Growing herbs indoors saves money, adds fresh flavors, and transforms your windowsill into a mini garden. You’ll find that many popular herbs can sprout in just 5-7 days with basic care – a sunny spot, well-draining soil, and consistent watering. While novice gardeners often stick to basil or mint, there are actually 15 fast-growing herbs that’ll thrive on your windowsill, each offering unique benefits for cooking and home use.

1. Fast-Growing Mint Spreads Quickly

Mint is one of the fastest-growing herbs for windowsill gardens, known for its aggressive spreading habit through underground runners called stolons. This vigorous grower can quickly fill a container and needs regular pruning to keep it in check. Fresh mint leaves offer a cooling flavor perfect for teas, cocktails, and culinary dishes, making it a popular choice despite its invasive tendencies.

  • Light: Partial to full sun; tolerates some shade but grows best with 4-6 hours of direct sunlight daily
  • Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; water when top inch of soil feels dry
  • Soil: Well-draining potting mix rich in organic matter
  • Container: Deep pot with drainage holes; minimum 12 inches deep to accommodate root system
  • Temperature: Thrives in 55-70°F (13-21°C)
  • Spacing: Single plant per 12-inch container due to spreading nature
  • Fertilizer: Light feeding with balanced liquid fertilizer monthly during growing season

2. Basil Grows From Seed Quickly

Basil is one of the fastest-growing herbs from seed, typically sprouting within 5-7 days and reaching harvest size in just 3-4 weeks. This tender annual herb grows vigorously on windowsills when given proper care, producing abundant aromatic leaves that can be continuously harvested for culinary use. Seeds can be sown directly in containers year-round for indoor growing, making it an ideal choice for impatient gardeners seeking quick results.

  • Light: Requires 6+ hours of direct sunlight daily; south-facing window preferred
  • Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; water when top inch feels dry
  • Soil: Well-draining potting mix rich in organic matter; pH 6.0-7.0
  • Temperature: Thrives in warm conditions, 70-80°F (21-27°C)
  • Container: Minimum 6-inch deep pot with drainage holes
  • Spacing: Thin seedlings to 6-12 inches apart
  • Humidity: Moderate to high; benefits from occasional misting

3. Chives Sprout Within Days

Chives are one of the fastest-sprouting herbs that can be grown indoors, with seeds typically germinating within 7-14 days when given proper conditions. These slender, grass-like plants produce hollow green stalks that offer a mild onion flavor, making them ideal for indoor cultivation where space is limited. Once sprouted, chives grow rapidly and can be harvested within a few weeks, with new growth continually emerging from the base of the plant.

  • Light: Bright, direct sunlight for 6-8 hours daily; south or west-facing windowsill ideal
  • Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; water when top inch of soil feels dry
  • Soil: Well-draining potting mix rich in organic matter; pH 6.0-7.0
  • Temperature: 60-70°F (15-21°C) for optimal development
  • Container: At least 6 inches deep with drainage holes
  • Humidity: Average household humidity is sufficient
  • Spacing: Seeds planted 1/4 inch deep, 2-3 inches apart
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4. Oregano Thrives in Sunlight

Oregano is a sun-loving Mediterranean herb that flourishes when placed on a bright windowsill, making it an excellent choice for indoor growing. The plant develops aromatic leaves packed with essential oils when exposed to abundant sunlight, resulting in more flavorful harvests. As it grows, oregano forms a compact, bushy shape that’s perfect for windowsill containers, reaching heights of 8-12 inches indoors.

  • Light: Requires 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily; south or west-facing windows are ideal
  • Water: Allow soil to dry between waterings; water thoroughly when top inch feels dry
  • Soil: Well-draining potting mix with added perlite or sand
  • Temperature: Thrives in 65-70°F (18-21°C)
  • Humidity: Tolerates average indoor humidity levels
  • Container: Use pots with drainage holes; 6-8 inches deep
  • Fertilizer: Light feeding with balanced liquid fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during growing season

5. Fast-Growing Lemon Balm

Lemon balm is a prolific herb that can grow rapidly on a windowsill, reaching maturity in just 4-6 weeks. This mint family member produces bright green, heart-shaped leaves with a distinct citrusy fragrance and can grow up to 2 feet tall even in container settings. Its quick growth rate and vigorous spreading nature make it an excellent choice for indoor herb gardens, providing fresh leaves throughout the growing season.

