Omari Gates
Growing herbs from seeds is a rewarding and cost-effective way to have a constant supply of your favourite herbs. Herbs are one of the easiest plants to grow from seeds, and you can grow them indoors or outdoors, depending on your space and preference. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just starting, growing herbs from seeds is a great option to explore. In this guide, we will cover everything you need to know about growing herbs from seeds in Australia, from choosing the right herbs to the step-by-step process of planting and caring for them.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Easiest herbs to grow from seeds | Basil, Parsley, Oregano, Dill, Mint, Thyme, Coriander, Rosemary |
| How to grow | Sow seeds directly into garden beds or containers when the temperatures are warm enough, or start seeds indoors and then transplant them into permanent spots when they're large enough |
| Seed storage | Seeds should be stored in small, individual pots. Use a labelling system to identify different herbs |
| Soil | Well-drained soil mixed with compost. Soil should be moist but not wet |
| Sunlight | At least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. Mediterranean herbs like rosemary, sage, oregano, and thyme can tolerate less sunlight |
| Watering | Most herbs like to be warm and well-watered. Basil, Mint, and Coriander have soft, bright green leaves and will need regular watering. Herbs that prefer to dry out between waterings include Rosemary, Sage, and Thyme |
| Harvesting | Harvest regularly by snipping leaves as needed. Harvest before watering when the soil is mostly dry |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right herbs to grow
Secondly, it is essential to understand the growing conditions required for different herbs. Most herbs prefer growing in full sun, so a spot that receives at least half a day of direct sunlight is optimal. However, some herbs, like chives, coriander, lemon balm, mint, and parsley, tolerate shady spots. Additionally, consider the type of soil and moisture requirements of the herbs. Herbs like moist, well-drained soil and will thrive when enriched with organic matter. Some herbs, like basil, parsley, and mint, require regular watering, while others, like rosemary, sage, and oregano, can tolerate longer periods without water.
Thirdly, decide whether you want to grow herbs indoors or outdoors. Many herbs can be grown indoors on a windowsill or kitchen bench, providing a bright and sunny spot. If you have limited outdoor space or want to grow herbs year-round, indoor herb gardening may be a better option. Container gardens allow you to control the germination conditions and are ideal for slow-growing or expensive herb varieties. However, herbs grown in containers may not reach their full size compared to those grown directly in the garden.
Lastly, consider the growth habits of different herbs. Some herbs, like basil and coriander, are annuals and will only grow for one season, while others, like rosemary, are perennials and will grow for many years. Additionally, some herbs, like rosemary and bay trees, grow into small to medium-sized shrubs, so they require more space. By considering these factors, you can choose the right herbs to grow based on your available space, desired harvest, and growing conditions.
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Preparing the seeds
Preparing herb seeds for planting in Australia involves several steps, from collecting and storing seeds to sowing them in the appropriate conditions. Here is a detailed guide:
Collecting and Storing Seeds
Storing and collecting herb seeds has been a tradition since the advent of agriculture. Harvesting your own herb seeds ensures they are ecologically friendly and free of pesticides. Seeds ripen at different rates for different plants, so it's important to research the specific herb before planting. A telltale sign of ripe seeds is their colour—they usually turn brown when ripe. Once collected, organise the seeds into categories, storing each type in separate boxes. Label the boxes for convenience. It is best to store seeds in small, individual pots or containers with drainage holes at the bottom. Avoid mixing herb seeds with flower or vegetable seeds.
Sowing Seeds
Before sowing, fill your chosen container with soil, smooth it out, and lightly compact it. Water the soil to make it wet. Sprinkle the herb seeds over the moist soil and cover them with a thin layer of dry soil. Be careful not to bury the seeds too deep, as this may hinder germination. Spray the top layer of soil with a spray bottle to avoid disturbing the delicate seeds. Place the tray in a warm, well-lit area, and optionally, tent it with plastic to increase humidity. Keep the setup in a bright spot and rotate it occasionally to prevent the sprouts from reaching for the light. Once the seeds develop 2-3 sets of leaves, move the tray to a warm, shady area outside during the day and bring it inside at night. After about 3-4 days of this routine, the seedlings are ready for transplantation.
Transplantation
When the seedlings have two sets of true leaves, they are ready for transplantation into bigger containers or your garden. If transplanting outdoors, let the seedlings acclimatise by keeping them outside for a few days before planting. Use a pencil to gently dig out the seedlings without disturbing their delicate stems. Ensure that you plant the seedlings at the same depth as before. Water the seedlings after transplantation, being careful not to knock them over. If you prefer, you can skip the container step and direct sow the seeds outdoors when temperatures are warm enough. Direct sowing is suitable for annual and biennial herbs and requires less maintenance, although it offers less control over growing conditions.
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Choosing the right soil and containers
When choosing the right soil and containers for growing herbs in Australia, there are a few key things to keep in mind. Firstly, herbs generally prefer well-drained soil that is moist but not wet. While herbs are not picky when it comes to soil type, richer soil will produce a more abundant plant, and poor soil will result in more aromatic leaves. If you're using a container, you can fill it with regular potting soil, adding compost for herbs that prefer extra moisture, or perlite for herbs that like to dry out between waterings, such as rosemary, sage, and thyme. These herbs may also benefit from grow bags, as they allow excess water to drain away quickly.
