How long until I can use my herbs?

I just planted basil, sage, chives, thyme, and cilantro seeds today... how long will it be before I can use the herbs in cooking? Was it silly for me to start from seeds this late in the year? or do a lot of people wait until May to plant herb seeds?

How long until I can use my herbs?
Basil, cilantro, and chives should be the fastest. In about 3 weeks from sowing, you'll be able to identify the plant and anywhere from 5-8 weeks, depending on weather conditions, you'll be able to harvest in small quantities. Sage and Thyme are much slower. It could take 10-12 weeks to get enough thyme to harvest.



Are you too late to plant? Well it depends on where you are located. Cilantro doesn't like the heat and it may not do well if you are far south. Also, your variety selection on the others is important. Thymes can be perennial and evergreen so you most likely are okay there, some basils do not take the heat well, but some do. The site below has some helpful information.
Reply:Well as soon as they are grown you can use them. When you see the first leaf if you want to use that you can. You can plant herb seeds now or buy the plants from Lowe's or something. You can harvest the leaves anytime. Don't let them go to seed though unless you want them too of course. If they go to seed they will focus on blooming and the leaves wont grow.