
The answer is yes, provided you choose the right herbs. While most herbs are sun lovers, there are some that tolerate partial shade and a few that actually prefer shade. First let’s define “partial shade” and “full shade”.
Do herbs grow well in shade?
Fortunately, there are several herbs that do fairly well in shady conditions. Deep shade will cause most herbs to sprawl a little and grow leggy as they seek sunlight, but many will grow admirably in dappled shade or in a spot that gets a short stretch of direct sun each day.
What herbs need full sun to grow?
Like most plants, herbs generally want more sun. These herbs will thrive in full sun, but if you can only provide partial sun, between three and six hours per day, they’ll be fine: Chives. This onion relative can grow in only partial sun, but you’ll get more chive blossoms in full sun. Chervil. Grow chervil to use fresh in salads.
Can herbs grow in part-shade?
Deep shade will cause most herbs to sprawl a little and grow leggy as they reach out for sunlight, but many will grow admirably in dappled shade or in a spot that gets a short stretch of direct sun each day. Here are five herbs that will do quite well in part-shade conditions.
How much sunlight do herbs need to grow?
Light shade: this type of herbs require 4-5 hours of direct sunlight to live (and more hours to thrive) while the remaining 3-4 hours they can stay in the shade; Partial shade: this type of herbs can live with only 2-3 hours of direct light and in the shade (here is defined as not direct sunlight) for the remaining 4-5 hours;

Which herbs do not like full sun?
Vegetables and Herbs for Half Shade and Dappled Shade Herbs include arugula, basil, parsley, dill, chervil, cilantro, chives, garlic chives, watercress, and alpine strawberries. If you are unsure whether you have enough sunlight for these crops to grow well, start small and experiment.
Can herbs get too much sun?
ANSWER: Any plant can get too much sunlight, and herbs are no exception. When it comes to sunlight needs, not all herbs are created equal—some prefer more sun than others. For example, basil and thyme like a decent amount of full sun, while parsley and chives don't like nearly as much sunlight.
Do herbs grow well in shade?
Though it is true that most herbs prefer full sun, there are some that thrive in shade or require at least some shade for their best performance. Gardening with herbs in the shade can be an excellent retreat from the sun.
Which herb needs the most sunlight?
Which Herbs Need Full Sun?Basil. This classic Italian culinary herb is versatile and easy to grow as long as you give it a spot with full sun and good moisture in the soil.Chamomile. The flowers of chamomile make a lovely tea. ... Cilantro. ... Dill. ... Fennel. ... Lavender. ... Rosemary. ... Summer Savory.
How often should I water my herbs?
A good rule of thumb for most herbs is to water about once per week. During extreme heat or drought conditions, sometimes twice per week will be needed. Water in the cooler hours of the morning, between 6 – 10 am, to avoid evaporation and allow for deep root soaking.
Why do my potted herbs keep dying?
The main reason for herbs dying is because of root rot which is caused by overwatering, slow draining soil and pots without drainage holes in the base. Herbs require well draining soil and suffer root rot because of excess moisture around the roots which causes herbs to turn yellow, droop and die back.
Does rosemary need sun or shade?
full sunRosemary prefers full sun and light, well-drained soil with a pH between 6 and 7.
Does rosemary like shade?
Contrary to popular belief, rosemary actually does very well in partial shade. Though it will grow slower in low light areas, mine gets 4-6 hours of direct sun, and I have more than enough. Regardless of where you plant it, keep the soil on the dry side. If you water it too much, it could cause the roots to rot.
Does thyme grow in shade?
Thyme. Most varieties of thyme will tolerate part shade. Let the soil slightly dry out between waterings. Try planting it with other flowers and herbs for a fragrant container.
Does thyme need sun or shade?
full sunThyme does best in full sun. Start from young plants set out in spring after the last frost. Be sure to choose strong young thyme plants from Bonnie Plants®, the company that has been helping home gardeners succeed for over 100 years. Plant in soil with excellent drainage and a pH of about 7.0.
How do you care for potted herbs?
Growing Herbs & Herb Garden CareBright Sun for Happy Herbs. Most herbs grow best in full sun. Plant your herbs where they will receive at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight each day. ... Watch the Water. While herbs appreciate water during especially hot or dry weather, don't overdo it.
Where is the best place to plant herbs?
Most herbs thrive in full sun (six or more hours of direct sunlight per day). If you have a garden that receives less sun, choose herbs that don't need as much. The Gardener's Best® Strawberry and Herb Grow Bag has sturdy nylon handles so it's easy to move to the sunniest spot, or to a protected area on chilly nights.
How much sunlight should herbs get?
