Growing herbs on your windowsill is one of the easiest and most satisfying ways to bring fresh flavor into your home. But if you’re short on time or just want to see quick results, you’ll need herbs that grow fast—and thrive in small containers by the window.
Whether you cook often, love fresh greenery, or want a productive indoor garden without the wait, these fast-growing herbs are perfect for bright, sunny windowsills. With proper care, many of them can be harvested within just a few weeks.
Here are the top fastest-growing window herbs, plus tips to grow them successfully.
1. Basil
Basil is one of the quickest and most rewarding herbs to grow indoors. Under the right light and conditions, basil grows fast, fills out quickly, and can be harvested again and again.
Why it’s a top pick:
- Sprouts within 5–10 days from seed
- Ready to harvest in 3–4 weeks
- Encourages more growth when trimmed regularly
Best window: South- or west-facing with 6+ hours of direct sun
Care tip: Pinch off the top leaves frequently to promote bushier growth and prevent flowering.
2. Cilantro (Coriander)
Cilantro grows quickly and is packed with flavor. It’s ideal for windows with cooler temperatures, as it tends to bolt in heat.
Why it grows fast:
- Germinates in 7–10 days
- Harvestable within 3 weeks
- Grows quickly in cool, sunny spots
Best window: East-facing or cool south-facing windows
Care tip: Harvest leaves frequently but avoid cutting all at once. Grow successive batches for a constant supply.
3. Chives
Chives are among the easiest herbs to grow on a windowsill. They grow rapidly from seed and regenerate after cutting.
Why they’re a great choice:
- Sprout in 7–14 days
- Ready to harvest in 3–4 weeks
- Regrow continuously after trimming
Best window: East- or west-facing with bright, indirect light
Care tip: Cut leaves about 1 inch above the soil when harvesting. Chives grow better with consistent moisture and occasional feeding.
4. Dill
Dill is a fast-growing herb with delicate leaves and a distinct flavor. It’s perfect for indoor growing if you have enough light and vertical space.
Why it grows fast:
- Germinates in 7–10 days
- Harvest in 4 weeks or less
- Self-sowing if left to flower
Best window: Bright south- or west-facing windows
Care tip: Dill has a long taproot, so use a deep pot. Harvest young leaves early for the best flavor.
5. Mint
Mint spreads quickly and is very forgiving. While it doesn’t grow as fast from seed, potted mint cuttings or nursery plants expand rapidly with regular watering.
Why it grows fast:
- Spreads aggressively from runners
- Grows back quickly after cutting
- Tolerates partial light and indoor conditions
Best window: East- or west-facing windows with moderate light
Care tip: Grow mint in its own container to prevent it from overtaking other plants. Trim regularly to encourage bushy growth.
6. Arugula (Rocket)
Arugula isn’t traditionally grown as an herb, but its fast-growing, flavorful leaves make it ideal for fresh kitchen use and indoor growing.
Why it grows fast:
- Sprouts in 5–7 days
- Harvestable within 3 weeks
- Continuous cutting extends harvest
Best window: East-facing or cool south-facing windows
Care tip: Use a shallow container and harvest young leaves continuously. Arugula prefers cooler temperatures.
7. Parsley (Flat-Leaf or Curly)
Parsley is slightly slower to germinate but grows steadily and rebounds quickly once established.
Why it’s still a fast grower:
- Germinates in 10–20 days
- Ready to harvest in 4–5 weeks
- Withstands regular cutting
Best window: Bright, indirect light—east or west-facing
Care tip: Soak seeds before planting to speed up germination. Water consistently and cut stems from the outside first.
Tips for Faster Indoor Herb Growth
Even fast-growing herbs need the right environment to truly thrive. Here’s how to speed up growth and maximize your harvests:
1. Provide Enough Light
Most herbs need at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. South-facing windows are best. If your window doesn’t get enough sun, use full-spectrum LED grow lights to supplement.
2. Use Proper Soil
Choose a light, well-draining potting mix, not garden soil. Herbs grown in nutrient-rich, loose soil grow faster and stronger.
3. Water Smartly
Keep soil evenly moist, but not soggy. Herbs don’t like extremes—avoid letting the soil completely dry out or stay too wet.
4. Harvest Regularly
Cutting herbs often encourages new growth. The more you trim (correctly), the more your plants will produce.
5. Start with Transplants
To skip the germination phase, buy small herb plants from a nursery. This gives you a 2–3 week head start and lets you harvest much sooner.
FAQs
Q: What’s the absolute fastest herb I can grow indoors?
A: Basil and arugula are two of the fastest. They germinate quickly and are ready to harvest in about 3–4 weeks.
Q: Can I grow these herbs from kitchen scraps?
A: Yes—green onions and mint regrow well from scraps. Others, like basil, can be rooted from cuttings.
Q: Do herbs need fertilizer to grow fast?
A: Light feeding helps. Use a diluted organic liquid fertilizer once every 2–3 weeks during active growth.
Q: Can I grow these in small containers?
A: Yes—but don’t overcrowd. Use pots at least 4–6 inches deep, and ensure they have drainage holes.
Q: How do I stop herbs from getting leggy?
A: Provide more light and harvest the top growth regularly. Leggy herbs usually mean they’re stretching for sunlight.
Final Thoughts
If you’re eager to start a productive windowsill garden, fast-growing herbs are the perfect way to begin. With just a few pots, some sunlight, and regular care, you can enjoy fresh, homegrown herbs within weeks. Choose a mix of quick growers like basil, mint, chives, and arugula—and harvest often for continued success. Whether you’re cooking, making tea, or simply enjoying the greenery, these speedy herbs will keep your window garden vibrant and full of life.