16+ Edible Plants You Can Grow Indoors
Dreaming of a homegrown harvest without the backyard? Good news — you don’t need outdoor space to enjoy fresh herbs, leafy greens, or even strawberries. With the right setup, these 16+ edible plants thrive right inside your kitchen, windowsill, or balcony. Perfect for small apartments, tiny homes, or anyone who wants to snip fresh ingredients straight into a dish, these indoor edibles are easy to grow, budget-friendly, and super rewarding.
1. Basil
A kitchen favorite that loves sun and warmth. Place in a sunny window and snip regularly to encourage bushy growth.
2. Mint
Refreshing, fast-growing, and almost impossible to kill. Keep it in its own pot (it spreads fast!) and enjoy in teas, salads, or cocktails.
3. Chives
These grass-like herbs grow quickly in small pots and add mild onion flavor to soups, eggs, and more.
4. Parsley
Great for bright kitchens, parsley adds a fresh, peppery flavor and grows well in compact pots near sunny windows.
5. Cilantro (Coriander)
A quick grower that prefers cooler temps and bright light. It may bolt quickly, so plant new seeds every few weeks.
6. Thyme
Low-maintenance and slow-growing, thyme is perfect for dry indoor conditions and adds depth to savory dishes.
7. Oregano
A must-have for Mediterranean cooking, oregano thrives indoors with plenty of sun and a bit of neglect.
8. Rosemary
This woody herb loves bright light and dry soil. With time, it grows into a fragrant mini shrub right on your windowsill.
9. Green Onions (Scallions)
Regrow store-bought scallions in a glass of water or pot. They regrow fast and are super handy in everyday cooking.
10. Lettuce
Loose-leaf lettuce varieties grow quickly and don’t need much space. Harvest the outer leaves and let the plant keep producing.
11. Spinach
This nutrient-rich green grows well in containers and is perfect for cooler indoor spots with indirect light.
12. Arugula
A peppery, fast-growing leafy green that thrives in shallow pots. Harvest young leaves for salads and wraps.
13. Cherry Tomatoes (with grow lights)
With the right light and container, cherry tomatoes can fruit indoors and bring a burst of sweetness to your kitchen.
14. Peppers (small varieties)
Mini bell peppers or chili peppers grow well in pots with sufficient warmth and sunlight — great for spice lovers.
15. Microgreens
Packed with flavor and nutrients, microgreens like radish, mustard, or sunflower sprout in just 7–10 days on trays or windowsills.
16. Strawberries (everbearing or alpine)
Alpine varieties grow compact and can produce fruit indoors with enough light. Try them in hanging baskets or window boxes.
17. Lemongrass
Place stalks in water until they root, then pot them in soil. Lemongrass is low-maintenance and adds bright citrus flavor to dishes.
Conclusion
With a little light, a few pots, and some daily love, you can turn your kitchen into a mini indoor garden. These 16+ edible plants are easy to grow, space-efficient, and give you fresh, flavorful ingredients at your fingertips. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a curious beginner, growing food indoors is a satisfying way to eat fresher, waste less, and reconnect with what you cook.
