15 top herbs to grow in mason jars with just water. Full article 👇 💬

 

Why Growing Herbs in Water Works

You may think herbs always need soil, but in many cases they can thrive with just water — especially cuttings placed into jars or clear containers. The key reasons this method works:

• Many herbs root easily from cuttings in water. Once rooted, they can survive for extended periods in a nutrient‑rich water reservoir. Better Homes & Gardens+2plantinfo.co.za+2

• It removes the variables of soil pests, compaction, uneven watering, soil‑borne diseases. The water method offers a simpler, cleaner way, especially indoors. Best Plants+1

• A mason jar herb setup is compact and ideal for kitchen windowsills, allowing fresh herbs all year round with minimal space. Balcony Garden Web

• The “Kratky method” of hydroponics (passive water culture) shows many soft‑stemmed herbs do very well in this way. Rural Sprout

Because of these advantages, growing herbs in water in jars is a great choice if you have limited space, want low‑maintenance, or just want a stylish kitchen herb display.

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What You’ll Need (Supplies & Setup)

Before diving into the list of herbs, let’s cover the essential supply list and setup considerations so you can implement this effectively.

Supplies

• A selection of mason jars or clear glass jars/vases (preferably with wide‑mouth so you can place cuttings/stems easily).

• Clean water (tap water is often fine, ideally de‑chlorinated by letting it sit or using filtered water). Rural Sprout+1

• Optional: A small amount of liquid hydroponic nutrients if you plan on growing long‑term. While many growers manage simply with water + regular changes, the addition of nutrients will help especially for longer‑term growth. Reddit+1

• Bright location: A windowsill with good light (south‑ or west‑facing ideally) or supplemental LED grow light if indoors with less natural light. The Rike

• Optional: Rocks, pebbles or a mesh grid to help support cuttings above the water line.

• Regular schedule for changing water (to prevent algae, stagnation) — weekly or when murky. Real Simple+1

Setup & General Method

1. Select your glass jar and clean it. Fill it with clean water to just below the mouth so that stems can sit with at least an inch or two of water covering the base of the stem/cutting.

2. Take a cutting of the herb you want to grow: typically 4‑6 inches long, with several sets of leaves. Remove lower leaves so none are submerged (to reduce rot).

3. Place the cutting into the water so the cut end is submerged, still leaving some leaf/foliage above water.

4. Place the jar in bright light (but avoid direct blazing midday sun on glass if it overheats).

5. Change the water regularly (once a week is good) and rinse out jar if needed. If you notice algae, reduce light or cover the jar with opaque wrap or paint the sides.

6. Once roots develop (often within 1‑4 weeks depending on herb), you can either continue growing in water indefinitely (with occasional fresh water and nutrients) or transplant into soil. Many herb growers keep them in water. Better Homes & Gardens+1

7. Harvest regularly. Pinch off leaves just above a node to encourage bushier growth rather than leggy stems.

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The 15 Top Herbs to Grow in Mason Jars with Just Water

Here are the recommended herbs, with details on how they do in water, any special considerations, and common uses.

1. Basil

• Basil is widely cited as one of the best herbs for water culture. generalhydroponicsguide.com+2Best Plants+2

• It roots quickly from cuttings; you can start harvesting within a couple of weeks. Best Plants+1

• Light: Needs bright light; pinch off flower buds to keep it producing leaves. Best Plants

• Use: Great for pesto, salads, fresh tomato dishes, Italian cuisine.

2. Mint

• Mint is a superstar for water growing: very fast rooting, vigorous growth. Best Plants+1

• Because of its vigor, containing it in a jar is ideal (to prevent it overtaking). GardenerBible

• Light: Bright indirect light works well; keep water fresh.

• Use: Teas, cocktails (mojitos), desserts, fruit salads, garnish.

3. Oregano

• Oregano is hardy and adapts to water culture nicely. generalhydroponicsguide.com+2pentair.com+2

• Growth habit: It will root; though as it becomes woody may prefer soil later.

• Light: 4–6 hours direct sun if possible.

• Use: Italian/Mediterranean seasoning — pizza, tomato sauces, Greek dishes.

4. Thyme

• Thyme works in water but is more slow/cautious because of its woody nature. pentair.com+1

• If you want easier success go with softer stem herbs first; thyme may require more patience. Rural Sprout

• Light: Bright sun.

• Use: Flavoring soups, stews, roasted vegetables, poultry.

5. Sage

• Sage can grow in water though slower and may eventually benefit from soil. Better Homes & Gardens+1

• Light & water: Needs bright light; change water frequently due to slower growth.

• Use: Earthy flavor, great with poultry, stuffing, autumn dishes.

6. Parsley

• Parsley can be grown in water, though rooting takes longer (e.g., 2‑3 weeks). plantinfo.co.za+1

• Light: Bright but avoid harsh midday sun.

• Use: Garnish, salads, tabbouleh, fresh green flavor boost.

7. Cilantro (Coriander)

• Cilantro in water is possible and works well for cuttings, though the plant itself may bolt soon. Best Plants+1

• Tip: Keep cooler temps and bright light; change water often to keep healthy.

• Use: Mexican, Asian cuisines, salsas, herby fresh flavor.

