Herbs are among the easiest and most rewarding plants to grow. Whether you're dreaming of fresh basil for homemade pesto or fragrant lavender for teas and crafts, the first big question you’ll face is: Should I grow herbs from seeds or buy young plants (starts)?
Both methods have their advantages, and the best choice depends on your goals, time, budget, and gardening experience.
In this article, we’ll compare growing herbs from seeds vs. starter plants in terms of cost, time, effort, variety, success rates, and overall results—so you can choose the right path for your herb garden.
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The Basics: What’s the Difference?
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Seeds: You start with small packets of herb seeds and grow the plants yourself, usually indoors in trays or directly outside when the weather allows.
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Plants (or “Starts”): These are young, partially grown herbs purchased from nurseries, garden centers, or online. They’re ready to transplant into pots or garden beds.
Quick Answer
If you're looking for convenience and faster results, buy starter plants.
If you want to save money and grow a wide variety, start from seeds.
But let’s dig deeper into the pros and cons of each method.
Growing Herbs from Seeds
✅ Pros
1. Much Cheaper
Seed packets usually cost $2–$4 and contain dozens or even hundreds of seeds. For the price of one potted plant, you can grow an entire herb garden.
2. Wider Variety
You’ll find a much larger selection of herbs as seeds than as live plants—especially unusual or heirloom varieties. Want purple basil, lemon thyme, or holy basil (tulsi)? You’re more likely to find them in seed catalogs.
3. Control Over Growing Conditions
Starting from seed allows you to control soil type, spacing, sunlight, and watering from the very beginning. That often results in stronger plants in the long term.
4. Satisfying Experience
Watching your herbs sprout and grow from seed is deeply rewarding. Many gardeners love the process as much as the result.
❌ Cons
1. Takes More Time
Most herbs take 4–12 weeks to mature from seed, especially if started indoors. You’ll wait longer for harvest than if you buy starter plants.
2. More Work Up Front
You’ll need to prepare seed trays or garden beds, keep seedlings warm and well-lit, and transplant them later. This can be tricky for beginners.
3. Lower Success Rates for Some Herbs
Certain herbs are notoriously hard to start from seed, such as rosemary, lavender, and bay laurel. Germination may be slow or unreliable.
Growing Herbs from Plants (Starts)
✅ Pros
1. Quick and Easy
Starter plants are ready to go. Just transplant into a container or garden bed, and you’re only days or weeks away from harvesting.
2. Ideal for Beginners
If you're new to gardening, starts are easier. They eliminate the hardest part—germinating seeds and nurturing delicate seedlings.
3. Reliable Growth
Young plants from nurseries are usually healthy and already acclimated to growing conditions, so you're less likely to deal with problems like damping off, poor germination, or transplant shock.
4. Immediate Satisfaction
Want fresh herbs on your kitchen windowsill right now? Buying starter plants gets you there fast.
❌ Cons
1. More Expensive
Each potted herb plant may cost $4–$8 (or more), and that adds up quickly if you're planting a large garden.
2. Limited Variety
Garden centers typically stock only common herbs like basil, parsley, thyme, and mint. If you want something unique, you’ll need to look elsewhere—or start from seed.
3. Less Root Adaptation
Plants grown in nurseries may be pot-bound or stressed by transport. They may also struggle to adapt to your local soil or climate.
Comparison Table: Seeds vs. Plants
| Factor | Seeds | Plants (Starts) |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Low | High |
| Time to Harvest | Slower (4–12+ weeks) | Faster (1–3 weeks) |
| Variety Available | Wide (common + rare) | Limited (mostly common herbs) |
| Effort Required | High (sowing, caring, transplanting) | Low (plant and go) |
| Success Rate | Medium (varies by herb) | High |
| Learning Experience | Great for hands-on learners | Easier for beginners |
| Best For | Budget growers, rare herb seekers | Quick harvest, casual gardeners |
Best Herbs to Grow from Seed
Some herbs grow easily from seed and germinate quickly, making them ideal for beginner gardeners.
🌿 Easy Herbs to Grow from Seed:
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Basil
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Cilantro (Coriander)
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Dill
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Chives
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Parsley
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Oregano
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Thyme
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Arugula (technically a salad green but often used as an herb)
Tips:
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Use a seed-starting mix (light, sterile soil) for best results.
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Keep the soil warm (65–75°F) and moist until germination.
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Provide plenty of sunlight or grow lights—most seedlings need 12–16 hours of light per day.
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Harden off seedlings before transplanting outdoors.
Best Herbs to Grow from Plants
Some herbs are slow to sprout or require very specific conditions to germinate, making them easier to grow from established plants.
🌿 Best Herbs to Buy as Starter Plants:
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Rosemary – Very slow and fussy to germinate.
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Lavender – Requires light, patience, and often cold stratification.
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Bay Laurel – Grows very slowly from seed.
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Tarragon – Most French tarragon doesn’t produce viable seeds.
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Mint – Can grow from seed, but starts give more predictable flavor and vigor.
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Lemongrass – Can be started from stalks or cuttings instead of seed.
Special Considerations
Indoor Herb Gardens
If you’re growing indoors year-round, starter plants give you instant greenery. But with patience and a sunny window (or grow lights), seeds can also thrive indoors.
Organic and Heirloom Gardening
If you want to avoid pesticides or grow unique heritage herbs, seeds give you more control and access to specialty varieties.
Kids and Educational Gardens
Seeds are a great choice if you want children to learn about plant life cycles from scratch. Watching herbs sprout teaches patience and responsibility.
A Balanced Approach: Combine Both
You don’t have to choose just one method. Many gardeners use both strategies:
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Grow fast and easy herbs from seed (like basil, cilantro, and parsley).
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Buy starts for slow-growing or difficult herbs (like rosemary or lavender).
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This saves money while maximizing success.
Final Thoughts: Seeds vs. Plants—Which Is Better?
There’s no single answer—just the best fit for your needs.
Choose seeds if you:
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Want to save money
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Enjoy starting things from scratch
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Want access to rare or heirloom varieties
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Have time and patience to wait
Choose plants if you:
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Want a quick harvest
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Have limited time or experience
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Prefer convenience over variety
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Are planting a small number of herbs
If you’re a beginner, start with a few purchased plants to get the hang of herb care. As you gain confidence, you can try starting herbs from seed and expand your garden affordably.
Pro Tips for Success
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Label everything: It’s easy to forget which herb is which.
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Use proper lighting: Especially for seed starting—don’t rely on dim windows.
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Water smart: Don’t overwater seedlings. Let the top of the soil dry slightly between waterings.
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Harvest regularly: Whether from seeds or starts, regular trimming encourages bushier growth and better flavor.
Whether you start with seeds or starter plants, growing herbs is a fulfilling and practical hobby. With a little care, you'll enjoy fresh flavor at your fingertips—and the satisfaction of growing it yourself.
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About the Author: Alex Assoune
Alex Assoune (MS) is a global health and environmental advocate. He founded Panaprium to inspire others with conscious living, ethical, and sustainable fashion. Alex has worked in many countries to address social and environmental issues. He speaks three languages and holds two Master of Science degrees in Engineering from SIGMA and IFPEN schools.
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