herb growing blog2

Growing Herbs Indoors in Saudi Arabia

Whether it's summer heat or cooler desert nights, growing herbs indoors is a practical and rewarding way to enjoy fresh flavor year-round. In Saudi homes, balconies, kitchens, or windowsills can all become mini herb gardens with the right setup. Here's how to grow your favorite herbs inside — even when the garden is resting.

Indoor herbs in small containers by a sunny window

Top Herbs to Grow Indoors

Some herbs are better suited for indoor growing than others — especially in warm climates like ours. Start from seed in autumn or transplant garden cuttings before summer heat arrives.

  • Basil: Best in cooler months indoors. Needs full sun or a grow light.
  • Mint: Grows easily in partial sun; thrives in containers.
  • Parsley: Curly and flat-leaf types both do well with moderate light.
  • Dill: Quick to grow but prefers deep pots and good air circulation.
  • Oregano & Thyme: Heat-lovers that adapt well to indoor containers.
  • Chives: Perfect for window boxes and regrow quickly after cutting.
  • Rosemary: Needs bright light and steady watering indoors.

Transitioning Herbs Indoors

If you're moving herbs indoors from the garden, don’t do it suddenly. Place the pots in a shaded outdoor spot for 3–5 days, then move them inside near bright light. Rosemary is especially sensitive to this change and benefits from a slow transition.

Indoor Herb Growing Conditions

Creating the right microclimate indoors is essential for success:

  • Light: A south- or west-facing window is ideal. Otherwise, use grow lights for 12–16 hours daily.
  • Temperature: Most herbs prefer 18–24°C indoors.
  • Humidity: Use a pebble tray with water below the pot to increase humidity without overwatering.
  • Air Flow: Keep herbs spaced apart, and use a small fan nearby to improve circulation.
Tray of indoor herbs resting on a shallow pebble tray for humidity

Soil & Watering Tips

Indoor herbs need soil that drains quickly. Use a mix of 2 parts potting soil and 1 part perlite or coarse sand. For alkaline-loving herbs like basil, thyme, and rosemary, add a spoonful of ground eggshells or garden lime per pot.

  • Water only when the top 2–3 cm of soil feels dry.
  • Don’t let pots sit in water — root rot happens fast indoors.
  • Use room-temperature water to avoid shocking the roots.

Best Containers for Indoor Herbs

Choose pots with good drainage holes. Small 6–8 inch pots are perfect for most herbs. For windowsills, long shallow troughs work well with multiple herbs spaced apart.

Year-Round Benefits

Beyond their culinary magic, herbs like thyme, mint, sage, and rosemary offer natural relief from colds and dry air during cooler months. A warm herbal tea or steam bowl can soothe sinuses and boost your mood.

Cup of tea made from fresh indoor-grown mint and thyme leaves

Common Indoor Growing Issues

  • Leggy growth: Usually a sign of too little light. Supplement with LEDs if needed.
  • Yellow leaves: Often from overwatering or poor drainage.
  • No aroma/flavor: Herbs need at least 6 hours of light for full oils to develop.

Final Thoughts

With a little care and the right light, growing herbs indoors is one of the easiest and most rewarding things you can do. Whether you live in a Riyadh apartment or a coastal villa in Jeddah, fresh herbs are just a few weeks away from your kitchen windowsill.

At Botanvia, we select the best herb varieties to thrive in Gulf homes and climates. Start small, stay consistent, and enjoy the fresh rewards every day.