8 Best Herbs to Grow From Seed in June and July

If you have a sunny patio, balcony, or even just a bright window, you can absolutely grow your own herbs. These are eight herbs I'm currently growing from seed, and they've all been doing really well in my little apartment garden. If you've been thinking about starting an herb garden this summer, hopefully this inspires you to give it a try!

1. Chives

   

Chives are one of my favorite herbs to grow from seed because they're incredibly easy and don't require much fuss. They produce beautiful edible purple flowers and grow well in containers, making them perfect for apartment gardens. Chives do well in both full sun and partial shade, and I love having fresh chives on hand for eggs, potatoes, and soups.

Planting Depth: ¼" to ½"

Seed Spacing: 3–9 inches

Days to Germination: 10–14 days

Days to Maturity: About 60 days

Mature Plant Height: 10–18 inches

2. Cilantro

   

Cilantro is one of those herbs I always like to have growing because it's so versatile in the kitchen. It's great for tacos, salsa, and salads, and it grows surprisingly quickly from seed. While cilantro prefers cooler temperatures, it can still be grown in summer with regular watering and a little afternoon shade.

Planting Depth: ¼"

Seed Spacing: 6–8 inches

Days to Germination: 7–14 days

Days to Maturity: 45–70 days

Mature Plant Height: 12–24 inches

3. Thai Basil

   

Thai basil absolutely loves the summer heat and thrives on my south-facing patio. It has a delicious licorice-like flavor and is perfect for stir-fries and curries. Once established, it's a vigorous grower and does great in containers.

Planting Depth: ¼"

Seed Spacing: 10–12 inches

Days to Germination: 5–10 days

Days to Maturity: 60–90 days

Mature Plant Height: 12–24 inches

4. Oregano

   

Oregano is one of the easiest herbs to grow and practically thrives on neglect. It's drought tolerant, loves full sun, and is perfect for container gardening. Fresh oregano is amazing in pasta sauces, pizza, and roasted vegetables.

Planting Depth: Surface sow to ⅛"

Seed Spacing: 8–12 inches

Days to Germination: 7–14 days

Days to Maturity: 80–90 days

Mature Plant Height: 12–24 inches

5. Thyme

   

   
   

Thyme is a compact herb that's perfect for small spaces. It loves plenty of sun and doesn't need much water once established. I especially love how fragrant it is every time I brush against it.

Planting Depth: Surface sow to ⅛"

Seed Spacing: 8–12 inches

Days to Germination: 14–28 days

Days to Maturity: 70–90 days

Mature Plant Height: 6–12 inches

6. Genovese Basil

   

Genovese basil is a summer staple in my garden. It grows quickly from seed and is perfect for making pesto or adding to salads. Regular harvesting helps keep the plants bushy and productive.

Planting Depth: ¼"

Seed Spacing: 10–12 inches

Days to Germination: 5–10 days

Days to Maturity: 60–90 days

Mature Plant Height: 18–30 inches

7. Parsley

   

Parsley takes a little patience to germinate, but it's worth the wait. It's one of the most useful herbs in the kitchen and grows beautifully in containers. I love snipping fresh parsley for soups, salads, and pasta dishes.

Planting Depth: ¼"

Seed Spacing: 6–8 inches

Days to Germination: 14–28 days

Days to Maturity: 70–90 days

Mature Plant Height: 12–18 inches

8. Dill

   

Dill is one of the fastest-growing herbs in my garden and attracts pollinators once it flowers. Its feathery foliage is perfect for salads, dips, and pickling. Dill prefers full sun and grows best when direct seeded.

Planting Depth: ¼"

Seed Spacing: 12–18 inches

Days to Germination: 7–14 days

Days to Maturity: 40–60 days

Mature Plant Height: 24–48 inches

Starting an herb garden doesn't have to be complicated, and you definitely don't need a backyard to grow fresh herbs. I'm always amazed by how much I can grow from seed right on my apartment patio, and I hope this list gives you some inspiration for your own summer garden.

If you're growing herbs this season, let me know which ones are your favorites. Happy growing!