Not all herbs are well-suited for life indoors, even if they’re popular in outdoor gardens. Some struggle with low light or limited space, while others can be tricky to keep happy inside.
But which herbs are the hardest to grow indoors – and why should you avoid trying to bring them inside?
Let’s break down the herbs that are better left outside and save you the frustration.
Table of Contents
Quick Guide to Growing Herbs Indoors 💚
⭐ Want some? This indoor herb growing kit is perfect for getting started.
💧 Water: Water when the top inch of soil feels dry. Most herbs prefer consistent moisture but don’t like soggy soil.
🌱 Soil: Use a well-draining potting mix – I personally use this mix for my herbs. A mix with added compost or organic matter is great for supporting herb growth.
☀️ Light: Place herbs in a sunny spot with at least 6 hours of bright, direct light daily. If natural light is limited, consider using a grow light.
🌿 Fertilizer: Feed with a diluted, all-purpose fertilizer (my top pick is this Miracle-Gro one) every 2-4 weeks during active growth. Most herbs don’t need heavy feeding.
🌡️ Temperature: Keep herbs in a room that stays between 65-75°F (18-24°C). Avoid drafts and temperature fluctuations for steady growth.
1. Dill
Dill isn’t the best choice for an indoor herb garden. It struggles because it needs a lot of sunlight, which can be difficult to provide indoors. It may also develop weak stems if it doesn’t get enough light.
If you’ve tried to grow it inside, you might notice it’s not as bushy or strong as it would be outside. Managing humidity is another challenge since dill thrives in well-ventilated spaces. Without adequate air circulation, it might suffer from mold or mildew.
Want some ideas of herbs that will actually thrive indoors? Check out our picks for the best indoor herbs to get your indoor garden thriving!
2. Fennel
Fennel doesn’t thrive indoors due to its need for lots of sunlight. It’s a large plant that requires space, making it hard to accommodate in typical home settings. Its extensive root system doesn’t suit smaller indoor pots.
Without sufficient sunlight, fennel struggles to grow properly. Even when placed near a bright window, light levels might not be enough. Additionally, the plant’s strong aroma can be overwhelming indoors.
Consider alternative locations with more natural light if you’re keen on growing fennel.
3. Bay Laurel
Bay laurel isn’t the best choice for indoor growing. It thrives with plenty of sunlight, which can be a challenge indoors. Without sufficient light, the plant’s growth can be stunted.
Humidity levels in your home might also be too low for bay laurel. This plant prefers a more humid environment than most houses provide.
Additionally, bay laurel can get quite large, making it hard to manage in a limited space. If you’re set on growing it indoors, consider using a smaller pot to restrict its growth.
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4. Horseradish
Horseradish doesn’t do well indoors because it needs a lot of space. The roots grow deep and spread wide, which is tough to manage in pots.
It also requires plenty of sunlight, making indoor cultivation challenging. Plus, horseradish thrives best in rich, well-drained soil, conditions which are hard to mimic indoors.
Without these, the plant might not develop its signature spicy flavor. If you still want to try growing it indoors, consider using large planters and place them in a sunny spot.
5. Tarragon
Tarragon struggles to thrive when grown indoors. This herb needs lots of sunlight, which can be hard to provide in an indoor environment. Limited air circulation indoors can also impact its growth negatively.
You’ll notice tarragon prefers well-draining soil and consistent watering. Overwatering can lead to root rot, especially inside where evaporation is slower. Proper drainage and careful monitoring of soil moisture are crucial.
Tarragon’s need for direct sunlight makes it difficult to place inside a home. Without adequate light, it may become leggy and weak. Placing it next to a south-facing window might help, but even then, growth isn’t guaranteed.
6. Chamomile
Growing chamomile indoors can be tricky. It typically needs lots of bright light, which can be hard to provide inside. It also prefers a slightly cooler environment than most households maintain.
If you decide to try it, place chamomile near a window with plenty of sunlight. Be mindful that it can struggle with temperature fluctuations, so keep it away from drafts or heating vents. Regular watering is essential, but make sure the soil remains well-drained to prevent root rot.
7. Angelica
Angelica isn’t the best fit for indoor growing. It needs a lot of space and can grow pretty tall. Also, it requires full sunlight, which is hard to offer indoors.
Angelica thrives with ample air circulation that’s harder to maintain inside. It needs outdoor-like conditions to develop properly. Lack of these conditions can result in weak plants.
If you’re set on trying it indoors, use large pots and place them near the sunniest windows. Still, keep in mind its preference for garden settings. This herb really shines outdoors, allowing it to reach its full potential.
8. Lovage
Lovage isn’t the best choice for indoor growth. This herb prefers outdoor conditions with lots of space for its roots. Indoor environments often don’t provide enough room for it to thrive.
This plant can grow quite tall, reaching up to six feet. It needs plenty of sunlight and well-drained soil, which can be tricky to maintain indoors. Lovage tends to develop better with exposure to natural weather variations that it’s accustomed to in garden settings.
9. Sorrel
Sorrel struggles to thrive indoors due to its need for full sunlight. Indoors, light levels are often insufficient, which can lead to poor growth. It also prefers cooler temperatures, and indoor environments may not provide the ideal conditions.
You might notice your sorrel leaves becoming leggy or losing their vibrant green color. This is a sign that they aren’t getting enough light. If you choose to grow sorrel indoors, consider using a grow light and placing it in a cooler room.
10. Comfrey
Comfrey isn’t the best choice for indoor growth. It needs lots of light and space, which most indoor environments can’t provide. It also tends to require a high level of moisture control that’s hard to manage inside.
Comfrey grows tall and spreads quite a bit. You’ll usually find it better suited to outdoor gardens where it can thrive naturally. If you try growing it inside, you might end up with a struggling plant rather than the thriving herb you want.
11. Wasabi
Wasabi isn’t a great choice for indoor growing. It requires specific conditions that are hard to replicate inside. Low light, high humidity, and consistent temperatures make it challenging to maintain indoors.
In its natural environment, wasabi grows near streams and rivers. It thrives in cool, shady conditions with plenty of moisture. Trying to recreate that indoors can be difficult without specialized equipment.
If you choose to try growing wasabi indoors, you’ll need a dedicated setup. Consider investing in a humidity dome and grow lights. Regular monitoring is crucial to maintain the right conditions.