 |
| Poster by Vicky Spelman |
Herbs grown indoors offer many benefits including fragrant foliage, various foliage colors and shapes, and a constant supply of herb leaves for cooking.
Herbs that grow well indoors include: chives, horehound, winter savory.
Herbs that DO NOT grow well in containers include: horseradish, fennel, lovage.
Unlike common houseplants, herbs need conditions to be just right for optimum growth, or their health will rapidly decline. Rotate pots often so that each side gets enough light for uniform growth. Most herbs need six hours of direct sunlight - either a sunny location, or 6 to 12 inches from two 40-watt, cool white fluorescent bulbs for 14-16 hours. Rotate pots so each side gets light for uniform growth.
Keep herbs in rooms that have at least a 65-70°F day and 55-60°F night temperatures. Although most herbs can survive temps that are in the mid to low 40s, others cannot.
Herbs also require a proper balance between a humid environment and adequate air circulation.
Herbs should be grown in containers with a drainage hole & in a potting mix that will aid water drainage.
Fertilize herbs with a low dose of water-soluble fertilizer every two weeks. A soapy solution, 1-2 tablespoons of a mild soap such as dishwashing soap to 1 gallon of warm water, can be used to control most insect pests. Spray infested plants with the solution once a week while pests are visible. Always wash leaves off before using.
Repot when roots grow through the drainage hole.
If you would like to place your herbs in containers outside during the late spring and summer months, acclimate them to higher light levels & intensities produced by the sun. Start by placing pots outdoors in partial shade, and then slowly expose them to more & more light every few days.
Penn State Univ – via Ext MG -Prepared by Kathleen M. Kelley, asst. professor of consumer horticulture and Elsa S. Sánchez, asst. professor of horticultural systems management. GrowingHerbsIndoors
