How Long Does It Take to Grow Herbs?

Quick Answer

2–12 weeks from seed to first harvest, depending on the herb variety. Fast-growing herbs like basil and cilantro can be harvested in 3–4 weeks, while slower herbs like rosemary and thyme take 10–12 weeks from seed. Starting from transplants cuts the timeline roughly in half.

Germination and Harvest Times by Herb

Herb	Germination	Days to First Harvest (from seed)	Days to First Harvest (from transplant)
Basil	5–10 days	21–28 days	10–14 days
Cilantro	7–10 days	21–30 days	14–21 days
Parsley	14–28 days	60–75 days	30–40 days
Mint	10–15 days	42–56 days	14–21 days
Rosemary	15–25 days	70–84 days	30–45 days
Thyme	14–21 days	70–84 days	30–45 days
Dill	7–14 days	40–55 days	21–30 days
Chives	10–14 days	60–75 days	21–30 days
Oregano	7–14 days	45–60 days	21–30 days
Sage	10–21 days	70–80 days	35–45 days

Seed vs Transplant

Starting from Seed

• Pros: Cheaper, wider variety selection, satisfying to grow from scratch
• Cons: Slower, requires more care during germination, higher failure rate
• Best for: Basil, cilantro, dill, and other fast-growing annuals
• Timeline: Add 1–4 weeks for germination before the growing period begins

Starting from Transplants

• Pros: Instant head start, higher success rate, harvest weeks sooner
• Cons: More expensive, limited variety selection at garden centers
• Best for: Rosemary, thyme, sage, mint, and other perennials
• Timeline: Typically ready for first light harvest within 2–4 weeks of planting

For slow-germinating herbs like parsley (14–28 days) and rosemary (15–25 days), buying transplants is strongly recommended unless you enjoy the challenge.

Herb-by-Herb Growing Guide

Basil (3–4 weeks from seed)

The fastest and most rewarding herb for beginners. Basil thrives in warm weather (70–80°F) and full sun. Pinch off flower buds as they appear to keep the plant producing leaves. One plant can provide fresh basil all summer long.

Cilantro (3–4 weeks from seed)

Cilantro grows quickly but bolts (goes to seed) fast in hot weather. Sow seeds every 2–3 weeks for a continuous supply. Once it bolts, let it go to seed to harvest coriander. Prefers cooler weather (50–70°F) and partial shade in summer.

Parsley (8–10 weeks from seed)

Parsley is one of the slowest herbs to germinate, often taking 2–4 weeks. Soaking seeds overnight speeds things up. Once established, parsley is a biennial that will produce for two growing seasons. Both flat-leaf (Italian) and curly varieties take the same time.

Mint (6–8 weeks from seed)

Mint is extremely vigorous once established and will spread aggressively. Always plant in containers or use root barriers in the garden. From transplants, mint is ready to harvest in just 2–3 weeks. It grows well in partial shade and tolerates poor soil.

Rosemary (10–12 weeks from seed)

Rosemary is notoriously slow and unreliable from seed, with germination rates as low as 30–50%. Most gardeners buy transplants. Once established, rosemary is a hardy perennial that can live for years and grow into a large shrub. It requires well-drained soil and does not tolerate wet feet.

Thyme (10–12 weeks from seed)

Similar to rosemary, thyme is slow from seed but easy from transplants or divisions. It is drought-tolerant, deer-resistant, and works well as a ground cover. Harvest sprigs once stems are 4–5 inches long.

Indoor vs Outdoor Growing

Indoor Herbs

• Light: 6–8 hours of direct sunlight or 12–16 hours under grow lights
• Speed: Generally 10–20% slower than outdoor due to lower light intensity
• Year-round: Indoor herbs grow continuously regardless of season
• Best herbs for indoors: Basil, chives, mint, parsley, thyme
• Challenges: Lower light, dry air from heating/cooling, overwatering

Outdoor Herbs

• Light: Full sun (6+ hours) for most herbs
• Speed: Faster growth during the growing season due to stronger light and natural conditions
• Seasonal: Limited by frost dates and temperature in most climates
• Best herbs for outdoors: All herbs thrive outdoors during their growing season
• Advantages: Stronger flavor, bushier growth, less pest pressure

Tips to Speed Up Herb Growth

• Pre-soak slow seeds: Soak parsley, cilantro, and dill seeds overnight to speed germination by several days
• Use bottom heat: A seedling heat mat (70–75°F) accelerates germination by 30–50% for most herbs
• Provide maximum light: Insufficient light is the number one reason herbs grow slowly indoors. Position in a south-facing window or use LED grow lights
• Harvest frequently: Regular harvesting encourages bushier growth. Pinch stems just above a leaf node to promote branching
• Feed regularly: Use a balanced liquid fertilizer every 2 weeks during active growth
• Choose fast varieties: Within each herb species, some cultivars grow faster. Look for compact or dwarf varieties for quicker results

When to Plant

• Cool-season herbs (cilantro, parsley, dill, chives): Plant 2–4 weeks before last frost or in early fall
• Warm-season herbs (basil, oregano): Plant after all danger of frost has passed and soil temperature reaches 60°F
• Perennial herbs (rosemary, thyme, sage, mint): Plant in spring or fall; they will return year after year in suitable climates
• Indoor herbs: Plant any time of year