Window box a possibility? Herbs favor outdoor rather than indoor conditions.

FataMorgana

Think of cilantro as quick growing baby lettuce. It does not last long, you must seize the day and resow. Cilantro has more flavor in the sun, but will bolt if too hot. Indoor sunless cilantro is a sad sight to behold and the taste leaves something to be desired. Though there are less pests indoors (sun room), too much moisture equals gnats, too dry makes mites happy... I'd rather have gnats. The larger the pot the happier the plant.

fatamorgana:

I am not sure that window box will work for me. I live in zone 6B which is outside DC metro area. It snows quite a bit here and is also very cold in winter. So herbs in window box won't survive in winter weather. This is the major reason I want window with a sill so that I can grow herbs inside.

bardamu: Thanks for the information about cilantro. This si the herb I use most often in my Indian cooking. It is really sad that I can't even grow it outside as it goes into seeds and flowers within few days. It appears that cilantro needs handholding and babysitting:-).

I guess I will have to give up the idea for growing herbs inside.

Do you buy cilantro plants or start them from seed? Seed will be a lot better. Cilantro grows faster in loose moist soil. There is a variety called caribe which is slow bolting, but I've had good result with the regular kind and caribe.

I used to live in DC metro area, that is more like 7b. I am now in 6b east coast around Boston and miss 7b gardening!

Hi Sahai,

Yes, herbs are much better when grown outdoors. The trouble with growing them indoors is that most require LOTS of light to produce the oils that lead to good flavor. Also, many of the common herbs need really good drainage, which is more difficult in a potted indoor setting. But, I do both. Outdoors in the summer, both pots and inground. Indoors in winter, some for use and some for overwintering those which won't make it in the cold. It is possible, but I doubt your windowsill will be worth it. Not enough light, and if it's going to be difficult to reach and expensive it's not worth the trouble in my opinion. My indoor pots are mostly kept under grow lights. Your sunroom may provide a better option.

Now, the two you mentioned are some of the easier ones for pots--they aren't as picky in soil and drainage needs as the Mediterranean bunch. Yes, cilantro bolts (I only grow it for coriander) so, personally I would grow lots for seed in summer. Have you considered growing more as micro greens? It would require a shallow tray and grow light, but may interest you. Cilantro isn't tough to grow indoors, as it prefers the cooler temps, but it will need light. Mint isn't tough either, as long as it has it's own pot as it really doesn't play nice with others.

I would grow them in your sun room. No need to spend money for a sill.

apparently there is something called a "gardening window" which is like a mini bay window you can install in place of your current window. Some of these have removable bases and some you can insulate so they are open to the outside but closed to the inside. You can access the plants through a sliding opening. Then they can get the best of both worlds, with lots of sun and protection from the winter. growing window examples Also of course, if you do the exterior windowboxes, you can always bring your herbs into a sheltered area for the winter. Thats what most of us do anyways.