12 Herbs That Practically Grow Themselves • Schisandra & Bergamot

Want to grow fresh herbs but don’t have the time—or the greenest thumb? Good news: many herbs are surprisingly easy to grow and thrive with very little attention.

These 12 no-fuss favorites are hardy, adaptable, and practically take care of themselves—indoors, in pots, or right in your garden beds.

Mint

Fast-growing and almost impossible to kill, mint spreads quickly and comes back year after year. Just plant it in a container to keep it from taking over.

Chives

This perennial herb adds mild onion flavor and cheerful purple flowers to your garden. Chives thrive in sun or part shade and need little more than water.

Thyme

Low-growing and drought-tolerant, thyme is a sun-loving herb that doubles as ground cover. It needs very little care and rewards you with savory flavor all season.

Oregano

Close-up of a lush basil plant with vibrant green leaves, growing indoors near a window, allowing natural light to illuminate its foliage. — Photo Credit: photosforyou/Pixabay

Oregano thrives on neglect—it prefers poor soil and dry conditions. Once established, it spreads easily and returns reliably each year.

Rosemary

This woody herb loves hot, sunny spots and dry soil. It’s both ornamental and delicious, and it can live for years with minimal watering once mature.

Parsley

Parsley grows easily in garden beds or containers. While it prefers consistent watering, it’s forgiving and keeps producing if you harvest regularly.

Sage

Sage is a tough, drought-tolerant perennial with soft, silvery leaves. It’s perfect for low-maintenance borders and is rarely bothered by pests.

Lemon Balm

A cousin of mint, lemon balm grows fast and smells amazing. It’s great for teas, easy to grow from seed, and ideal for containers to keep it contained.

Cilantro

This fast-growing herb does best in cooler seasons and reseeds itself easily. Just let a few plants go to seed, and you’ll likely see new ones next season.

Dill

Dill sprouts quickly, grows tall, and is beloved by pollinators. Once it flowers and goes to seed, you’ll often get volunteer plants the following year.

Tarragon (French or Russian)

A bundle of fresh tarragon tied with twine sits on a round wooden board next to a knife and a spool of string, on a dark wooden surface. — Photo Credit: rezkrr/Envato

Tarragon thrives in full sun with well-drained soil and minimal fuss. It’s perfect for chicken, fish, and egg dishes—and it returns each spring in many zones.

Lovage

Young green plant with serrated leaves growing in moist soil in an outdoor garden. — Photo Credit: ctvvelve/Deposit Photos

This old-fashioned herb tastes like celery and grows into a tall, perennial plant. Once established, it’s incredibly low-maintenance and long-lasting.

Growing herbs doesn’t have to be complicated. These 12 low-maintenance picks are perfect for anyone who wants homegrown flavor without the hassle. Plant once, snip often, and let these herbs thrive with minimal care.