12 Herbs You Can Grow Perfectly in Containers (Plus 5 That Won’t Make It!)
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Container gardening is becoming a leading trend among urban residents who want to bring a bit of green into their lives. With over 55% of the global population living in urban areas as of 2022, according to the United Nations, and an increasing number of Americans—particularly apartment dwellers and home cooks—opting for home-grown produce, container gardening is proving to be a practical and rewarding solution.
Growing herbs in containers is especially popular because they require minimal space, are easy to maintain, and add fresh flavors to meals. However, while container gardening can work wonders for some herbs, it doesn’t suit all. Read on for 12 herbs that thrive in containers and 5 that are better left to traditional garden beds.
Thyme
An herb that is hardy enough to live in a small container, thyme is a good choice for the gardener with limited space. Once planted, it becomes drought tolerant and requires little maintenance, only periodic water. Mintel notes that its aromatic leaves are a staple in many oles, especially among health-conscious cooks.
Position thyme in a sunny location to enhance its flavor profile. Because of its ability to thrive in drought-like conditions while maintaining a small, neat stature, thyme is the perfect plant for a small space and those who don’t have the time to water it too much.
Cilantro
Cilantro’s quick growth and short life cycle make it an excellent herb for container gardening. To ensure a continuous supply, plant new seeds every few weeks. While it requires ample sunlight, cilantro thrives best in cooler temperatures. The National Gardening Survey highlights its popularity, particularly in Mexican and Asian cuisines.
When the cilantro bolts, harvest the seeds as coriander, doubling the herb’s value. But, with regular care and timely harvest, the supply of this flavorful herb for your dishes will be steady. Because cilantro grows easily and is so versatile, it’s a favorite plant among container gardeners.
Chives
Chives are one of the simplest herbs to grow in containers — useful both for culinary and ornamental purposes. With a mild onion flavor, they go well with many dishes, whilst their purple flowing gives a splash of color to any garden. Chives are a perennial herb that will regrow from year to year with adequate care, which means they are a fairly cost-effective option.
Trimming regularly will help encourage new growth and prevent the plant from becoming too woody. Chives thrive in well-drained soil and enjoy plenty of sun, providing a consistent supply of this all-purpose herb.
Rosemary
Rosemary’s upright growth habit and preference for dry soil make it an excellent candidate for container gardening. Its needle-like leaves are a favorite for seasoning and offer a lovely fragrance. Research by The Guardian shows that rosemary ranks among the top ten herbs grown in containers worldwide.
Do not overwater rosemary since the roots cannot stand in soggy soil. This herb does well, with full sunlight and no maintenance, in small containers on windowsills or patios and has both aesthetic and culinary value.
Oregano
A Mediterranean herb, oregano likes full sun and well-drained soil and can be grown in containers. It is a savory plant, and its earthy taste adds surprisingly well to a wide variety of dishes, making it a staple in home gardens. According to Psychology Today, nearly 1.5 million Americans routinely grow oregano because of its culinary versatility.
Be sure to pinch off flowers as they appear to keep the heirloom herb robust. Proper care will ensure your oregano remains a reliable and flavorful addition to your container garden, providing year-round culinary benefits.
Dill
Full sunlight and deep containers will cause dill to grow very quickly. The leaves and seeds are used in cooking, providing double the utilitarian function. Dill can reach heights of up to three feet, so its going to need large pots to grow.
Dill has delicate stems, so it benefits from being protected from strong winds. With proper care, this herb does well and adds its unique flavor to pickles, salads, and more.
Sage
It’s a very easy herb to grow as sage is pretty tolerant of containers and intermittent watering. Market Trends says it has a savory flavor that enhances many dishes and that flavor peaks in the winter holiday season when demand is at its highest.
Pruning on a regular basis helps encourage bushier growth and prevents the plant from becoming woody and leggy. Well-drained soil and lots of bright light will help it thrive and provide a steady supply of this very versatile herb.
Lemongrass
Lemongrass, a tropical grass, adapts well to large containers. Its citrusy flavor elevates teas, soups, and marinades. The USDA notes its widespread cultivation in the southern U.S. owing to its heat tolerance.
Place lemongrass in a sunny spot and ensure its soil drains well to prevent waterlogging. Regular care allows this fragrant herb to flourish, adding an exotic touch to your container garden.
