I was recently asked this question by several readers and though I've tried both—growing mature herb plants from seeds and from smaller plants—I've found more success with transplanting small plants and nurturing them to full growth. However, since I'm not the gardening expert, I wanted to check-in with all of you out there...
Any tips to share if you're one who can successfully grow herbs from seeds?
(Image Credit: The image above is from Etsy seller Rush of Wings and pictures their 10 Recycled Biodegradable Seedling Starter Newspaper Pots that sells for $5.25.)
100 DIY Ideas for the 3-Day Weekend
Danielle's Charming, Classic Walk-Up
Good Food to Share 
The Big Book of Small, Cool Spaces 
Apartment Therapy Presents 
The Eight-Step Home Cure 
White Enamel Flatwa...
How To Make Perfect Bacon in the Oven
Perfect Summer Cocktail Recipe: Honey Bourbon Lemonade
starting herbs like basil, parsley, dill, and cilantro from seed is no problem. in fact, you can directly sow them when it's warm enough in your area. thyme, oregano, and rosemary are a different story. they stay tiny and brittle for so long, any small mistake can mean the end for them. i've successfully started each from seed (for later transplanting) but it's probably not recommended for the novice gardener (i am a novice, too). it can't hurt to try, though. seeds are cheap and you can always buy some seedlings to transplant if it doesn't work out!
*this year i bought rosemary, thyme, and oregano plants.
dill is probably the easiest with basil a close second....ok, i'm done. sorry people!
I garden in a hostile climate---icy in the winter, brutally hot in the summer, and very short spurts of mild temperatures in between the two. Very often, I buy transplants in those mild periods. Some herbs, like oregano and rosemary, I grow from cuttings rooted indoors, and transplant them. I've had very few successes with seeds---cilantro and chives took off, but nothing else.
Agreed with Naturally Handy. I will also occasionally find herbs that I've never seen seeds for. I've started doing more cuttings though, from hard to germinate herbs, and have had moderate success with those. I've even had some luck rooting a few cut herbs from the farmer's market!
I always grow basil and cilantro, starting thyme or mint is a pain so I get small plants for those.
Dill, basil, cilantro, parsley-all seed. They just end up being more prolific and hardier during the fall.
Rosemary, oregano, sage, rose geranium, anise hyssop-all starts (although my anise hyssop seeded last year and I've literally got hundreds of 2 inch tall plants now).
Mint-just pinch a sprig, put it in water and let it root. I'm about to do this with my friends chocolate mint plant.
Now see, I always had trouble with Cilantro, everyone else seems to have it. Maybe I'm in the wrong climate.
Basil is a no-fail for me.
Mint is easy. You can propagate it by putting a piece in water and when roots form throw it in the ground. I like to fill a flat with dirt put seeds on top and wrap with plastic wrap in shady spot until germination.
I find I have no patience for seeds. Little seedlings are instant gratification and I watch and wait til they are large enough to pluck.