Herbs that suit growing on windowsills in winter give you a simple way to enjoy fresh greens even when the garden is covered in frost.
With just a sunny ledge and a few pots, you can create a mini indoor herb garden that brings fragrance and flavor right into your kitchen. These plants adapt well to indoor conditions, asking only for light, occasional watering, and a bit of care.
They brighten your home with greenery while supplying fresh leaves for cooking. Even if you’re busy, these easy herbs will keep thriving with little effort. Here are 8 herbs that do especially well on windowsills during the cold season.
#1 Chives
Chives grow steadily indoors, adding both flavor and freshness to your space. They need about 3–4 hours of sunlight each day, so a south or west-facing window is ideal. Water only when the top inch of soil feels dry.
Their slim green stalks are perfect for cutting and sprinkling over soups or scrambled eggs. With a little care, they’ll keep producing throughout winter. A pot of chives on the sill is both practical and attractive.
#2 Parsley
Parsley is forgiving and adapts well to lower-light rooms. Place the pot near a glass door or sunny window for best results. Keep the soil slightly moist, but avoid waterlogging.
Snip the outer leaves first to encourage new growth from the center. It’s a versatile herb you’ll use often in soups, salads, and garnishes. Having parsley close by ensures a steady supply of fresh greens all winter long.
#3 Mint
Mint remains vigorous indoors, provided it’s protected from frost. A sunny windowsill with bright light keeps it growing happily. Water when the soil surface begins to dry, and trim often to prevent it from getting leggy.
Mulching helps the roots stay healthy during cold days. Fresh mint leaves are perfect for tea, desserts, or even adding to water for a refreshing twist. Its fragrance alone makes it worth growing indoors.
#4 Sage
Sage thrives in winter if given plenty of sun. Aim for 5–6 hours of direct light on a bright windowsill. Use a clay pot with well-draining soil to prevent soggy roots.
Water when the soil feels dry to the touch. Its silvery leaves look beautiful against a snowy backdrop outside your window. You’ll enjoy having a steady supply for roasts, stews, and holiday dishes.
#5 Green Onions
Green Onions are one of the easiest herbs to keep indoors. Place them in a sunny window with at least 3–4 hours of light daily. Water when the topsoil dries out to keep them crisp and green.
You can regrow them from kitchen scraps by placing the roots in water before potting them. Harvest by cutting the stalks at the base, and they’ll keep coming back. Their mild flavor brightens almost any meal.
#6 Thyme
Thyme enjoys a sunny position and thrives on windowsills with direct light. It dislikes soggy soil, so water lightly and let it dry out between waterings. South or west-facing windows give it the warmth it loves.
Its tiny leaves pack a strong flavor that works well in soups and roasted dishes. Trim regularly to encourage bushy growth and prevent it from getting woody. The fragrance is a delight every time you brush past it.
#7 Rosemary
Rosemary is a wonderful winter herb, filling your home with its pine-like scent. Place it in a south or west-facing window where it gets lots of sunlight.
Keep the soil lightly moist and use a humidifier or misting to provide extra humidity in dry winter air. It can be trimmed often for use in roasted meats, breads, or herbal teas.
With the right care, it will stay green and thriving through the cold months. Rosemary adds both culinary and decorative value indoors.
#8 Ginger
Ginger adapts surprisingly well to indoor growing during winter. Plant a rhizome in a pot with moist, well-draining soil. Keep it on a windowsill with indirect light throughout the day. Water when the soil surface feels dry to the touch.
The leafy growth adds greenery while the rhizome develops beneath the soil. After a few months, you can harvest small pieces for cooking. It’s a fun and useful plant to keep in your kitchen.