  • Light: Partial to full sun; minimum 4-6 hours of direct sunlight daily
  • Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; water when top inch of soil feels dry
  • Soil: Well-draining potting mix with rich organic matter; pH between 6.0 and 7.0
  • Temperature: Thrives in temperatures between 65-70°F (18-21°C)
  • Container: Deep pot with drainage holes; minimum 6 inches deep
  • Humidity: Moderate humidity levels; tolerates average indoor conditions
  • Fertilizer: Light feeding with balanced liquid fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during growing season

6. Cilantro Grows in Weeks

Cilantro is one of the quickest herbs to grow from seed, typically sprouting within 7-10 days and reaching harvest size in just 3-4 weeks. This fast-growing herb produces bright green, lacy leaves that can be continuously harvested for fresh culinary use, making it an excellent choice for windowsill gardens. When properly maintained, a single cilantro plant can provide multiple harvests before it eventually bolts.

  • Light: Bright, indirect sunlight; 4-6 hours daily; protect from intense afternoon sun
  • Water: Maintain consistently moist soil without waterlogging; water when top inch feels dry
  • Soil: Well-draining potting mix with added organic matter; pH 6.2-6.8
  • Temperature: Cool conditions 60-70°F (15-21°C); will bolt in high heat
  • Container: 6-8 inch deep pot with drainage holes
  • Spacing: Plant seeds 1-2 inches apart
  • Humidity: Moderate humidity levels; mist occasionally if indoor air is dry

7. Fast-Spreading Thyme Grows Easily

Thyme is one of the quickest-spreading herbs for windowsill gardens, with its low-growing stems rapidly forming dense, aromatic mats of tiny leaves. This Mediterranean herb establishes itself swiftly once its root system takes hold, sending out multiple trailing stems that can spread several inches within weeks. Common thyme varieties like English and German winter thyme are particularly vigorous growers that readily fill available space while providing fresh leaves for cooking year-round.

  • Light: Full sun, minimum 6 hours daily; thrives in bright south-facing windows
  • Water: Allow soil to dry between waterings; water deeply but infrequently
  • Soil: Well-draining potting mix with added perlite or sand
  • Temperature: 60-80°F (15-27°C)
  • Container: Wide, shallow pot with drainage holes
  • Humidity: Tolerates dry indoor air well
  • Fertilizer: Light feeding with balanced fertilizer every 6-8 weeks during growing season
  • Pruning: Regular trimming encourages bushier growth and prevents woody stems
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8. Parsley Grows in Weeks

Parsley is one of the quickest-growing windowsill herbs, typically sprouting within 4-6 weeks of planting. While initial germination can take up to three weeks, once the seedlings emerge, they develop rapidly into bushy plants with flavorful leaves. The plant continues to produce new growth throughout the season, allowing for multiple harvests from a single plant.

  • Light: Bright indirect sunlight for 6-8 hours daily; can tolerate partial shade
  • Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; water when top inch of soil feels dry
  • Soil: Well-draining potting mix rich in organic matter with pH between 6.0-7.0
  • Temperature: Ideal growing range of 60-75°F (15-24°C)
  • Container: At least 6 inches deep with drainage holes
  • Humidity: Moderate; tolerates average indoor humidity levels
  • Fertilizer: Light feeding every 4-6 weeks with balanced liquid fertilizer

9. Fast-Growing Dill Sprouts Rapidly

Dill is one of the quickest herbs to sprout and grow on a windowsill, typically germinating within 7-10 days and reaching harvest size within 4-6 weeks. The feathery green fronds grow tall quickly, providing fresh dill for cooking while adding vertical interest to your indoor herb garden. Dill’s rapid growth makes it an excellent choice for impatient gardeners wanting quick results from their windowsill herbs.

  • Light: Full sun to partial sun; minimum 6 hours of direct sunlight daily
  • Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; water when top inch feels dry
  • Soil: Well-draining potting mix with pH 5.5-6.5
  • Temperature: 60-70°F (15-21°C) for ideal growth
  • Container: Deep pot at least 12 inches deep to accommodate tap root
  • Spacing: Thin seedlings to 6-8 inches apart
  • Fertilizer: Light feeding with balanced liquid fertilizer every 4-6 weeks

10. Fast-Growing Sage Loves Light

Sage is one of the quickest-growing windowsill herbs, capable of reaching harvestable size within 6-8 weeks when provided with proper light conditions. This aromatic Mediterranean herb develops robust, silvery-green leaves and can thrive year-round on a sunny windowsill, making it an excellent choice for indoor herb gardening.