6 hoursMost herbs require at least 6 hours of sun per day outdoors. Indoors, much less light gets in, especially in the winter. So be sure you can place your herbs in a sunny spot, preferably in a south-facing window.
Can basil get too much sun?
Basil can get too much sun and if it does, it can develop leaf burn. But do not grow basil in the shade. For basil to take off, the soil and air need to be fairly warm, so don't rush putting out your plants in the spring.
Can parsley get too much sun?
It is possible for parsley to get too much sun. When this happens, limp stems and leaves appear during the hottest part of the day. This is usually because the herb is evaporating more moisture than it's absorbing. Too much sun can make parsley droop, which is typically a direct result of parched soil.
How much sunlight does each herb need?
5-6 hoursHerbs will need at least 5-6 hours of good, hot sun each day. Those long hours of sunlight force herbs to produce the oils that give them their unique aromas and flavors in the first place. So…the more sun, the better!
Growth Factors
Before we jump right into some of the top herbs for a shady area of your garden, let’s examine a few important considerations.
Roman Chamomile
Roman Chamomile is a perennial plant that does not grow taller than 30 cm.
Chervil
This annual plant is cold-resistant and not very demanding on the soil.
Garlic Chives
Garlic Chives are similar to regular onions but taste more like garlic.
Ginseng
Ginseng should be shaded from direct sunlight, which damages the plant.
Lovage
Another herb that grows well in the shade, lovage has a pleasant and fragrant smell.
Oregano
It is important for Oregano planting to choose a moderately warm day and periodically water the seedlings.
Which herbs like full sun?
Fennel. Used as both a culinary and a medicinal herb, fennel loves full sun and tolerates hot temperatures. Lavender. As a Mediterranean herb, lavender thrives in hot, sunny locations. It needs full sun for the best growth. Rosemary. Rosemary is also Mediterranean and loves heat and full sun. Summer Savory.
What herbs grow best in full sun?
For the most part, herbs in full sun are happiest. Some will tolerate a little shade, but these are herbs for sunny spots. They need six or more hours of sunlight per day: 1 Basil. This classic Italian culinary herb is versatile and easy to grow as long as you give it a spot with full sun and good moisture in the soil. 2 Chamomile. The flowers of chamomile make a lovely tea. The plants need full sun to bloom prolifically, although they don’t like excessive heat. 3 Cilantro. Cilantro loves full sun, but it will bolt quickly in hot weather, so keep an eye on plants daily in the summer. 4 Dill. Dill needs a lot of sun to grow best. Use both the fern-like foliage and the delicate flowers in summer dishes. 5 Fennel. Used as both a culinary and a medicinal herb, fennel loves full sun and tolerates hot temperatures. 6 Lavender. As a Mediterranean herb, lavender thrives in hot, sunny locations. It needs full sun for the best growth. 7 Rosemary. Rosemary is also Mediterranean and loves heat and full sun. 8 Summer Savory. This is a classic herb for French cuisine, and it loves hot, sunny days.
How much sun do herbs need?
The best full sun herbs are those that need six hours or more of sunlight per day . Many herbs will tolerate some shade but prefer full sun, while others need full sun. If you have a sunny or mostly sunny spot for a kitchen garden, try these herbs.
How much sunlight does lemon balm need?
Lemon Balm. This fresh, lemony herb likes six hours of sunlight per day, but will tolerate four. Mint. Mint grows so easily and aggressively that it can thrive even in a shady area. Keep it in a container to avoid mint taking over every bed in the garden. Parsley.
What plants need sun in summer?
Cilantro. Cilantro loves full sun, but it will bolt quickly in hot weather, so keep an eye on plants daily in the summer. Dill. Dill needs a lot of sun to grow best. Use both the fern-like foliage and the delicate flowers in summer dishes. Fennel.
What is the best herb to use in French cuisine?
Summer Savory. This is a classic herb for French cuisine, and it loves hot, sunny days.
Is basil easy to grow?
Basil. This classic Italian culinary herb is versatile and easy to grow as long as you give it a spot with full sun and good moisture in the soil.
What herbs can grow in low light?
From culinary favorites like parsley and mint to medicinal go-tos like angelica and nettle, these shade-loving herbs will thrive in low light gardens.
When do spicebush bloom?
Spicebush. Spicebush is super-fragrant, edible and does well in partial shade. Scented blooms appear in late winter to early spring, before leaves unfurl on branches. Fall color features yellow shades, and when leaves drop, female plants display red berries that beckon birds.
Does oregano need sun?
