10 Best Edible Perennials to Start Indoors This Winter for a Year-Round Harvest
- The Economic Botanist
- Oct 6
- 7 min read
This article is about how you can turn your indoor space into a year-round edible garden by starting the best edible perennials indoors this winter. Growing your own food doesn’t have to stop when it gets cold outside—perennials give you a sustainable, long-lasting source of fresh flavors all year.
“Plant once, harvest forever—your indoor garden can be your personal pantry, no matter the season.” – The Economic Botanist
Growing your own food isn’t just about planting a few seeds and hoping they grow. It’s part of a larger story—one that connects us to nature’s rhythms and the cycle of the seasons, even when the weather outside is cold and gray. This story is about edible perennials and how they can transform the way we think about indoor gardening.
You might know about growing vegetables or herbs from seed each year, but edible perennials offer something different. These plants come back year after year, quietly building a sustainable food source right inside your home. It’s a blend of smart science, simple care, and a little bit of patience—all wrapped up in the goal of having fresh, homegrown food no matter the season.
In this article, we’ll explore the best edible perennials to start indoors this winter, how to care for them, and why they’re the perfect choice for anyone who wants a continuous, year-round harvest. Whether you’re new to indoor gardening, a seasoned green thumb, or just curious about growing your own food through the cold months, this guide will help you bring a little more life—and flavor—into your home.
On this page
What Are Edible Perennials and Why Grow Them Indoors?
Things to Consider Before Starting Edible Perennials Indoors
10 Best Edible Perennials to Start Indoors This Winter
How to Transition Your Indoor Perennials Outdoors (Optional Step)
Maintenance Tips for Year-Round Indoor Harvest
What Are Edible Perennials and Why Grow Them Indoors?
Let’s start with the basics. You might be wondering, “What exactly are edible perennials?” Simply put, these are plants that live for more than two years and produce food—whether leaves, stems, roots, or fruit—without needing to be replanted every season.
Growing edible perennials indoors is a smart move, especially during the colder months when outdoor gardening slows down or stops entirely. Instead of giving up on fresh food during winter, you can get ahead by starting these plants inside. This way, you’ll enjoy a year-round indoor harvest with less effort over time.
Here are a few reasons why edible perennials are worth your attention:
Sustainability: Once established, these plants keep giving without needing to be replanted every year. That means less work, less waste, and more fresh food.
Space-Saving: Many edible perennials do well in containers and small spaces, making them perfect for apartment dwellers or those with limited outdoor garden space.
Year-Round Enjoyment: By starting your edible perennials indoors during winter, you’re basically jumping the growing season. This means fresh herbs, greens, and veggies even when it’s freezing outside.
Cost-Effective: Buying seeds or starter plants and growing your own saves money compared to buying fresh herbs or specialty produce at the store.
If you’ve been curious about indoor gardening winter projects or how to create a self-sustaining indoor garden, edible perennials are a perfect place to start.
Things to Consider Before Starting Edible Perennials Indoors
Before you rush out to buy pots and seeds, let’s talk about some important factors you’ll want to keep in mind to set your indoor edible garden up for success.
Lighting Requirements
Plants need light to photosynthesize, and during winter, natural light indoors is often limited. You’ll want to place your edible perennials near south-facing windows if possible, but many will also benefit greatly from grow lights. LED grow lights are energy-efficient and provide the right spectrum of light your plants need to thrive.
Container Size and Drainage
Choose containers that are big enough to support your perennials as they grow. Remember, these plants can last several years, so giving them room to spread their roots now will pay off. Make sure your pots have good drainage holes to prevent root rot, which is a common indoor gardening pitfall.
Soil and Nutrients
Use high-quality organic potting mix designed for indoor plants. Since you’re growing food, avoid any soil with synthetic fertilizers or chemicals. Feeding your plants with a balanced, organic fertilizer every few weeks can help maintain their health and productivity.
Watering Needs
Edible perennials usually like consistent moisture but don’t want to sit in soggy soil. Check the top inch of soil before watering. If it’s dry, give them a drink! Overwatering is one of the top reasons indoor plants fail, so finding the right balance is key.
Indoor Climate: Humidity and Temperature
Most edible perennials prefer moderate temperatures (65-75°F) and humidity levels around 40-60%. Dry indoor air in winter can be tough on plants, so you might want to use humidity trays or small humidifiers, especially if your home has forced air heating.
10 Best Edible Perennials to Start Indoors This Winter
Ready for the star players? These 10 edible perennials are perfect for indoor winter planting, and each has unique benefits to keep your kitchen stocked all year.
1. Chives
Chives are a classic herb with a mild onion flavor. They’re easy to grow indoors and don’t take up much space.
Chives like bright light and consistent moisture but tolerate a bit of neglect, which makes them perfect for beginners.
