Growing herbs indoors can be a great way to add fresh flavor to your meals while bringing some greenery into your home. With the help of LED grow lights, you can grow herbs indoors all year round, even in the darkest corners of your home.
In this blog post, we'll discuss the top 10 indoor herbs to grow with LED grow lights, along with the specific requirements for each herb and how long it takes to grow.
Basil: Basil is a popular herb that adds a sweet and spicy flavor to salads, pastas, and sauces. It takes about 2-3 weeks to grow basil from seed to harvest. Basil requires at least 6 hours of sunlight per day and a temperature between 21 to 24 degrees Celsius. When growing basil with LED grow lights, make sure to position the lights about 20 to 30 centimeters above the plant to avoid burning the leaves. Basil also requires regular watering, but make sure not to overwater it, as this can lead to root rot.
Parsley: Parsley is a versatile herb that can be used as a garnish or as a flavoring in soups, stews, and sauces. It takes about 6-8 weeks to grow parsley from seed to harvest. Parsley requires at least 4 hours of sunlight per day and a temperature between 15 to 18 degrees Celsius. When growing parsley with LED grow lights, make sure to position the lights about 15 centimeters above the plant. Parsley also requires regular watering and well-draining soil.
Cilantro: Cilantro is a popular herb in Mexican and Asian cuisine. It adds a fresh, citrusy flavor to dishes like salsa, guacamole, and curries. It takes about 3-4 weeks to grow cilantro from seed to harvest. Cilantro requires at least 6 hours of sunlight per day and a temperature between 13 to 21 degrees Celsius. When growing cilantro with LED grow lights, make sure to position the lights about 15 centimeters above the plant. Cilantro also requires regular watering and well-draining soil.
Thyme: Thyme is a fragrant herb that adds a savory flavor to meats, soups, and stews. It takes about 3-4 weeks to grow thyme from seed to harvest. Thyme requires at least 6 hours of sunlight per day and a temperature between 15 to 21 degrees Celsius. When growing thyme with LED grow lights, make sure to position the lights about 20 to 30 centimeters above the plant. Thyme also requires regular watering and well-draining soil.
Oregano: Oregano is a robust herb that adds a spicy and pungent flavor to pizzas, pasta dishes, and soups. It takes about 3-4 weeks to grow oregano from seed to harvest. Oregano requires at least 6 hours of sunlight per day and a temperature between 18 to 21 degrees Celsius. When growing oregano with LED grow lights, make sure to position the lights about 20 to 30 centimeters above the plant. Oregano also requires regular watering and well-draining soil.
Rosemary: Rosemary is a fragrant herb that adds a woodsy flavor to roasted meats, potatoes, and vegetables. It takes about 3-4 weeks to grow rosemary from seed to harvest. Rosemary requires at least 6 hours of sunlight per day and a temperature between 15 to 21 degrees Celsius. When growing rosemary with LED grow lights, make sure to position the lights about 20 to 30 centimeters above the plant. Rosemary prefers well-draining soil, and it's important not to overwater it, as this can lead to root rot.
Sage: Sage is a fragrant herb that adds a warm, earthy flavor to poultry and pork dishes. It takes about 2-3 weeks to grow sage from seed to harvest. Sage requires at least 6 hours of sunlight per day and a temperature between 18 to 21 degrees Celsius. When growing sage with LED grow lights, make sure to position the lights about 20 to 30 centimeters above the plant. Sage also prefers well-draining soil and requires moderate watering.
Chives: Chives are a delicate herb that adds a mild onion flavor to salads, dips, and soups. It takes about 2-3 weeks to grow chives from seed to harvest. Chives require at least 4 hours of sunlight per day and a temperature between 15 to 21 degrees Celsius. When growing chives with LED grow lights, make sure to position the lights about 15 centimeters above the plant. Chives also require regular watering and well-draining soil.
Mint: Mint is a refreshing herb that adds a cool, minty flavor to beverages, desserts, and salads. It takes about 2-3 weeks to grow mint from seed to harvest. Mint requires at least 4 hours of sunlight per day and a temperature between 18 to 24 degrees Celsius. When growing mint with LED grow lights, make sure to position the lights about 15 centimeters above the plant. Mint prefers well-draining soil and moderate watering.
Cress: Cress is a peppery herb that adds a spicy flavor to salads, sandwiches, and soups. It takes about 1-2 weeks to grow cress from seed to harvest. Cress requires at least 4 hours of sunlight per day and a temperature between 15 to 21 degrees Celsius. When growing cress with LED grow lights, make sure to position the lights about 10 centimeters above the plant. Cress also prefers well-draining soil and regular watering.
In addition to the specific requirements for each herb, it's important to note that LED grow lights require different settings for the vegetative and flowering stages of plant growth. During the vegetative stage, herbs require blue spectrum light, which promotes vegetative growth and keeps the plants compact. During the flowering stage, herbs require red spectrum light, which promotes flowering and fruiting. Most LED grow lights come with adjustable settings for these two stages, so it's important to read the manufacturer's instructions carefully.
In conclusion, growing herbs indoors with LED grow lights can be a fun and rewarding hobby that provides fresh herbs for cooking year-round. With the right care and attention to the specific requirements of each herb, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest of fresh, flavorful herbs straight from your own home.