Most varieties of oregano need full sun; however, the leaves of golden oregano, 'Aureum', can fry under the sun, so it does best in partial shade. BUY ONLINE: Burpee, $16.95, Pack of 3. Chives. Chives produce 6" to 12" clumps of grass-like leaves that can be clipped and added to salads, stews and other dishes.
Can mint be planted in a pot?
Mint. Mint is one of the best choices for a shady spot. The culinary favorite grows so fast and so easily that if not carefully tended to, it can take over other plants. For best results, make mint a container plant or pot it before adding it to garden beds.
Is Italian parsley a biennial?
The plants have long taproots, so give them large containers if you grow them in pots. Though typically treated as an annual, parsley is a biennial and will overwinter in zone 6 and above.
Is sweet cicely edible?
All parts of sweet cicely are edible and impart a sweet anise flavor with a touch of celery. Use the fresh leaves and seeds in fruit dishes or baked products. The roots can be cooked and eaten as a vegetable. Sweet Cicely can tolerate some sun but prefers shadier nooks.
What kind of soil do you need for a mint plant?
Soil Needs: Fertile, moist, well-drained soil. The members of the Mentha genus include many species, most of which will grow fairly well in part shade. Because of its vigorous habit, it is a good idea to plant mint in a container that can be sunk into the ground to keep it from taking over the garden completely.
Is parsley a biennial plant?
Parsley is a biennial plant that will self-seed in the garden if plants are allowed to flower and set seed. Fresh or dried, parsley has almost unlimited use in cooking. 02 of 05.
Can you grow lemon balm in full sun?
Lemon balm is an easy-to-grow perennial herb that creates little trouble for gardeners. You can grow lemon balm in full shade or dappled sunlight, with great results, but keep it trimmed to keep the shape compact; Lemon balm has a long history as an herbal medicine with its mild sedative properties.
Can thyme be planted in the shade?
When planted in the shade, thyme may bloom less, but the heady fragrance and beauty will always remain. Thyme does best in dappled sunlight rather than deep shade. It dislikes wet locations but is ideal for dry part shade. Thyme is an excellent addition, fresh or dried, to soups, stews, and fish or meat dishes.
Is parsley an annual or biennial?
Soil Needs: Moist, well-drained soil. Parsley is a biennial herb normally grown as an annual. It is one of those herbs that can tolerate almost any condition. As with any herb that will be spending much of its time in the shade, keep parsley trimmed to keep it from sprawling.
Can herbs grow in shade?
Deep shade will cause most herbs to sprawl a little and grow leggy as they reach out for sunlight, but many will grow admirably in dappled shade or in a spot that gets a short stretch of direct sun each day. Here are five herbs that will do quite well in part-shade conditions. 01 of 05.
What herbs are good for full sun?
Here’s a list of the most popular full-sun herbs. 1. Basil. Basil is one of the famous seasoning herbs in the kitchen. Besides that, basil can be used to promote mental alertness and relieve stomach spasms. Basil thrives in full sun and warm weather. And it can easily be damaged by cold temperatures.
What is the best time to light up herbs?
You should also consider the climate your herb prefers. In some instances, there is a simple solution that would help you overcome such a problem: morning sun, which is said to be brighter and less heat intense. In other words, your full-sun herbs would be getting the best quality of light during the morning.
What is the best herb for menstrual cramps?
Dill is also a medicinal herb that can alleviate abdominal pain and menstrual cramps. Dill is a full-sun herb that is quite common in Europe and Asia. Its ideal temperature is 70°F (21°C) and grows best in sandy soil.
What is the best soil for rosemary?
The best growing medium for rosemary is moderately rich well-drained soil. Learn more about the ideal soil mix for rosemary. 7.
Why are partial sun and shade important?
Considerable controversy surrounds the topic of full sun, partial sun, partial shade, and shade plants, mainly because these terms aren’t “scientifically” accurate. Nonetheless, they are very important in gardening because they highly increase the success of growing healthy plants. They’re also very “practical,” and that suits this activity very ...
Where does lavender grow?
Lavender is native to the Mediterranean region, so it grows in full sun and prefers a warm climate. Broadly speaking, many varieties of lavender are soft perennials and cannot survive cold winters.
When is full sun gardening?
July 27, 2020. July 9, 2019 by Jad D. The world of gardening features a great variety of herbs that prefer what we call “full sun”. In this article, we will list some of the most popular full-sun herbs. Considerable controversy surrounds the topic of full sun, partial sun, partial shade, and shade plants, mainly because these terms aren’t ...
What is the best herb to use in salads?
Cilantro is great in stir-fry, pasta salad, salad dressings, and the like. You can use both the stems and leaves. Coriander is popular for pickles and soups and pairs well with carrots and cumin.
