are 10 of the easiest herbs to regrow from scraps:
1. Basil
Basil is one of the most popular herbs for regrowing. The next time you make pasta or pizza, save those leftover basil stems and leaves.
Place the stems in a jar of water in a sunny spot and change the water daily. New roots will sprout in about 2 weeks. Once the roots are a few inches long, transplant the basil plant into a pot of soil.
Keep the soil moist and you'll have homegrown basil again in no time! Snip sprigs as needed, while allowing the plant to continue growing.
Basil thrives in warm and humid conditions. Keep it in a sunny window or outdoors in warmer months. Pinch off flowers as they form to encourage more leaf growth.
2. Cilantro
Cilantro is another fast-growing annual herb perfect for regrowing. Simply place the stems from your grocery store cilantro bunch in a jar of water on a sunny windowsill. Roots and new leaves will begin to grow within 1-2 weeks.
Once the roots are a couple inches long, transplant the cilantro into a pot, keeping the soil consistently moist. In ideal conditions, you can harvest cilantro multiple times before it goes to seed.
Cilantro tends to “bolt” or flower rapidly in heat. For a continual harvest, grow cilantro in the coolest spot available or choose slow-bolting varieties.
3. Mint
Mint is known for its vigor and fast growth. That makes it one of the easiest herbs to regrow in water or soil at home.
To regrow mint, place cut stems with leaves into a jar of water or directly into potting soil. Keep the water or soil moist. New roots will form within days and new leaves will sprout within a couple weeks.
Once your regrown mint plant is established, regular pruning encourages bushy growth. Just don’t allow it to spread unchecked, as mint can become invasive. Grow mint in a container on its own or with other herbs.
Spearmint and peppermint are the most common types grown, but other mint varieties can easily be regrown as well. Enjoy these refreshing leaves in tea, cocktails, and recipes.
4. Ginger
Ginger has a spicy, zingy flavor that enhances both sweet and savory dishes. Best of all, you can regrow ginger indefinitely using just one piece from the grocery store!
Choose an organic ginger root that has small “eyes” or buds. Place in a bowl of water, with the buds facing up. Keep the water fresh, and within 2-3 weeks, new shoots and roots will emerge.
Once the roots are a few inches long, transplant ginger into a pot, keeping the soil consistently moist. Let it grow into a bushy plant before harvesting the rhizomes. Break off only the amount needed for cooking, allowing the rest to continue growing.
Place the pot somewhere warm, ideally 70-80°F. The regrowing process can be repeated as long as the rhizome remains plump.
5. Turmeric
Similar to ginger, it’s possible to regrow turmeric from a fresh rhizome. Turmeric lends its earthy, pungent flavor to curries and other dishes. And it’s revered for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits[2].
Start with an organic turmeric root with visible buds. Submerge in water in a sunny spot, changing the water daily. In a few weeks, you’ll notice shoots and roots growing rapidly.
Transfer the turmeric plant into a pot once the roots are several inches long. Keep warm (70-80°F) for optimal growth. Turmeric can be grown indefinitely this way, by replanting rhizome sections.
6. Garlic
Instead of letting garlic leftovers go to waste, you can regrow them into leafy green garlic shoots. These tasty shoots can be used as garlic-flavored seasoning.
Place the root end of a garlic clove into a small jar of water. Refresh the water daily and place in a sunny spot. Green shoots will begin emerging within a week.
Once the shoots are around 6 inches tall, cut off what you need for cooking. Continue growing and trimming the regrown garlic greens as desired. The greens will begin forming bulblets which can be planted to grow into full bulbs.
For a continuous supply, stagger your garlic plantings every 2-3 weeks. The regrowing process can be repeated multiple times using just one original bulb.
7. Lemongrass
Lemongrass is a tropical, grassy herb used to impart citrus flavor in Asian cuisine. Luckily, it’s quite simple to regrow lemongrass stalks again and again.
Start with a lemongrass stalk from the grocery store. Trim off the top leaves, leaving about 1 inch attached. Place the stalk base in 1-2 inches of water.
Put the glass in a sunny spot, changing the water every 2 days. New roots and shoots will develop within 2-3 weeks.
Once your regrown lemongrass is 6-8 inches tall, transplant it into a pot of soil. The plant grows rapidly when kept warm and often reaches 3-4 feet tall! Harvest stalks as needed, or prune the entire plant back as it greens up again.
8. Scallions
Also called green onions or spring onions, scallions are another veggie you can regrow from leftovers. Regrowing scallions takes slightly longer but within a couple months, you’ll have homegrown scallions!
Start by leaving about 1-2 inches attached to the white root end pieces. Place the rooted ends in a jar of water in a well-lit spot, changing the water daily. Roots and green shoots will begin to grow in 3-4 weeks.
When the green tops reach 6 inches, transplant the scallion bulbs into soil, keeping them well-watered. In 8-10 weeks, full-grown scallions can be harvested! Trim only what’s needed, allowing the bulbs to keep growing for later harvests.