Tarragon
French tarragon thrives in containers with loose soil and plenty of sunlight. Its bittersweet flavor is cherished by culinary enthusiasts worldwide, as reported by The Spruce.
To prevent overcrowding, divide and replant tarragon as needed. With proper care, this herb continues to flourish, offering its unique flavor to a variety of dishes. While many herbs adapt well to containers, some are better suited to garden spaces due to their growth habits.
Basil
Basil thrives in container gardens due to its adaptability and love for warm, sunny conditions. It requires well-draining soil and responds well to regular harvesting, which encourages healthy growth. This makes it an ideal herb for both novice and experienced gardeners. According to the USDA, basil ranks among the top five most commonly grown herbs in U.S. households, reflecting its widespread popularity.
To accommodate its rapid growth, consider using a slightly larger container. Basil’s versatility in culinary use—from pesto to salads—adds to its appeal. Providing plenty of sunlight and proper care ensures a bountiful harvest of this fragrant herb throughout the growing season.
Mint
Mint’s vigorous growth makes it a natural candidate for containers, as the confinement helps manage its otherwise invasive nature. A well-draining pot prevents root rot and promotes healthy development, ensuring your mint plant thrives. Its refreshing aroma and flavor make it a staple in many households.
According to Medical News Today, Mint is a popular herb that may possess potential health benefits.
Ideal for teas, sauces, and desserts, mint’s utility in the kitchen is unmatched. Regular trimming keeps the plant neat and encourages new, tender growth. By confining mint to a container, gardeners can enjoy its benefits without the risk of it overtaking other plants.
Parsley
Parsley, whether curly or flat-leaf, adapts well to container gardening with consistent watering and care. Its relatively slow growth allows it to thrive in smaller spaces, making it perfect for kitchens or balconies. This herb is packed with Vitamin C and remains a favorite among 75% of U.S. households, as reported by Healthline.
Using a deep pot is essential to accommodate parsley’s long taproot. This ensures the plant has enough room to develop and remain healthy. Whether used as a garnish or a key ingredient, parsley’s adaptability makes it a must-have in container gardens.
Not all plants thrive when planted in containers. Here are five plants that would struggle when planted in containers.
Horseradish
Horseradish requires extensive space for its roots, making it a poor choice for container gardening. Its growth is significantly stunted in confined spaces, with Gardening Know How showing root yields can decrease by more than 50% when grown in pots. This herb thrives best when planted directly in the ground, where it has room to expand and develop fully.
For gardeners limited to container spaces, horseradish may not be a viable option unless a very large pot is used. However, even with this accommodation, its productivity is unlikely to match that of in-ground planting.
Bay Laurel
While bay laurel can survive in containers, it is not the ideal environment for this slow-growing herb. Its eventual size and need for consistent space to develop make it better suited for gardens or larger planting areas. In a pot, its growth can stagnate, and its health may decline over time.
For gardeners wishing to grow bay laurel in a container, the best way is to use the largest possible pot and ensure it has good drainage. However, for long-term growth and general health, planting it in the dirt is favored.
Lavender
Lavender will struggle in containers because of its extensive root system. While it can be grown in large pots, its roots often don’t thrive in confined spaces, affecting the plant’s health. Lastly, lavender desires nutrient-rich, well-draining soil, which is difficult to maintain in a potting environment.
Generally, when it comes to growing and blooming, lavender should be planted directly into the ground. Lavender needs only oversized pots with good drainage and frequent soil amendments, but for those who insist on container gardening.
Fennel
Fennel is a challenging herb to grow in containers because of its deep and fast-growing root system. Its productivity significantly declines in confined spaces, with NIH studies indicating a potential 30% reduction in yield. This herb requires deep, loose soil to develop its roots properly and thrive.
While fennel can be grown in a large container as a last resort, its growth and flavor quality are best achieved when planted in open garden beds. This allows it the space it needs to reach its full potential.
Turmeric
While turmeric can be grown in containers, these large rhizomes need a fair amount of real estate to thrive. Consistently growing containers tend to stunt its growth resulting in smaller, less healthy harvests than in-ground plantings. To accommodate its needs oversized containers are a must, although these might not be for its full potential.
Only plant turmeric directly in the ground if you are serious about cultivating it. Rhizomes spread and fully develop when planted in ground so that they have a healthier and more abundant yield.
Disclaimer – This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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