What is the name of the herb that is eaten separately?
4) Cliantro, Coriandrum sativum. Cilantro is an interesting herb. The plant as a whole, and especially the seeds, is typically known as coriander, but when the leaves are eaten separately they are known as cilantro. The seeds and leaves have surprisingly different flavors.
What is the name of the herb that is used in soups?
3) Parsley, Petroselinum crispum. This herb is a famous plate garnish and breath freshener, but it is also a common ingredient for soups, sauces, and vegetable dishes. The roots of parsley plants can be chopped and cooked in soups or stews. This pretty little herb is a member of the carrot family.
Can chives grow in the shade?
Don’t overlook growing some delicious chives in your shady herb garden. Although chives prefer full sun, they will also grow just fine in the shade. Chives are hardy little perennials, and will grow in almost any kind of soil, garden, or container.
Is lemon balm a perennial?
Lemon balm is another fragrant herb that is related to the mint family. This herb is a hardy perennial, which is hard to contain once it gets established in your garden or yard.
Can herbs grow in full sun?
Even herbs that typically grow in full sun can be hardy enough to withstand part and even full shade, especially if the other conditions are right. Not only will you have a beautiful herb garden, you’ll have a variety of tasty herbs to use in your kitchen. Amanda Furbeck.
Can you grow golden oregano in a flower bed?
Grow it in your kitchen garden or as a decorative plant in your flower beds. Use golden oregano in cooking just like you would any other fresh oregano. It is a staple flavoring in both pizza and tomato sauces. You can chop the leaves finely, eat the blossoms, and dry the herb in small bunches. Wild Bergamot.
How long can herbs live in shade?
Partial shade: this type of herbs can live with only 2-3 hours of direct light and in the shade (here is defined as not direct sunlight) for the remaining 4-5 hours; Full and dense shade: this refers to herbs that require only 1 hour or less (even nothing) of direct sunlight.
How long do herbs need direct sunlight?
This condition can be challenging to satisfy all year round in a closed environment without the use of artificial light; Light shade: this type of herbs require 4-5 hours of direct sunlight to live (and more hours to thrive) while the remaining 3-4 hours they can stay in the shade;
How much sunlight does parsley need?
The former one can tolerate heavy shade while the latter would not survive with only 1-2 hours of direct sunlight a day.
What is direct sunlight?
Direct sunlight is when the herb is in a location where it can “see” directly the sun. The light goes from the sun to the plant without bouncing to another surface on its way.
Why is light important for plants?
First and foremost, light is vital for the plants to produce glucose to growth. Hence, from this basic fact, you can understand that in case of insufficient light, there will not be enough glucose. So, the growth of your herbs will be a stunt.
What is shrubbery in gardening?
Shrubbery is greenery grown for ornamental or decorative purposes. A more practical gardener may, however, opt for vegetables that can be sold or cooked.
What is a shrub?
A shrub (also known as a bush), is a short and bushy plant with so many leaves that you can hardly see most of its woody stems and branches.
How much sunlight does a herb need?
Tuck these herbs into shadier spots in the yard – planted against a fence or wall, beneath the umbrage of trees, in the shadow of towering plants, or in any nook, cranny or corner that receives anywhere between 3 to 6 hours of sunlight. 1.
What is a herb?
Herbs are savory and aromatic plants, grown for flavoring, fragrance, and medicine. About as easygoing as can be, most herbs will thrive with very little intervention from the gardener. They require less water and fertilizer than many other garden plants, and are also generally pest-free. Because herbs act as natural pest repellents for the garden, ...
What is the name of the herb that is odd looking?
2. Borage ( Borago officinalis) Borage is a striking herb, if only because it’s so odd looking. Covered in a coat of bristly hairs, borage has an indeterminate habit that can appear a bit unkempt. The tops of the branched stems bloom with clusters of drooping star shaped flowers in blue, each with a pointy center.
What are herbs used for?
Herbs are savory and aromatic plants, grown for flavoring, fragrance, and medicine.
When does chamomile flower?
From early summer all the way to autumn, chamomile sends out masses of pretty, daisy-like flowers atop delicate soft-needled foliage. When bruised or crushed, the leaves emit a wonderful fruity scent.
Is parsley a clump?
Parsley is a clump forming herb with tops composed of finely divided green leaflets. The handsome leaves may be flat or curly, depending on the variety.
Is parsley a good host plant for swallowtail butterflies?
It’s also a good choice for butterfly gardens, since parsley is the favored host plant for the black swallowtail butterfly. Hardiness zone: 5 to 9.
