I love herbs not only for their flavor but also for their beauty. Have you ever taken a moment to appreciate how stunning and resilient they can be?
I adore all kinds of plants, but nothing enhances my kitchen like freshly cut herbs, in all their vibrant green glory. They’re gorgeous!
There’s something so charming about walking into your kitchen and being greeted by a row of fresh herbs in simple glass jars—I absolutely love it!
They also inspire me to make healthier, tastier meals.
I started placing herbs in jars out of necessity (I didn’t have room in the fridge!), but over time, I realized they added a natural, effortless charm to my kitchen.
Now I do it intentionally — whether I’m bringing in cilantro from the garden or grabbing a bunch of basil from the farmers market.
In this post, I will show you how to create your own “herb bouquets,” keep them looking fresh for days (sometimes over a week or two!), and style them so they feel like a part of your home’s decor.
Why Store Herbs This Way?
If you’re used to tossing your herbs into the fridge in a plastic bag, you’re definitely not alone — but there’s a better way.
Herbs wilt quickly in the fridge; even when you try to wrap them in paper towels, they can end up soggy or forgotten.
Storing herbs in jars of water mimics how florists keep cut flowers fresh.
It keeps the stems hydrated and the leaves crisp. Plus, it makes your kitchen smell incredible — especially if you use fragrant herbs like basil or mint.
Even better? It makes your kitchen look lived-in in the best way, like a Nancy Myers film. Like someone who’s always cooking something delicious or prepping for a cozy gathering.
What You’ll Need
This method is super simple and doesn’t require anything fancy. You probably have everything on hand already:
- A few glass jars or small vases
(I use these mason jars, which I got from Amazon, and they’re the perfect size) - Fresh herbs — store-bought or snipped from your garden
- Scissors or garden snips
- Fresh room-temperature water
- (Optional) A pretty dish towel or tray for styling
Which Herbs Work Best?
While almost any herb can go in water, some last longer and look more vibrant on display. These are my favorites for both appearance and longevity:
- Basil – Love the fragrance and can last for months, as the stems grow roots after a few weeks!
- Mint – Stays fresh the longest, and smells amazing
- Parsley – Lacy and bright green, looks great in a bunch
- Cilantro – Pretty and fragrant, and lasts about 2 weeks, too.
How to Prep & Store Your Herbs in Jars
This whole process takes just a few minutes, and the results are so worth it.
1. Trim the stems
When you get your herbs home (or bring them in from the garden), give the bottoms a fresh cut, just like you would with flowers. I usually trim about half an inch off with sharp scissors.
2. Remove lower leaves
If any leaves will be submerged in water, gently pull them off — otherwise, they’ll start to rot and make the water cloudy.
3. Fill jars with water
Use clean, room-temperature water and fill your jars about halfway.
4. Place herbs in jars
Make sure the stems are submerged but not the leaves. Adjust as needed to let the herbs fan out like a little bouquet.
5. Style your display
Line up a few jars on a tray, group them in a corner near the stove, or place a single jar by the sink. If you want, add a small dish towel underneath or pair them with a bowl of fruit for a styled vignette.
How Long Will They Last?
Depending on the herb, they can last 3–10 days in water on the counter.
- Mint and rosemary last the longest — sometimes even 2 weeks!
- Basil tends to wilt more quickly but can perk up with fresh water and a trim.
- Cilantro and parsley are more sensitive, but still do fine for a few days when stored this way.
Tip: Change the water every 1–2 days and trim the stems if they start to look sad.
Styling Tips: Make It Look Intentional
How you style it turns this from a storage method into a decor moment. Here are a few ideas to elevate the look:
🍋 Pair with Seasonal Produce
Add a bowl of lemons, peaches, or tomatoes nearby for a fresh, layered look.
🕯️ Add a Candle or Cutting Board
Place a candle or a pretty wooden board behind the herbs for a cozy kitchen feel.
🌿 Group in Threes
A grouping of 3 small jars is more impactful than one — especially if the herbs vary in height or texture.
🧺 Use a Tray
Corral everything on a tray or cake stand to create a styled moment that’s easy to move and clean under.
When to Use This Idea
This little trick is one I use all year long, but it shines especially in:
- Spring and summer, when herbs are growing like crazy and farmer’s markets are full of bunches
- When guests are coming over and you want your kitchen to feel pulled together
- After grocery shopping, to keep herbs fresh and out where you’ll actually use them
- On meal prep days, when you want your kitchen to look pretty while you chop, cook, and clean
Storing herbs in water might seem simple, but it makes such a difference. Not just in how long they last, but in how your kitchen feels. There’s a quiet charm in walking in and seeing a little jar of mint on the counter, or some basil standing tall next to the olive oil.
It’s the kind of detail that makes a house feel like a home.
So skip the fridge next time you grab herbs from the garden or market. Grab a jar, add some water, and let your herbs be part of your space — and your everyday rituals.
If you try this herb jar method, I’d love to see! Tag me on Instagram @amongthelilacsblog and show me how you styled yours!
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