Can Fresh Herbs From the Supermarket Be Replanted?

Replanting

• To replant herbs purchased from the supermarket, you need to have herbs that have the roots of the plant still attached. In some cases, herbs such as cilantro, basil, green onions and parsley are sold at the supermarket with the majority of their root system still intact. You can replant these herbs with varying success, as the survival rate of the herbs depends on how much of the root stock is still viable and how long it has been since the herb was first picked. Garlic head can be segmented into individual bulbs and the bulbs replanted.

Benefits

• The benefits of replanting fresh supermarket herbs is that you can make immediate use of portions of the herb plant that may have otherwise gone to waste. Replanting supermarket herbs also allows you to see immediately what the plant looks like, giving you the option of having an immediate harvest rather than waiting for the plant to develop.

Drawbacks

• Only a limited number of herbs from a supermarket can be replanted. Herbs such as rosemary and thyme are not replantable because they are not sold with their roots attached. As well, replanting supermarket herbs limits you to the types of herbs available in a supermarket. There is more variety available from a garden center or seed catalog. Last, you are not guaranteed the herb will grow successfully; there is simply no way of knowing how well-preserved the root structure is.

Care

• Caring for your replanted supermarket herbs is similar to caring for newly transplanted herbs. Water the plant immediately after replanting and place the herb in a safe, protected environment. To avoid stress on your replanted herbs, do not subject them to inclement weather or inconsistent growing conditions too quickly.