Is it possible to grow herbs bought from supermarkets?

roses

I am finding it really difficult to get my basil, coriander & parsley seeds to grow. Lidl are currently selling grown pots of each for 30p each. If I buy some of these & stick them outside when it's a bit warmer, will they grow into a bush? Or are supermarket herbs genetically modified to die after a short perdiod (my ex landlord told me this!)?

comping_cat

I bought some from Tescos last year, and while i kept them in their pots inside, they died really quickly. Then, i planted them outside, and they continued to grow!!!! They did die off over the winter, but now the chives and parsley are growing nicely again, and the mint and also the thyme looks like they are picking up again too, so i would def recommend planting them out.

roses

Thanks . Perhaps they put chemicals in the soil. I will try re-potting them in some new soiol & stick them outside when the weather is a bit warmer.

I will try sticking them outside in my plastic greenhouse during the day & inside at night as some other posters have suggested in other threads.

Angelina-M

I bought a poorly looking chive plant for about 25p from the supermarket, it went mad and soon took over its new home. This year it is in a square container about 12inches and its filled the whole thing with lush growth.

Coriander. I bought the same thing, cheapo reduced plant and it grew well but quickly went to seed. I kept the seeds and planted them the following year and got nothing! Still, they taste nice in my curries!

jennifernil

The herbs you have mentioned are fairly easy to grow from seed. You need to follow the instructions/germination temperatures given on the packets. Basil germinates easily, but you must not overwater it, remember it is a Mediterranean native and likes it hot and dry. Keep it just moist.

Coriander does run to seed if you let it, the trick is to keep pinching off the tops.

Parsley needs patience. I plant it in cells, about 5 seeds per cell. Keep moist and follow instructions re temperature, it is quite sensitive to temperature.

comping_cat

Thought i would add, when i planted my mint (which was lovely last year, and has started to grow again this year) i planted it in the container it came in - i always remember my mum saying that mint will spread like wildflower so its best to keep it contained!!!!

Mr_Warren_2

I believe parsley is better bought at supermarket and planted in pots. Parsley only last a couple of seasons after that they do not produce good shoots (I believe they are bi-annuals). Chives once established will come back every year, if the plant becomes too large, just dig it out, cut it in half with a strong knife an replant one half. Give the other one away. Thym will keep on growing if it likes the soil and position. Cut time with scisors as and when needed. Coriander and basil are a bit more tricky to grow as they don't like cold drafts (never managed to grow it in the open).

roses

I bought 4 plants from Lidl yesterday: 2 basil & 2 coriander. I put 1 basil & 1 coriander on my window sill & I put the other 2 outside in my plastic greenhouse. So we will see

Lidl are selling pots for 29p each this week & they also had parsley & chives.