How Many Herb Seeds Per Container?

Annual Herb Choices

• Most common herbs can be started from seed, but some adapt better to being transplanted than others. For example, cilantro (Coriandrum sativum) does not like being transplanted and therefore should be started in a larger container, where it can stay throughout the growing season. Annual herbs that can be sprouted in smaller containers and transplanted include basil (Ocimum basilicum) and dill (Anethum graveolens).

Perennial Herb Choices

• Most perennial herbs grow well in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 6 and 7 but vary in their suitability to colder and warmer zones. Perennial herbs that transplant readily include chives (Allium schoenoprasum), hardy in USDA zones 3 through 9. Perennial herbs such as oregano (Origanum vulgare), hardy in USDA zones 4 through 9, and sage (Salvia officinalis) and thyme (Thymus vulgaris), hardy in USDA zones 5 through 9, are other options that transplant easily from starter containers. Parsley (Petroselinum crispum) is a biennial that is also hardy in USDA zones 5 to 9 but is often grown as an annual. Like cilantro, parsley does not like to be transplanted and should be started in its permanent container.

Sprouting Containers

• Special sprouting trays for seeds can be bought at any garden center. These consist of rows of small cells that seeds can be planted in to start the sprouting process. Cardboard egg cartons or small yogurt cartons can also be used, with a hole poked in the bottom for drainage.

Starting Seeds

• Use a light, loose soil that will not compact, get soggy or crust over for your sprouting medium. Fill each cell of your sprouting trays or containers about half full. Drop no more than two or three seeds in each cell so that they are evenly spaced. Using a sieve and some more of the soil, lightly sift some soil over each cell so that the seeds are lightly covered. Before covering seeds, however, check the seed packet, because some herbs, such as oregano, require light to germinate and should simply be pressed lightly into the sprouting soil. Mist or sprinkle some water on the cells so that the soil is just damp. Cover with plastic and store in a warm place.

Sprouting Seeds

• With only two or three seeds per cell, the new herb sprouts have room to grow and do not have to compete for nutrients. When the sprouts appear through the soil, remove the plastic and move your sprouting trays under grow lights, keeping the grow lights 2 to 4 inches from the new seedlings. For best results, allow them about 14 hours a day under the grow lights until they are well established and start to show roots out the bottom of their cells or containers.