Edible houseplants are not so hard to grow in the kitchen. The process has to do a lot with a cottagecore aesthetic that became popular during the pandemic. This type of aesthetic romanticizes simple rural life, and growing indoor edible houseplants is also part of it. Moreover, it is always a pleasure to see how the plant develops from the little sprout to delicious dishes on your plate. We have gathered a list of indoor vegetables, fruits, and other plants.
Best Vegetables to Grow Indoors
Growing vegetables at home can be not only interesting but also useful. It can save a lot of time, and you will have them at home instead of going to the store!
Onions
Onions do very well indoors! These edible root plants don’t require a lot of care and as much sunlight as other vegetables. And it is one of the easy vegetables to grow indoors. You can use onion seeds or just replant the root ends. It can be grown in the soil or water. Since onions are always needed in cooking, growing them is a practical decision.
Tomatoes
Tomatoes are the vegetables you can grow indoors. It can be challenging,, but it is still worth trying. They just need a lot of sunlight and warmth. Cherry tomatoes are one of the most popular varieties to grow inside. The key to success is to provide them with good quality potting soil, a pot with a drainage hole, and fertilizer when it’s needed. The best placement for any variety of tomatoes is a south-facing windowsill as these plants thrive in the sun.
Hot Peppers
If you are into something spicy, growing a hot pepper can be a cool idea. Like tomatoes, they prefer warmth and sun because they are tropical perennials. The best temperature for them is 70˚F (21˚C); in such conditions, they will thrive. Another important thing is a pot; it needs to be about eight inches tall. And water it only when the soil is dry because it’s important to let the soil dry out between waterings.
If you look for another veg to grow indoors, you can pay attention to:
- Broccoli
- Endive
- Peas
- Cabbage
What Are the Best Fruits to Grow Indoors
What can be better than fresh fruits grown directly on the windowsill? Nothing, we agree.
Kumquat, the Citrus japonica
This citrus is especially interesting because you can eat it whole! Yeah, not only a fruit itself is edible, but also its peel. And, unexpectedly, the peel is sweeter than the fruit, which is sour. Suppose you want this tree to bear fruits, here’s the tip. Pinch back some of the growth tips. Thanks to this manipulation, the plant becomes bushier and stiffer, and it will help with bearing fruits. Kumquat is not hard to grow indoors; this plant just needs a lot of sunlight and humidity. And also the tree itself looks nice, so you can make your apartment prettier!
Meyer Lemon
This indoor citrus tree is well known because of its delightful and sweet lemons. To keep such (tasty) beauty in good condition, you need a high level of humidity. If you can place it next to the humidifier, it will be great. You can also use a pebble tray, which will increase the level of humidity. All citruses like a lot of light, and Meyer lemon is not an exception so that the south-facing window will suit the most.
Goji Berries, Lycium barbarum
Do you know what contains more beta-carotene than carrots, more iron than spinach, and more vitamin C than oranges? Well, these are the reasons why goji berries are often praised for being good for health. And you can grow them outside and inside! Indoor goji berries need a lot of sunlight to thrive. This plant is not picky so that it can tolerate slightly arid conditions. What they won’t handle for sure is overwatering, so be careful with it. And let the potting mix dry out before watering.
Other fruits to grow indoors:
- Key lime
- Passion fruit
- Apricot tree
- Olive tree
- Peach
- Figs
Other Edible Indoor Plants You Should Try to Grow
Microgreens and herbs are probably the easiest edible plants to grow indoors. They look like regular plants,, but they are also tasty and good for your health. Another plus – the process of growing them is much faster than with fruit or vegs.
Spinach
Spinach contains a lot of nutrients that can improve your health, help with fatigue, and even improve cognitive functions. Not to mention, it’s delicious. If winter a hard tfor you,, growing spinach is a good idea. During this time, organism needs more vitamins. And it’s not hard to grow it indoors. Just don’t expose the plant to too much sunlight. And don’t forget that the perfect temperature range for it is between 50 to 75˚F (10-24˚C).
Basil
Basil is one of the best indoor herbs. It isn’t only fragrant and useful in the kitchen but also so easy to grow indoors! Choose nutrient-rich and well-drained soil. Keep it moist but don’t overwater because in such a case, roots are inclined to root rot. When it comes to light, basil loves a lot of sunlight to thrive. About six hours of it or ten if you use fluorescent lighting are needed.
Oregano
This herb can make your dishes even more delicious; mostly it’s used in salads and sauces. This plant is easy to grow and take care of. What you need is a potting mix with perlite, sand, and peat moss, and the pot needs to have excellent drainage. Place it somewhere where it can get enough bright sunlight, and water it when the soil is dry. Thyme, bay, marjoram, and sage have the same requirements, so you can plant them together.
Other plants you can grow indoors:
- Mint
- Lemon balm
- Rosemary
- Chives
- Chervil
- Fenugreek
- Lettuce
- Kale
- Arugula
- Watercress
FAQ
Can you grow dragon fruit indoors?
Yes, you can, and it’s not so hard! Just choose high-quality soil and provide it with enough light, at least four hours a day. When you notice something is wrong, add fertilizer, choose better soil. And most importantly, pay attention to the lighting.
What is the most popular edible plant?
Well, it is hard to say; it depends on the region. But we can guess that most people prefer to grow some herbs in their kitchen.
Can I grow edible flowers indoors?
Such flowers as honeysuckle, lavender, clover, roses, violets, hibiscus are edible. You can make jelly or even vine of them! And for sure growing edible flowers indoors is possible.
Is it safe to eat herbs grown indoors?
It’s not only safe but also even healthier than eating plants from the store because they are pesticide or herbicides free!
