Best Plants to Grow Indoors
Herbs, greens, and plants that thrive on windowsills and in small indoor spaces. No yard required.
Basil
HerbEssential culinary herb with fragrant leaves. Many varieties from sweet to Thai.
Lettuce
VegetableCool-season crop perfect for spring and fall. Bolts (goes to seed) in heat.
Spinach
VegetableNutrient-dense cool-season green. One of the first crops you can plant in spring.
Mint
HerbVigorous herb that spreads aggressively. Best grown in containers.
Rosemary
HerbMediterranean woody herb. Drought-tolerant once established. Fragrant evergreen.
Cilantro
HerbCool-season herb essential in Mexican, Indian, and Thai cooking. Bolts quickly in heat.
Thyme
HerbHardy Mediterranean herb. Low-growing ground cover with tiny aromatic leaves.
Parsley
HerbBiennial herb -- grows leaves year one, flowers year two. Flat-leaf has more flavor.
Arugula
VegetablePeppery salad green that grows fast in cool weather. A staple of Mediterranean cuisine.
Green Onion
VegetableQuick-growing allium. Regrows from roots after cutting. Perfect windowsill crop.
Oregano
HerbMediterranean perennial herb. More flavorful when dried than fresh.
Aloe Vera
HerbMedicinal succulent. Gel soothes burns and skin. Easy houseplant.
Lemon Balm
HerbLemony mint-family herb for teas and cooking.
Stevia
HerbNatural sweetener plant -- leaves are 30x sweeter than sugar.
Chive
HerbHardy perennial allium. Mild onion flavor. Purple pom-pom flowers are edible.
Frequently Asked Questions
What plants grow best indoors?
Herbs are the best indoor plants for beginners. Basil, mint, chives, parsley, and thyme all grow well on sunny windowsills. Lettuce, spinach, and arugula can also grow indoors with at least 4-6 hours of light. Aloe vera is nearly impossible to kill and thrives in indirect light.
How much light do indoor plants need?
Most edible plants need 6-8 hours of direct sunlight. A south-facing window is ideal. If you don't have enough natural light, LED grow lights can supplement. Some plants like mint, parsley, and lettuce tolerate partial shade (4-6 hours of light).
Can I grow vegetables indoors year-round?
Yes, many greens and herbs can grow indoors year-round. Lettuce, spinach, arugula, and most herbs grow well in containers on a sunny windowsill or under grow lights. Larger vegetables like tomatoes and peppers need bigger containers and more light but can also grow indoors.
What containers work best for indoor growing?
Use containers with drainage holes to prevent root rot. For herbs, 6-8 inch pots work well. For greens like lettuce, wider shallow containers are ideal. Self-watering pots help maintain consistent moisture. Terracotta pots are great for herbs that prefer drier soil.