How to Regrow Culinary Herbs in Water: A Simple Guide for Beginners

Ever wondered if you could grow fresh herbs without soil? With just a glass of water and a sunny windowsill, you can regrow your favorite kitchen herbs at home. In this guide, you’ll discover the easiest culinary herbs to regrow in water, helpful care tips, and common mistakes to avoid. Let’s turn your leftovers into living plants!

1. Basil: The beginner’s champion

a. How to regrow it

Snip a healthy basil stem just below a leaf node, remove the lower leaves, and place it in a clear jar of water. You’ll see roots sprouting within a week.

b. Kitchen tip

Use freshly grown basil to enhance pasta dishes or make your own homemade pesto in minutes.

2. Mint: Always ready to bounce back

a. Growing method

Take a fresh mint cutting about 10–15 cm long, remove lower leaves, and submerge the bottom part in water. Place it in a bright spot (but not direct sun).

b. Fun fact

Mint grows well year-round and is perfect for teas, mojitos, and desserts.

3. Green Onion: The regrowth that keeps giving

a. The easiest herb to regrow

Keep the white base of a green onion and place it in a shallow bowl of water. New shoots will appear in just 2–3 days.

b. Use in meals

Top omelets, salads, or noodle soups with fresh-cut green onion from your kitchen window.

4. Oregano: A slower but possible option

a. Method

Choose a young, soft stem. Remove lower leaves and dip only the base in water. Change water frequently and be patient—it may take longer to root.

b. Best used in

Ideal for homemade pizza, tomato sauces, or roasted vegetables.

5. Lettuce: Regrowing from the heart

a. What to expect

Place the leftover heart of a romaine lettuce in a small bowl with water. It won’t regrow fully, but you’ll get a few fresh leaves in a week.

b. Practical use

Use the regrown leaves as toppings for sandwiches or side salads.

6. Herbs to avoid growing in water only

a. Rosemary

Slow to root and prefers soil after initial propagation.

b. Sage

Highly prone to rot in water; better suited for soil propagation.

c. Spinach

Requires nutrient-rich environments—hydroponics are necessary for success.

7. Tips for successful water regrowth

a. Use transparent containers

This helps monitor root development and water cleanliness.

b. Change the water every 2–3 days

Fresh water keeps bacteria at bay and roots healthy.

c. Avoid harsh direct sunlight

Place herbs near a well-lit window, but shield from strong midday sun.

8. FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

Can I regrow all herbs in water?
Not all. Basil, mint, and green onion work well. Others like rosemary or sage require soil or more advanced techniques.

How long until I see roots?
Usually within 5–10 days for herbs like basil or mint, depending on conditions.

Tap water or filtered?
Tap water is fine, but let it sit for 24 hours to release chlorine. Filtered water is even better.

How long can herbs stay in water?
Some can grow for weeks in water (like green onion). For long-term growth, consider transferring to soil.

9. Conclusion

Regrowing herbs in water is an easy and eco-friendly way to add greenery and flavor to your home. Start with basil or mint, follow these simple tips, and watch your kitchen turn into a mini herb garden!

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