8. Chives

• Chives are excellent for water propagation; shallow root systems make them ideal. generalhydroponicsguide.com

• Growth: Cut back frequently; maintain fresh shoots.

• Use: Onion‑flavor garnish, potatoes, soups, eggs.

9. Lemon Balm

• Lemon balm (a mint family member) roots in water and thrives as a calming herb. Celebrated Nest+1

• Light: Bright indirect.

• Use: Herbal teas, desserts, calming infusions, fragrant garnish.

10. Tarragon

• Tarragon can be grown in water, though requires slightly more attention and bright light. Best Plants+1

• Use: French cuisine, chicken, fish, sauces; anise‑flavored twist.

11. Dill

• Dill grows rapidly in water (especially cuttings) and offers feathery, tangy foliage. Best Plants

• Light: Bright; keep water fresh.

• Use: Pickling, seafood, salads, fresh herb boards.

12. Stevia

• Stevia (natural sweetener) can be grown in water under bright light and yields sweet leaves. Best Plants+1

• Use: Tea sweetening, desserts, fresh leaf sweet herb.

13. Lavender

• While less common, lavender is cited as able to root in water — though it may prefer soil long‑term. Better Homes & Gardens

• Light: Very bright, perhaps slight direct sun.

• Use: Fragrance, teas, desserts, decorative.

14. Marjoram

• Marjoram grows shallow roots and is well‑suited for jar culture. Balcony Garden Web+1

• Light: 5‑6 hours of bright sun.

• Use: Stews, sauces, Mediterranean cuisine.

15. Rosemary

• Rosemary is a woody herb and so less easy than softstem herbs, but it can root and grow in water if you monitor well. Best Plants+1

• Tip: For best long‑term performance, after roots are established you might transplant to soil; but jars will work for seasonal fresh use.

• Use: Roasting meats, potatoes, Mediterranean dishes.

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Tips for Success & Maintenance

• Light is critical: Ensure herbs receive sufficient light — ideally 12‑14 hours of bright light for many plants. If indoor light is limited, supplement with LED. The Rike

• Change the water weekly: To prevent stagnation, algae and rot, change the water weekly (or sooner if it becomes cloudy) and rinse jar. diyeverywhere.com+1

• Harvest regularly: Pinch or snip stems/leaves to encourage bushier growth and prevent legginess. For some herbs (like basil, mint), frequent harvest boosts production. Best Plants

• Keep leaves above water line: Avoid submerging foliage; only stems should be in water to reduce rot.

• Rotate jars: If light is directional (window), turn jars occasionally so growth stays even.

• Optional nutrient boost: If you keep herbs in water for many weeks, add a diluted water‑soluble fertilizer or hydroponic nutrient to support growth. A little goes a long way.

• Watch for signs of trouble: If stems look slimy, water is murky, leaves yellowing, roots stalling — change water, clean jar, maybe start fresh cutting.

• Temperature & airflow: Standard indoor temps (65‑75 °F / 18‑24 °C) are fine. Avoid placing in extremely hot direct sun where jar might overheat.

• Transitioning to soil: If you decide to move a jar‑grown herb to a pot in soil, let roots develop (~2″ or more) before transferring; rinse gently and plant into well‑draining potting mix.

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Common Pitfalls & How to Avoid Them

Problem	Cause	Solution
Water becomes cloudy/algae builds up	Light shining inside water + lack of changes	Change water more often; cover jar sides or switch to opaque container; reduce strong direct light.
Herb stems rot at base	Leaves submerged; water too warm/stagnant	Remove lower leaves; keep only stem base in water; cool the setup slightly; change water.
Slow or no root growth	Herb is woody (e.g., rosemary) or weak cutting; low light	Choose fresh soft‑stem cuttings; give more light; be patient with woody herbs.
Herbs get leggy and sparse	Not enough harvesting; low light; stretching toward window	Harvest more regularly; provide brighter light; rotate jar.
Leaves yellowing or drop	Nutrient deficiency (if long time in water); too much heat; poor water quality	Add mild nutrient solution; check water quality; ensure cooler conditions.

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Using Your Jar‑Grown Herbs

• Harvest fresh leaves regularly and use them in cooking right from jar. The convenience is terrific.

• Use herbs like basil, mint, parsley, cilantro right in the kitchen for salads, soups, teas, cocktails.

• For perennial herbs (sage, rosemary, oregano) you may harvest a sprig, then store in water until needed.

• If you decide to transfer to soil, herb cuttings grown in water often transplant easier since they already have roots.

• You can also gift a jar herb to a friend — it’s decorative and functional.

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Final Thoughts

Growing herbs in mason jars with just water is a terrific, low‑maintenance, stylish way to have fresh herbs at your fingertips. Whether you’re in a small space, want a windowsill garden, or just want to try something fun and productive, the method works.

The 15 herbs listed above are among the best candidates — some extremely easy (basil, mint, chives), others require patience (thyme, rosemary) — but all doable. With good light, clean water, regular harvests and attention to water changes, you can enjoy thriving jars of herb‑goodness in your home.

If you like, I can pull together a printable PDF version of this guide with pictures, and also provide a 30‑day care calendar/checklist to help you stay on track. Would you like me to prepare that? 🌿