Growing herbs at home is a rewarding and practical way to have fresh, flavorful ingredients at your fingertips. But not all herbs take months to mature—some grow quickly and can be harvested in just a few weeks. Whether you have a small indoor garden, a balcony, or a backyard, these fast-growing herbs will provide fresh harvests in no time.
In this guide, you’ll learn about five of the fastest-growing herbs, how to grow them efficiently, and the best ways to harvest them for continuous production.
1. Basil (Ready to Harvest in 3-4 Weeks)
Basil is one of the most popular and versatile herbs, thriving in both indoor and outdoor gardens. It grows quickly, and with proper pruning, you can enjoy fresh basil leaves in as little as 3-4 weeks.
How to Grow Basil Quickly
- Light: Needs 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day or a strong LED grow light if grown indoors.
- Soil: Well-draining, nutrient-rich potting mix.
- Watering: Keep soil moist but not soggy; water when the top inch feels dry.
- Temperature: Prefers warm temperatures (70-85°F / 21-29°C).
How to Harvest Basil for Continuous Growth
- Start harvesting when the plant has at least 6 leaves.
- Pinch off the top leaves above a pair of lower leaves to encourage bushy growth.
- Avoid removing more than one-third of the plant at a time.
Best Uses for Basil
- Fresh in salads, pasta dishes, and sandwiches.
- Blended into homemade pesto.
- Infused in water for a refreshing herbal drink.
2. Cilantro (Coriander) (Ready to Harvest in 3-4 Weeks)
Cilantro grows rapidly and is ideal for cool weather or partial shade conditions. It’s an essential herb in Mexican, Indian, and Asian cuisines and can be harvested in about 3-4 weeks.
How to Grow Cilantro Quickly
- Light: Prefers 4-6 hours of sunlight; tolerates partial shade.
- Soil: Loose, well-draining soil with organic matter.
- Watering: Keep soil evenly moist, but avoid overwatering.
- Temperature: Grows best in 50-75°F (10-24°C).
How to Harvest Cilantro for Continuous Growth
- Cut outer leaves first, leaving the center intact for continued growth.
- Harvest regularly to prevent bolting (going to seed too soon).
- If it starts to flower, pinch off the buds to prolong leaf production.
Best Uses for Cilantro
- Fresh in salsas, tacos, and curries.
- Mixed into homemade guacamole.
- Added to soups and stir-fries for a fresh flavor.
3. Chives (Ready to Harvest in 3-4 Weeks)
Chives are one of the easiest and fastest-growing herbs, ideal for beginner gardeners. They grow well in containers and can be harvested within a month.
How to Grow Chives Quickly
- Light: Needs at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
- Soil: Well-draining potting mix; doesn’t require rich soil.
- Watering: Water when soil feels dry; chives prefer slightly moist conditions.
- Temperature: Thrives in 55-85°F (13-29°C).
How to Harvest Chives for Continuous Growth
- Use sharp scissors to cut leaves 1-2 inches above the soil.
- Regular harvesting encourages new shoots.
- Avoid cutting all the leaves at once—leave some for regrowth.
Best Uses for Chives
- Sprinkled fresh over eggs, potatoes, and salads.
- Mixed into cream cheese or butter for a flavorful spread.
- Used as a garnish for soups and dips.
4. Arugula (Rocket) (Ready to Harvest in 2-3 Weeks)
Although arugula is more of a leafy green than a traditional herb, it grows quickly and adds a peppery flavor to salads and sandwiches. It’s one of the fastest-growing herbs, ready in 2-3 weeks.
How to Grow Arugula Quickly
- Light: Prefers 4-6 hours of sunlight; tolerates some shade.
- Soil: Light, well-draining soil with compost.
- Watering: Keep soil consistently moist, but don’t overwater.
- Temperature: Grows best in 50-70°F (10-21°C).
How to Harvest Arugula for Continuous Growth
- Pick outer leaves when they reach 3-4 inches long.
- Avoid cutting the entire plant; leave the central stem intact.
- Harvest frequently to prevent the leaves from becoming too bitter.
Best Uses for Arugula
- Fresh in salads and sandwiches.
- Blended into pesto for a peppery kick.
- Tossed onto pizzas or pasta for extra flavor.
5. Dill (Ready to Harvest in 3-4 Weeks)
Dill is a fast-growing, feathery herb that adds a unique flavor to many dishes. It grows quickly and can be harvested within a month.
How to Grow Dill Quickly
- Light: Needs 6-8 hours of sunlight daily.
- Soil: Well-draining, slightly sandy soil.
- Watering: Water when soil feels dry, but avoid soggy conditions.
- Temperature: Grows best in 60-75°F (15-24°C).
How to Harvest Dill for Continuous Growth
- Snip individual leaves as needed.
- Avoid cutting the main stem, as this slows growth.
- Remove flower buds early to prevent bolting.
Best Uses for Dill
- Mixed into salad dressings and sauces.
- Sprinkled over fish and potatoes.
- Used in homemade pickles for extra flavor.
Tips for Growing Fast-Harvesting Herbs
1. Use the Right Containers
- Choose 6-8 inch pots with drainage holes.
- Use larger containers for multiple plants.
2. Keep Herbs in Warm, Bright Locations
- Outdoor herbs thrive in sunny spots on balconies or patios.
- Indoor herbs should be placed in a south-facing window or under a grow light.
3. Water Correctly
- Keep soil moist but not soggy.
- Avoid overhead watering to prevent mold and disease.
4. Harvest Frequently
- Cutting herbs regularly promotes bushy growth.
- Never remove more than one-third of the plant at a time.
5. Rotate Plants for Even Growth
- If growing indoors, rotate pots every few days to prevent leaning.
Conclusion: Enjoy Fresh Herbs in Just a Few Weeks
Growing fast-growing herbs means you don’t have to wait long to enjoy fresh, homegrown flavors. By planting basil, cilantro, chives, arugula, and dill, you can start harvesting within 2-4 weeks and enjoy a continuous supply of flavorful herbs for cooking and seasoning.