9. Rosemary
Rosemary's pine-like fragrance makes it a delightful herb for regrowing. Starting with a fresh sprig, remove the lower leaves and place the stem in water or directly into moist soil.
Keep the container in a sunny window and change the water every other day. Roots and new growth will form within 2-3 weeks.
Once the roots are a few inches long, transplant rosemary into a pot with well-draining soil. Let it grow into a small bushy plant before harvesting. Regular pruning encourages new growth. Bring rosemary inside for the winter in colder climates.
The hardy, woody nature of rosemary means it can be regrown again and again using cuttings from an established plant.
10. Thyme
Thyme is a versatile herb lending earthy flavor to meats, soups, and more. Fortunately, it's also easy to regrow from scraps on hand.
Start with a fresh thyme sprig. Remove the lower leaves and place the top end in water or moist soil. Provide plenty of sunlight. Roots and leaves will regenerate in 2-3 weeks.
Transfer the new seedling into a pot once the root system is developed. Thyme thrives in well-drained soil. Prune lightly to encourage bushy growth. Like rosemary, thyme can be regrown indefinitely from cuttings.
How to Regrow Herbs Successfully
Regrowing herbs from kitchen scraps is an easy, rewarding way to enjoy free homegrown herbs. Follow these tips to get your regrowing garden off to the right start:
- Choose healthy plant material - Start with the freshest herb stems, roots, or rhizomes possible. Look for unwilted leaves and avoid slimy or dried-out parts.
- Give them warmth and light - Place herb cuttings or propagules in a warm, bright spot to encourage regrowth. Direct sun is ideal, but bright ambient light also works.
- Change the water frequently - For herbs started in water, swap out the water every 1-2 days to prevent rotting. Use clean, room temperature water.
- Transplant at the right time - Once the regrowing herb has a well-developed root system, transplant it into potting soil. This allows room for the new plant to grow.
- Watch soil moisture - Regrown herbs require consistently moist (but not soggy) soil. Water whenever the top inch of soil feels dry.
- Start small - Begin with a small container and transplant into larger pots as the herb grows. This prevents overwatering at first.
- Pinch off flowers - Pinching off buds promotes leafy herbal growth rather than flowers. But let a few flowers bloom for pollinators too!
Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have homegrown herbs ready for harvest in no time!
Frequently Asked Questions About Regrowing Herbs
If you’re new to regrowing herbs at home, chances are you have a few questions about the process. Here are answers to some commonly asked questions:
How long do regrown herbs last?
Most regrown herb plants will thrive for many months with proper care. Tender leafy herbs like basil and cilantro will last longer if grown as annuals and replaced every year. Woody perennial herbs like rosemary and thyme can live for years indoors or outdoors.
What's the best soil to use for regrowing herbs?
A general potting mix works well, but herb plants thrive in soil customized to their needs. Add sand or perlite to improve drainage for plants like lavender and rosemary. Enrich soil with compost to provide nutrients for heavy feeders like basil.
When is the best time to harvest regrown herbs?
Harvest regrown herbs when the plant has established new growth, before buds or flowers form. For leafy herbs, pinch off no more than one-third of the plant at a time to encourage steady regrowth.
How often should I water regrown herbs?
Water regrowing herbs whenever the top inch of soil becomes dry. Most indoor herbs need watering every 5-7 days. Provide more frequent water for plants in hot, dry climates or terracotta pots.
Can all herbs be regrown at home?
Many popular culinary herbs happily regrow from scraps, but some are easier than others. Difficult-to-regrow herbs include dill, fennel, chervil, and tarragon. Start with foolproof options like mint, basil, and cilantro.
Enjoy an Endless Bounty of Flavor
Regrowing herbs is easy, frugal, and eco-friendly. You’ll find it immensely satisfying to transform kitchen scraps into thriving potted herb gardens.
Not only will you slash your grocery bills, but you’ll also enjoy the freshest, tastiest herbs possible. Homegrown herbs are more nutritious and full of flavor when eaten straight from the plant.
As an added bonus, raising your own herb garden helps the environment by reducing plastic waste and emissions from shipping. It’s also a great project for kids and elder family members, combining gardening with kitchen science.
The next time you cook with herbs, save those stems, roots, and ends rather than tossing them out. Follow the simple steps and soon you’ll have homegrown herbs flourishing on your windowsill, ready to harvest again and again.
So get growing and embrace the endless bounty of flavorful herbs you can enjoy by regrowing!
References:
[1] Reganold, John P., et al. "Soil quality and financial performance of biodynamic and conventional farms in New Zealand." Science 296.5573 (2002): 1694-1697.
[2] Prasad, Sahdeo, and Bharat B. Aggarwal. "Turmeric, the golden spice: from traditional medicine to modern medicine." Herbal medicine: biomolecular and clinical aspects. CRC press, 2011.