Best Fertiliser for Herbs: How to Keep Basil, Mint, Parsley & More Thriving

Fresh herbs like basil, mint, coriander, parsley and thyme are easy to grow at home—but without the right fertiliser, they quickly become pale, leggy, or slow to grow back after harvesting. Whether you’re growing herbs in pots or garden beds, choosing the best plant food is key to keeping your plants leafy, flavourful, and full of nutrients.

What Do Herbs Need to Thrive?

Herbs are typically fast-growing, leafy plants. They need:

Regular harvesting: Promotes bushier growth
Consistent moisture: Most herbs prefer moist—not soggy—soil
Sunlight: At least 5–6 hours per day, though soft-leaf herbs like coriander prefer partial shade
Good airflow: Prevents mildew and promotes resilience

And most importantly—herbs need **the right nutrients**. Because they’re usually grown for their foliage (not flowers or fruit), they benefit most from **fertilisers that support leafy growth**, with added trace minerals to enhance flavour and plant health.

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How to Grow Herbs at Home – Indoor & Outdoor Care Tips

Potting & Soil Tips

Use free-draining potting mix: A light soil blend with composted bark or perlite ensures roots don’t rot
Avoid clay or dense soil: Herbs dislike compacted soil that holds too much water
Choose deep pots for taproot herbs: Coriander and parsley need space for root growth

Watering Guidelines

Water deeply when the top 2–3 cm of soil is dry
Don’t let pots sit in saucers of water—this encourages root rot
Herbs in full sun may need daily watering in summer

Location

Outdoor herbs: Plant in raised beds or garden rows with full to partial sun
Indoor herbs: Place near a bright kitchen window with good airflow; rotate pots every few days
Cold weather: Most herbs slow down in winter—protect tender types like basil and mint

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What Is the Best Fertiliser for Herbs?

Herbs benefit from a balanced NPK fertiliser that supports **leaf growth** while keeping plants compact and full-flavoured. A liquid chemical formula allows for fast uptake, especially in containers where nutrients deplete quickly.

Ideal NPK Ratio

Moderate nitrogen (N): Encourages fresh, green leaf production
Balanced phosphorus (P): Supports root systems and healthy regrowth after harvesting
Potassium (K): Improves disease resistance and overall plant health

Feeding Schedule

Start 2–3 weeks after planting: Once roots are established
Feed every 1–2 weeks: Using a complete liquid fertiliser like a 20-20-20 or 2-7-7 depending on maturity
Flush soil monthly: Water heavily once a month to reduce any salt build-up

Common Herb Fertilising Mistakes

Overfeeding = bitter flavour in herbs like basil, mint and oregano
Feeding too soon after transplanting can cause leaf burn in sensitive varieties
Skipping feeds in pots causes herbs to stall and lose flavour intensity

By using a pH-balanced, complete fertiliser and following a consistent schedule, you’ll get bushier plants, stronger flavour, and faster regrowth after harvesting leaves or stems.