There are several herbs that can be easily propagated and grown in water. In this answer, I will discuss the process of propagating and growing six popular herbs in water: basil, mint, rosemary, oregano, sage, and thyme. I have personally grown these herbs in water and found great success with each of them.
1. Basil: To propagate basil in water, start by taking a cutting from a healthy basil plant. Remove the lower leaves and place the cutting in a glass of water, making sure that at least two nodes are submerged. Place the glass in a bright location, but not in direct sunlight. Change the water every few days to prevent it from becoming stagnant. In a couple of weeks, you should see roots starting to form. Once the roots are a few inches long, you can transfer the cutting to a pot with soil or continue growing it in water.
2. Mint: Mint is another herb that propagates easily in water. Take a stem cutting from a mature mint plant and remove the lower leaves. Place the cutting in a jar filled with water, ensuring that the nodes are submerged. Keep the jar in a well-lit area, but avoid direct sunlight. Mint grows rapidly, and you should see roots developing within a week. Once the roots are well-established, you can transplant the cutting into a pot or continue growing it in water.
3. Rosemary: Rosemary can be a bit more challenging to propagate in water, but it is still possible. Take a stem cutting from a healthy rosemary plant and remove the lower leaves, leaving only a few at the top. Place the cutting in a glass of water, making sure that the nodes are submerged. It is crucial to change the water regularly to prevent rotting. Keep the glass in a warm and well-lit area, but not in direct sunlight. After a few weeks, you should start to see roots forming. Once the roots are well-developed, you can transfer the cutting to a pot with soil or continue growing it in water.
4. Oregano: Propagating oregano in water is quite similar to basil and mint. Take a stem cutting from a healthy oregano plant and remove the lower leaves. Place the cutting in a glass of water, ensuring that the nodes are submerged. Keep the glass in a bright location, but not in direct sunlight. Change the water regularly to prevent stagnation. Oregano roots relatively quickly, and within a couple of weeks, you should see roots forming. Once the roots are long enough, you can transplant the cutting into a pot or continue growing it in water.
5. Sage: Sage can also be propagated in water with some patience. Take a stem cutting from a sage plant and remove the lower leaves. Place the cutting in a glass of water, making sure the nodes are submerged. Keep the glass in a well-lit area, but not in direct sunlight. Change the water every few days to prevent it from becoming stagnant. Sage takes a bit longer to root compared to other herbs, and it may take up to a month before you see roots forming. Once the roots are established, you can transplant the cutting into a pot or continue growing it in water.
6. Thyme: Thyme is a herb that can be easily propagated in water. Take a stem cutting from a healthy thyme plant and remove the lower leaves, leaving a few at the top. Place the cutting in a glass of water, ensuring that the nodes are submerged. Keep the glass in a well-lit area, but not in direct sunlight. Change the water regularly to prevent stagnation. Thyme usually roots within a couple of weeks, and once the roots are well-developed, you can transfer the cutting to a pot with soil or continue growing it in water.
Basil, mint, rosemary, oregano, sage, and thyme are all herbs that can be successfully propagated and grown in water. By following the steps mentioned above, you can easily propagate these herbs and enjoy fresh, homegrown flavors in your cooking.
