Herbs That Are Easy to Grow Indoors in Winter

Chives

• Chives (Allium schoenoprasum L.) are hardy, perennial herbs which belong to the leek, onion and garlic family. The herbs grow to a mature height of 8 to 20 inches from underground bulbs. Though chives thrive in full sun, the herb also tolerate partial shade. This makes it a good indoor herb. For growing indoors during winter, dig up a clump at the end of summer and pot it. Let the pot stay outdoors until the entire foliage dies back. Move the pot indoor during early winter and place in a cool area like the basement for about a week and then place in a bright window.

Parsley

• Parsley (Petroselinium crispum) is an herb from the carrot family. The herb is highly popular as a garnish and a flavoring for salads and soups. Parsley is a native of the Mediterranean. Though the herb often dies back during winters, the herb does well indoors during the season. Parsley prefers sunny areas but does well in areas of light shade as well. For growing indoors, start the herb from seed or from clumps dug up at the end of the growing season and placed in pots. Parsley will grows well indoors when placed in an east- or west-facing window.

Tarragon

• Tarragon (Artemisia dracunculus) is a perennial herb from the daisy family. The herb has narrow, dark, green foliage and grows to a mature height of 2 to 3 feet. Tarragon grows best in full sun to partial shade and well drained soil. The herb does not do too well in overly wet or acidic soil. The herb goes through a period of dormancy during late fall and early winter before it resumes its growth indoors. Place a mature plant in a pot at the end of the growing season and let it die back outdoors. Move to a cool indoor spot for a week or so and then place in an area getting the most sunshine. Apply a liquid fertilizer to the herb regularly.