Best Low-Light Herbs for North-Facing Windows – 8 Edibles That Thrive Indoors
October 27, 2025 • Micro-Gardening & Food Production
If your kitchen or apartment only has a north-facing window (or otherwise limited natural light), you might assume that edible herbs are off the table. But here’s the good news: with the right plant choices and a little strategy, you can still grow fresh herbs indoors that deliver flavor, fragrance—and the satisfaction of harvesting your own green goodness.
Why “low-light” doesn’t mean “no light”
A north-facing window offers gentle, indirect daylight—perfect for shade-tolerant herbs. Remember, “low-light” isn’t “no light”—you’ll still need a few hours of indirect light, good soil, and consistent care. Supplement with a full-spectrum LED light if growth slows or the plants stretch toward the window.
General Tips for Success
- Choose the right pot and soil: Use a container with drainage and a light, well-draining mix.
- Rotation & positioning: Rotate pots weekly for even growth.
- Watering: Let the top inch of soil dry before watering again.
- Harvesting: Regularly snip herbs to encourage new growth.
- Supplemental light (optional): Add an LED grow light for 6–8 hours/day in very dim spaces.
The 8 Best Low-Light Herbs
1. Mint (Mentha spp.)
Why it works: Adaptable, tolerates about 4 hours of indirect light daily.
Care tips: Keep soil moist but never soggy; harvest often.
Kitchen uses: Teas, drinks, salads, and yogurt dips.
2. Chives (Allium schoenoprasum)
Why it works: Thrives even under fluorescent lighting.
Care tips: Keep soil lightly moist; cut near the base for regrowth.
Kitchen uses: Eggs, soups, baked potatoes, and pasta.
3. Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis)
Why it works: Excellent for shaded indoor spots.
Care tips: Water when the top inch is dry; prune regularly.
Kitchen uses: Herbal teas, syrups, desserts, and fish dishes.
4. Parsley (Petroselinum crispum)
Why it works: Performs well in moderate light; flat-leaf variety preferred.
Care tips: Use deeper pots and keep soil evenly moist.
Kitchen uses: Soups, pestos, tabbouleh, and veggie dishes.
5. Cilantro (Coriandrum sativum)
Why it works: Adapts well to cooler, low-light environments.
Care tips: Harvest early and often; consider extra light if very dim.
Kitchen uses: Salsas, stir-fries, and tacos.
6. Oregano (Origanum vulgare)
Why it works: Handles partial shade if well-drained.
Care tips: Use sandy soil and avoid overwatering.
Kitchen uses: Pizza, pasta, roasted veggies, and sauces.
7. Thyme (Thymus vulgaris)
Why it works: Hardy, tolerates lower light and dry soil.
Care tips: Use a wide pot; let soil dry before watering again.
Kitchen uses: Roasts, soups, stews, and infused oils.
8. Tarragon (Artemisia dracunculus)
Why it works: Prefers light but tolerates diffused or east-facing windows.
Care tips: Give it as much light as possible; use deep pots with sandy soil.
Kitchen uses: Fish, chicken, dressings, and Béarnaise sauce.
Putting It All Together
Even a north-facing windowsill can support a thriving herb garden with consistent care. Choose 3–4 herbs you love, rotate them weekly, water moderately, and add a small grow light if needed.
FAQ
Can herbs grow in a north-facing window?
Yes! Many herbs like mint, chives, and lemon balm thrive with indirect light.
Do I need a grow light?
Not always—but it helps if your space gets fewer than 3 hours of daylight.
Final Thoughts
Low light doesn’t mean giving up on fresh flavor. These eight herbs are forgiving, adaptable, and perfect for apartment dwellers who want to add some green to their kitchen.
Ready to grow your own indoor herbs?
Download our FREE Apartment Herb Starter Kit Checklist to set up your herb garden this weekend—no stress, no guesswork!