Fresh herbs are essential in every kitchen — they add flavor, fragrance, and even health benefits to your meals. But buying small bundles of herbs week after week can become expensive and wasteful, especially when half of them wilt before you use them.
The good news? You don’t have to keep buying herbs. Many common herbs can be regrown easily from kitchen scraps or store-bought clippings — right on your windowsill or balcony.
In this guide, we’ll show you how to regrow five of the most popular herbs at home. No fancy equipment. No gardening experience. Just simple steps that save you money and keep your meals bursting with fresh flavor year-round.
Why Regrow Herbs at Home?
Regrowing herbs offers more than just savings:
- Always have fresh herbs on hand
- No more waste from unused wilted bunches
- Better flavor than dried alternatives
- Perfect for small spaces, kitchens, or balconies
- Satisfying and fun for beginners and kids
Plus, many herbs can be grown without soil at all — using just water and sunlight to sprout new roots and leaves.
1. Basil
Basil is one of the easiest herbs to regrow — and one of the most used in home cooking. From pasta to pesto, fresh basil adds a flavor no dried version can match.
🌱 How to Regrow Basil:
- Take a 4–6 inch cutting from a healthy basil stem, ideally just below a leaf node
- Remove lower leaves, leaving 2–4 at the top
- Place the stem in a glass of clean water
- Set it on a sunny windowsill
- Change water every 2–3 days to prevent rot
- In about 7–10 days, roots will appear
Once the roots are about 2 inches long, transplant into soil or keep in water for ongoing growth. Basil loves sunlight, so place it where it gets at least 6 hours per day.
2. Green Onions (Scallions)
Green onions are a kitchen staple — and possibly the fastest herb to regrow. You can grow a fresh batch using nothing but the white root base left after chopping.
🌱 How to Regrow Green Onions:
- Keep the white bulbs with root ends (about 1–2 inches from base)
- Place upright in a small glass with 1 inch of water
- Set on a bright window or shelf
- Change water every 1–2 days
- New green shoots will appear within 2–4 days
You can keep cutting them back as they grow. After a few harvests, move to a pot of soil to maintain vigor.
3. Mint
Mint is a refreshing herb perfect for teas, desserts, and drinks — and it’s incredibly easy to propagate. Once rooted, it becomes a fast-growing perennial that keeps producing.
🌱 How to Regrow Mint:
- Snip a 5–6 inch mint cutting from an existing plant
- Remove leaves from the bottom half
- Place the stem in a glass of water in indirect sunlight
- Refresh water every few days
- Roots will appear in 7–10 days
Once rooted, transfer to a pot with well-draining soil. Mint grows vigorously, so contain it in a pot or raised bed to prevent spreading.
4. Cilantro (Coriander Leaves)
Cilantro can be tricky to grow from seed but is very successful when propagated from stems. It prefers cooler temperatures and grows well in indirect light.
🌱 How to Regrow Cilantro:
- Use stems that are 4–5 inches long from fresh bunches
- Remove the bottom leaves
- Place the stems in a glass of water
- Set in a cool area with indirect light
- Roots will develop in 5–7 days
Transplant into soil once roots are strong. Harvest leaves from the top to encourage bushier growth and delay bolting.
5. Rosemary
Rosemary is slower to regrow than soft herbs but well worth the wait. It’s hardy, fragrant, and useful in roasts, soups, and baked goods.
🌱 How to Regrow Rosemary:
- Cut a 4–6 inch soft stem from a fresh rosemary sprig
- Remove lower leaves, leaving a few at the tip
- Place in water, or dip in rooting hormone and insert into moist soil
- Set in a warm, bright location — but not direct sun
- Roots may take 2–3 weeks to appear
Once rooted, transfer to a pot and water sparingly. Rosemary dislikes soggy soil and prefers well-drained conditions.
Tips for Successful Herb Regrowth
To make the most of your regrown herbs, follow these tips:
- Use healthy, fresh stems (not wilted or damaged)
- Change water often to prevent mold and bacteria
- Avoid direct sun for tender cuttings until roots develop
- Transplant to soil when roots are 1–2 inches long for longer-term growth
- Pinch leaves regularly to encourage bushier plants
Can You Keep Herbs in Water Forever?
Some herbs like basil and mint can grow in water for several weeks. However, long-term success typically requires transferring them to soil. Water alone lacks the nutrients needed for sustained, vigorous growth.
Where to Place Your Indoor Herb Garden
Ideal spots include:
- South-facing windows for maximum sun
- Kitchen counters for easy access
- Balconies or patios (if temperatures allow)
- Under grow lights during shorter daylight months
FAQs
Can I regrow herbs from store-bought bunches?
Yes — as long as they’re fresh and the stems are intact. Look for bunches with thick, green stems and no yellowing.
How often should I water herbs once potted?
Water when the top inch of soil feels dry. Avoid overwatering — most herbs prefer slightly dry soil between waterings.
Do regrown herbs taste the same?
Yes. In fact, herbs grown at home are often more flavorful and aromatic because they’re used fresh at peak potency.
Will these herbs survive outdoors?
Some will. Mint, rosemary, and chives are hardy perennials in many zones. Basil and cilantro prefer warm weather and do better indoors during cold months.
Final Thoughts
You don’t need a garden, greenhouse, or even a green thumb to regrow herbs. With just a glass of water and a sunny window, you can start harvesting your own basil, mint, cilantro, green onions, and rosemary at home — again and again.
This not only saves money and trips to the store, but also brings a satisfying touch of freshness to every dish you make.