If you always wanted to spring into your backyard for some fresh produce – but don’t have a garden, let alone a yard – do not worry! These 11 edible plants are perfect to grow indoors.
Better yet, these plants can be grown right in your kitchen!
1. Spinach / Kale / Lettuce
Leafy greens are considered the easiest edible plants to grow. Their shallow roots and quick growth make then the perfect kitchen flora for those who want to start reaping their efforts sooner rather than later.
Spinach, Kale and Lettuce need a moderate amount of sunlight, but thrive in cooler temperatures.
2. Carrots
An indoor carrot garden can be attractive as well as functional. You will need to plant them in a deep container as they are root vegetables. They typically taking longer to produce compared to leafy greens. But the plant itself can be a pretty addition to your kitchen, especially with its dark green, lacy leaves.
3. Microgreens
Microgreens are the sprouted seeds of various greens. They are an interesting way to incorporate more veggies into your diet. Microgreens require small, shallow containers for easier harvest. You can sprout the seeds from plants like radishes, basil and dill. Radish sprouts are a colourful addition to your windowsill or plate!
4. Parsley / Coriander
Become the fanciest home cook, by just shifting to one side of your kitchen to harvest some fresh edible herbs. These herbs grow well as long as they are seated by a sunny window. An added bonus is that parsley can grow into a luscious plant that can beautify the indoors.
Keep the soil consistently moist – never soggy.
5. Hibiscus
Hibiscus is a showy plant with some beautiful blooms – that are edible! The flowers are encouraged when the plant receives at least 6 hours of full sun.
The flowers can be used both fresh or dried. In some cultures the flowers are used as a tea or jelly.
Other flower-plants like honeysuckle, roses and lavender are edible.
6. Basil
Basil has the same requirements as the previous herbs we mentioned. Harvesting your basil plant regularly promotes bushier growth, and prevents premature blooming. You can just snip or pinch the fresh leaves off the plant and add it your favourite dishes for a flavour bomb.
7. Thyme
Thyme grows best in a clay pot/planter. This allows the herb to dry out between watering, and prevent drowning the roots. Thyme can tolerate indirect light – making it perfect for an indoor herb garden.
Thyme produces the best results when it receives at least 6 hours of sunlight.
8. Rosemary
A woody plant that will need a larger and deeper container than most other herbs. With roots in the Mediterranean, this shrub needs full sun for at least six hours. You can supplement low light with an LED grow light.
As with Basil, regular harvesting results in a bushier appearance.
9. Passion Fruit Plant
Passion fruit is enjoyed for its tart, sour and fruity taste. When buying this vining plant, make sure to purchase a trellis to support it. It typically grows between 3 and 6 meters talls.
Harvest the fruit when the colour is right. For varieties that start out green, wait until it turns orange. For fruits that start yellow, wait until it turns purple or dark brown.
10. Chives / Spring Onion
Chives are in the same family as garlic and onions. Be aware, plants from this family are considered toxic to pet cats and dogs. Chives typically germinate within in two weeks.
Growing them indoors is a great way to keep a handy plant nearby when you need to season your food, or brighten your kitchen space.
11. Tomatoes
You can definitely grow tomatoes indoors – but it can be challenging. They need a good amount of sunlight and warmth to thrive. Tomatoes also need good quality potting soil and fertilising when needed.
Before buying, first consider if it is a determinate (bushy) or indeterminate (vining). The bush varieties are more preferable as they do not need staking. This is when you tie a plant to a stake in the ground to prevent them from bending or breaking.
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