The size of your container will depend on the variety of herb you're growing. Smaller containers (4-6 inches) are ideal for dwarf and compact varieties, such as globe basil, while larger containers will be needed for herbs that grow bigger. If you're growing herbs in containers, it's important to group them based on their needs, including their preferred soil type and moisture level. For example, basil and parsley can be interplanted as they prefer more moisture, whereas rosemary and lavender should be planted separately as they prefer drier conditions.
If you're starting your herbs from seeds, you can use smaller containers or seed trays to give you more control over the germination conditions. Make sure your containers have drainage holes at the bottom, and fill them with moist soil before sprinkling the seeds on top and covering them with a thin layer of dry soil. Keep the soil moist, and consider using a spray bottle to water the seeds, so you don't wash them away. Once your seedlings have two sets of true leaves, they can be transplanted into larger containers or directly into your garden.
When choosing a spot for your herbs, consider the amount of sunlight the area receives. Most herbs prefer full sun, so position them where they will receive at least half a day of direct sunlight. However, some herbs, like chives, coriander, lemon balm, mint, and parsley, will also tolerate shady spots. If you're growing your herbs indoors, a brightly lit spot like a windowsill or kitchen bench will suffice.
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Caring for seedlings
Once your herb seeds have sprouted, they will need to be cared for differently. As seedlings emerge and grow, feed them weekly with liquid plant food. Harvest regularly by snipping leaves as needed.
Most herbs prefer to grow in full sun, so position them in a spot where they will receive at least half a day of direct sunlight. However, avoid placing them in direct sunlight when they are still seedlings. Herbs that don't mind shady spots include chives, coriander, lemon balm, mint, and parsley.
Herbs like moist, well-drained soil best and will thrive when enriched with plenty of organic matter. While all herbs thrive with regular watering, some Mediterranean herbs like rosemary, sage, and oregano can tolerate longer periods without water. The best way to tell if your herb plant requires regular watering is if it has soft, bright green leaves, such as basil, mint, or coriander.
If you are growing your herbs in pots, choose a premium potting mix designed for vegetables and herbs. Always look for the Australian standard tick. Water the herb prior to repotting. Fill a clean pot with potting mix. Make a hole in the centre of the mix large enough for the herb's entire root ball. Carefully place the herb in the hole, making sure the plant is at the same depth as it was in the previous pot. Backfill around the herb, pressing the mix down firmly. Water generously to settle it in.
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Harvesting and storing
Harvesting herbs grown from seeds depends on the type of herb. For example, for basil, sage, and thyme, you should pinch or remove flower buds to last longer as plants. Coriander, on the other hand, can prematurely 'bolt' or set seed when there is a sudden change in temperature. Perennial herbs, such as oregano, rosemary, thyme, and sage, grow hard and stemmy at the base, and young and tasty on their tops. For these varieties, tip pruning is recommended, which involves harvesting the younger, more tender tops. This encourages new growth and is the best method for perpetual harvesting.
When harvesting herbs, it is important to remember not to harvest too much at once, especially if the herb is grown indoors, as the growth is constrained by its container and indoor conditions. It is also important to harvest just before use for maximum flavour and freshness.
The best way to store herbs is to use them fresh from the garden. However, there are times when preservation is required. One way to preserve herbs is by drying them. This can be done by air-drying the herbs by hanging them upside down in bunches or using an oven at a very low temperature. Once dried, store the herbs in a cool, dry environment. Another way to preserve herbs is by freezing them. Place the herbs on baking paper and put them in the freezer. Once frozen, place them in snap-lock bags to keep the leaves separated.
Additionally, herbs can be converted into something with a longer shelf life. For example, excess basil can be turned into pesto, and dill can be transformed into a delicious sauce.
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Frequently asked questions
Basil, parsley, oregano, dill, mint, rosemary, thyme, and sage are some of the easiest herbs to grow from seeds.
Here are the basic steps to grow herbs from seeds:
- Choose a container with drainage holes at the bottom and fill it with soil.
- Lightly compact the soil and water it so it's wet.
- Sprinkle the herb seeds and cover them with a thin layer of dry soil.
- Spray the top layer of soil with a spray bottle to avoid washing away the seeds.
- Place the container in a warm, well-lit area and cover it with plastic to maintain humidity.
- Once the seeds sprout, move them to a brighter spot and rotate them regularly.
- After the seedlings develop 2-3 sets of leaves, place the container outside in a shady warm area during the day and bring it inside at night.
- After 3-4 days, transplant the seedlings into bigger containers or your garden.
Here are some tips for growing herbs from seeds:
- Most herbs prefer growing in full sun, so provide at least half a day of direct sunlight. However, some herbs like chives, coriander, lemon balm, mint, and parsley can tolerate shady spots.
- Herbs generally prefer moist, well-drained soil.
- Avoid overwatering herbs and ensure that they are not sitting in wet soil.
- Pinch or remove flower buds from herbs like basil, sage, and thyme to encourage leaf growth.
- Mint requires a lot of water and prefers a cool, damp place with partial shade.
- Rosemary requires a lot of sunlight and at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. It also requires less frequent watering, allowing the soil to dry between waterings.