  • Light: Requires 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily; south-facing windows are ideal
  • Water: Allow soil to dry between waterings; water deeply when top inch of soil feels dry
  • Soil: Well-draining potting mix with added perlite or sand
  • Temperature: Prefers 60-70°F (15-21°C)
  • Humidity: Tolerates average indoor humidity levels
  • Container: Use pot with drainage holes, at least 6 inches deep
  • Fertilizer: Light feeding with balanced fertilizer every 6-8 weeks during growing season

11. Fast-Growing Marjoram Thrives Indoors

Marjoram is a fast-growing Mediterranean herb that adapts exceptionally well to indoor windowsill gardens. This aromatic member of the oregano family develops quickly from seed to harvest-ready plant in about 6-8 weeks, producing delicate, oval-shaped leaves with a sweet, mild flavor. Indoor marjoram maintains a compact growth habit, typically reaching 6-12 inches in height, making it perfect for windowsill cultivation year-round.

  • Light: Requires 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily; south or west-facing windows are ideal
  • Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; water when top inch of soil feels dry
  • Soil: Well-draining potting mix with added perlite or sand
  • Temperature: Thrives in 65-70°F (18-21°C)
  • Humidity: Moderate humidity levels; benefits from occasional misting
  • Container: Use pots with drainage holes, 6-8 inches deep
  • Fertilizer: Feed monthly with diluted balanced liquid fertilizer during growing season
  • Pruning: Regular harvesting encourages bushier growth

12. Fast-Growing Rosemary Loves Windows

Rosemary thrives in bright windowsill environments, making it an excellent choice for indoor herb gardens. While not the fastest-growing herb, rosemary can grow steadily when provided proper conditions, reaching harvesting size within 6-8 weeks from an established plant. Its upright growth habit and aromatic needles make it both decorative and practical for kitchen use, though careful attention to growing conditions is essential for success.

  • Light: Requires 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily; south-facing windows are ideal
  • Water: Allow soil to dry slightly between waterings; avoid overwatering
  • Soil: Well-draining potting mix with added perlite or sand
  • Temperature: Prefers 65-70°F (18-21°C)
  • Humidity: Tolerates dry indoor air but benefits from occasional misting
  • Container: Use pots with drainage holes, at least 6 inches deep
  • Fertilizer: Light feeding every 6-8 weeks during growing season
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13. Fast-Growing Watercress Near Windows

Watercress is one of the quickest-growing herbs for windowsill gardens, producing edible leaves within 2-3 weeks of planting. This semi-aquatic plant thrives in consistently moist conditions and can be grown hydroponically or in soil, making it perfect for indoor cultivation. When placed near a window, watercress develops its characteristic peppery flavor and produces abundant clusters of small, round leaves that can be continuously harvested.

  • Light: Bright, indirect sunlight; 4-6 hours daily
  • Water: Keep soil consistently wet or grow in standing water changed weekly
  • Soil: Rich, well-draining potting mix with high organic content
  • Temperature: 60-70°F (15-21°C)
  • Container: Shallow containers with drainage holes
  • pH: 6.5-7.5
  • Humidity: High humidity preferred
  • Fertilizer: Light feeding with water-soluble fertilizer every 2-3 weeks

14. Fast-Growing Microgreens Near Sunlight

Microgreens are tiny, nutrient-dense vegetable and herb seedlings that can be harvested within 1-3 weeks of planting, making them perfect for windowsill gardens. These compact plants, including varieties like radish, mustard, and basil microgreens, thrive in shallow containers near sunny windows and provide intense flavors and nutritional benefits while requiring minimal space and maintenance.

  • Light: 4-6 hours of direct sunlight daily; south or east-facing windows are ideal
  • Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged; mist daily or water from bottom
  • Soil: Light, well-draining potting mix or specialized microgreen growing medium
  • Temperature: 65-75°F (18-24°C) for ideal growth
  • Container: Shallow trays 1-2 inches deep with drainage holes
  • Spacing: Seeds can be planted densely, about 1/4 inch apart
  • Air circulation: Good ventilation to prevent mold growth
  • Humidity: Moderate humidity levels between 40-60%

15. Fast-Growing Tarragon Indoors

French tarragon can thrive on a sunny windowsill and produces flavorful leaves within 4-6 weeks of planting. This fast-growing herb develops slender, branching stems with narrow, dark green leaves that carry a distinctive anise-like flavor. While Russian tarragon grows more vigorously, French tarragon is preferred for its superior taste and cooking qualities, making it an excellent choice for indoor cultivation.

  • Light: Requires 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily; south or west-facing windowsill is ideal
  • Water: Keep soil moderately moist but not waterlogged; water when top inch of soil feels dry
  • Soil: Well-draining potting mix with added perlite or sand
  • Temperature: Prefers 60-70°F (15-21°C)
  • Container: Use pots at least 12 inches deep with drainage holes
  • Humidity: Tolerates average indoor humidity levels
  • Fertilizer: Light feeding with balanced liquid fertilizer every 6-8 weeks during growing season