Tips: Harvest the leaves regularly to encourage new growth. Uses: Sprinkle fresh chives on salads, soups, eggs, and more. |  |
2. Mint
Mint grows fast and has a refreshing flavor that’s perfect for teas, desserts, and cocktails. It can be a bit aggressive, so keep it contained in its own pot. Tips: Use well-draining soil and keep it evenly moist. Uses: Add mint leaves to water, iced tea, or homemade pesto. |  |
3. Oregano
This Mediterranean herb thrives in sunny indoor spots and adds a punch of flavor to Italian and Greek dishes. Tips: Allow the soil to dry out slightly between watering. Uses: Use fresh or dried oregano in sauces, pizzas, and marinades. |  |
4. Thyme
Thyme is drought-tolerant and low-maintenance, making it a great choice for a busy indoor gardener. It grows well in small containers and appreciates good airflow. Tips: Prune regularly to keep the plant bushy and productive. Uses: Perfect for seasoning roasted veggies, stews, and meats. |  |
5. Lemon Balm
Lemon balm smells like fresh citrus and can brighten up teas, salads, and desserts. It’s also known for its calming properties. Tips: It prefers bright, indirect light and regular watering. Uses: Brew lemon balm tea or add fresh leaves to fruit salads. |  |
6. Sorrel
Sorrel is a tart leafy green that adds a lemony zing to soups, sauces, and salads. It’s hardy and grows quickly indoors. Tips: Keep the soil moist and harvest the outer leaves first. Uses: Use fresh sorrel in place of spinach or add to spring soups. |  |
7. Walking Onions (Egyptian Onions)
Walking onions are a fascinating perennial allium that produces both edible greens and small bulbets on the top of their stalks, which can be planted again. Tips: They like full sun and well-drained soil. Uses: Use the greens like scallions or let the bulbets grow for future harvests. |  |
Fun Fatc: Some edible perennials like walking onions can “walk” around your garden by dropping their bulbets a little further each year, essentially moving themselves without you needing to replant. |
8. Rhubarb
Rhubarb is a longer-term project but worth it. It requires a dormant period (which can be mimicked indoors) and will reward you with tangy stalks for pies and jams. Tips: Start rhubarb indoors in large containers and give it cool temperatures to rest. Uses: Make rhubarb compote, jams, or add it to desserts. |  |
Fun Fact: Rhubarb is technically a vegetable but is usually treated as a fruit in cooking because of its tart flavor, and it’s one of the oldest cultivated edible perennials, dating back to ancient China. |
9. Asparagus
Asparagus takes patience but can live and produce for decades once established. Starting it indoors gives it a head start before transplanting outdoors. Tips: Use deep pots with rich soil and be patient—it can take a few years to harvest. Uses: Enjoy fresh asparagus in salads, roasted dishes, or steamed. |  |
10. Strawberries (Everbearing Varieties)
Yes, you can grow strawberries indoors! Choose everbearing or day-neutral varieties that can produce fruit continuously. Tips: Provide plenty of light and consistent moisture. Uses: Fresh strawberries make a delicious treat or salad topping. |  |
How to Transition Your Indoor Perennials Outdoors (Optional Step)
If you want to eventually move your perennials outside, you’ll need to “harden them off” first. This means gradually exposing the plants to outdoor conditions over 1-2 weeks, starting with a couple of hours a day in a sheltered spot and increasing exposure over time.
Some perennials will thrive better indoors year-round, while others like asparagus or rhubarb benefit from being planted outside for full growth.
Maintenance Tips for Year-Round Indoor Harvest
To keep your indoor edible garden thriving:
Rotate your plants occasionally so all sides get light.
Prune regularly to encourage new growth.
Watch for pests like spider mites or aphids and treat them early.
Refresh soil annually by repotting or adding fresh potting mix.
Feed with organic fertilizers every 4-6 weeks during growing season.
Consider companion planting to improve growth and reduce pests.
Bonus: Companion Tools and Supplies to Help You Succeed
To make indoor gardening winter projects easier and more productive, here are some helpful tools:
LED grow lights: Provide consistent light spectrum for photosynthesis.
Organic potting mix: Avoid synthetic fertilizers and pesticides.
Humidity trays or small humidifiers: Keep the air moisture-friendly.
Quality containers with drainage: Prevent root rot.
Reliable seed sources or starter plants: Look for organic, disease-free options.
The Bottom Line
Starting edible perennials indoors this winter isn’t just a fun project—it’s a smart way to enjoy fresh, homegrown food year-round. By choosing the right plants and giving them proper care, you can turn your indoor space into a thriving edible garden that keeps on giving.
You don’t need a huge garden or fancy equipment. With a bit of light, water, and love, you’ll have fresh herbs, greens, and even fruits right at your fingertips no matter the season.
So why wait? Grab some seeds, find a sunny spot, and start your edible perennial garden indoors this winter. You’ll thank yourself when you’re picking fresh chives or mint in the middle of a snowy January.
********************
If you enjoyed this guide, why not start your own indoor edible garden today? Subscribe to our newsletter for more gardening tips and tricks, and share your winter gardening adventures with us in the comments below. Happy growing!
Comments