10 Best Indoor Herbs to Grow in the Philippines 2023

Looking for something that will make your dishes more memorable? This herb is the secret to enhancing the flavor of your food. Parsley is a must-have in your kitchen, especially if you're into Mediterranean cuisine. This green herb with serrated leaves has a mildly bitter and peppery taste.

This Mediterranean herb can only be propagated through seeds. While germinating, the seeds may take up to two weeks to grow. Once you're past it, they'll be easy to take care of. Make sure to place it where it'll get around six hours of sun exposure. Don't let its soil dry, so water accordingly. Also, remember that this plant is a slow grower. Manage your expectations when starting, and don't prune immediately.

For newbie gardeners looking for an easy herb to grow with a high yield, this one is for you. Chives, often mistaken as green onions, are characterized by long, green stems. Unlike the latter, chives have a milder and less pungent flavor. The green stems are a great addition to any dish, including soups and salads.

To propagate, simply place the chives with the roots in a small pot. Make sure that it’s only half-full of potting soil. Proceed to cover its roots up to the crowns with the soil. From there, all you have to do is water and cut about one-third of growth at the top to stimulate new growth. But if you’re up for a challenge, you can always start with seeds.

While the boiled oregano drink tastes awfully bitter, this herb can bring out the best in your food. It's actually a staple in Italian dishes. Some use this as an addition to basil for pesto-based meals. And just like what the elders say, it is good for your health because of its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. The best part is, planting oregano is quite easy.

Oregano will thrive easily in our country. However, you want to make sure that it gets a lot of sunlight to bring out its flavor. Don't forget to water regularly so the soil won't dry. If you want an herb with medicinal and culinary properties, oregano is your best choice. It's low-maintenance, high-yield, and can last for years.

Lemongrass, locally known as tanglad, is a staple in Filipino meals. You won't miss it, especially since it emits an aromatic citrus scent. It's bound to make the whole house smell good when you roast your chicken with it. This herb has tough, pale yellow-green stalks and a bulbous bottom.

For those who are just starting with their planting venture, you'll enjoy growing this plant. You can even opt not to plant it in soil. The easiest method of growing this herb is just buying a cutting from the market. Place the stalk in a container with a couple of inches of water. Trim the top and wait. You'll then notice the stalk produce roots, and you'll be rewarded with new shoots in just a few weeks!

What sets this herb aside from the others on this list is that it has a crunchy texture. Considered both an herb and vegetable, this one is a must-have in your indoor garden. You can munch on it whenever you need a filling snack or add it to your dishes, especially your soups. If you like it simple, you can just steam it.

No matter where you intend to use celery, you won’t have trouble growing it. If you’re looking to lessen your kitchen waste, start with those celery stalks. Just cut off two inches from its root end, then place it in a container. The roots should be submerged in water. Remember to position the container in a location that gets enough sunlight.

If you're a fan of parsley, you'll love this herb! Like parsley, basil is well known for its culinary purposes. It's no wonder why, especially when added to pesto. Aside from pesto, basil is a great addition to any dish since it has a slightly sweet and peppery taste. 

Similar to parsley, this popular herb is easy to grow—you just need well-draining soil and ample sunlight. It needs at least six hours of full sun per day to produce large and lush leaves. Plus, it can be grown all year round. Remember to prune the top leaves frequently to allow new buds to grow.

Just the smell of peppermint ought to make you feel relaxed, which can reduce stress and anxiety. Additionally, if you’re suffering from indigestion, peppermint tea can help you. This herb is actually a cross between watermint and spearmint. What sets this apart from spearmint is that it tastes “peppery,” hence the name. Also, the leaves appear dark green and have a rounded shape.

This herb needs regular watering, so be sure to squeeze that into your schedule. Also, peppermint tends to grow fast—it needs to be maintained to avoid overcrowding. Avoid planting it with other plants as it may choke them. It can thrive in the shade but don’t forget to place it in an area that receives a little light daily.

Thyme is just the herb for those who don't have time since it's easy to grow indoors. Plus, you'll get to reap its benefits in no time! This herb is great when added to sauces and soups for that extra flavor. And, of course, your roasted chicken wouldn't be complete without this. It has a subtle minty flavor that is also somehow sweet and peppery.

What's interesting about this herb is that it grows horizontally. Because of this, it needs to be placed in a wide container. Otherwise, overcrowding can limit their growth. To reap its benefits, place your thyme in an area that receives six hours of sunlight. Aside from regular watering, you can leave it on its own. Even pests will leave thyme alone, making them ideal for beginners. 

Cilantro, also known as coriander and Chinese parsley, is a culinary herb with a pungent and tangy citrus flavor. Cilantro’s flavor profile is a staple in Latin American, Vietnamese, Thai, and Indian cuisines. Interestingly, not everyone is fond of its flavor. Some describe its taste as soap-like. But this is probably due to their genetics which makes them more sensitive to the “bitter” flavor.

Despite the mixed feelings about cilantro, it’s actually an easy plant to tend to. Do note that its leaves are delicate, so they won’t do well with heavy rainfall. Remember to keep them inside during the wet season. Also, be mindful of its growth stages. Harvest your plant before it reaches the flowering stage to get the most out of its flavor.