
Herbs. Herbs that will grow in light to partial shade are: angelica, basil
Basil
Basil, also called great basil or Saint-Joseph's-wort, is a culinary herb of the family Lamiaceae. Basil is native to tropical regions from central Africa to Southeast Asia. It is a tender plant, and is used in cuisines worldwide. Depending on the species and cultivar, the leaves may taste some…
Lemon balm
Lemon balm, balm, common balm, or balm mint, is a perennial herbaceous plant in the mint family Lamiaceae and native to south-central Europe, the Mediterranean Basin, Iran, and Central Asia, but now naturalized in the Americas and elsewhere.
Lovage
Lovage, Levisticum officinale, is a tall perennial plant, the sole species in the genus Levisticum in the family Apiaceae, subfamily Apioideae.
Acorus calamus
Acorus calamus is a species of flowering plant, a tall wetland monocot of the family Acoraceae, in the genus Acorus. Although used in traditional medicine over centuries to treat digestive disorders and pain, there is no clinical evidence for its safety or efficacy – and ingested calamus may be toxic …
Galium odoratum
Galium odoratum, the sweetscented bedstraw, is a flowering perennial plant in the family Rubiaceae, native to much of Europe from Spain and Ireland to Russia, as well as Western Siberia, Turkey, Iran, the Caucasus, China and Japan. It is also sparingly naturalized in scattered locations in th…
Valerian
Valerian is a perennial flowering plant native to Europe and Asia. In the summer when the mature plant may have a height of 1.5 metres, it bears sweetly scented pink or white flowers that attract many fly species, especially hoverflies of the genus Eristalis. It is consumed as food by the lar…
Full Answer
What herbs like shade?
ANNUAL HERBS THAT GROW IN SHADE
- Basil. Though basil is often considered a sun-loving crop, it produces pretty well with less than full sun.
- Borage. Borage leaves have a delicious cucumber-melon flavor that tastes amazing infused in water or seltzer, one of my favorite refreshers on hot summer days.
- Chervil. ...
- Cilantro & Coriander. ...
- Dill. ...
- Lemon Verbena. ...
- Parsley. ...
How to create an herb garden in the shade?
Some of the most popular shade tolerant herbs include:
- Lemon balm – Lemon balm grows well in shady areas, especially in dry climates, provided it has adequate drainage.
- Sweet woodruff – Sweet woodruff is great for use in shade, providing excellent ground coverage for dark areas. ...
- Ginger – Ginger prefers areas of light shade in moist but well-drained soil.
What are the best herbs to grow indoors with limited sunlight?
Best Herbs to Grow Indoors in Less Sun Lemongrass. This herb grows wild in tropics. ... Mint. In the garden, mint becomes very invasive and grows like a weed. ... Parsley. Grow it in a medium-large pot and keep that in a spot that receives part sun. ... Chives. Herbs that require less sunlight and moist soil to thrive are most suitable for growing indoors. ... Garden Cress. ... Catnip. ... Lemon Balm. ... Chervil. ...
Do herbs need full sun or shade?
Herbs are generally easy to grow, though growing conditions vary for individual plants. All herbs thrive in well-drained soil. Most prefer full sun ,while some do well in partial sun. Few herbs thrive in shady conditions. Herbs also tend to do better in outdoor gardens rather than in pots indoors.

What herbs thrive in full shade?
15 Great Herbs That Grow In ShadeThyme. All types of thyme will thrive in the shade. ... Oregano. Since it prefers cooler temperatures, oregano (also called winter marjoram) actually does better in the shade. ... Sorrel. ... Cilantro. ... Mint. ... Lovage. ... Rosemary. ... Summer Savory.More items...
What herbs can grow without sunlight?
List of Herbs that Grow Without SunlightLovage. Botanical Name: Levisticum officinale. ... Chives. Botanical Name: Allium schoenoprasum. ... Sweet Cicely. Botanical Name: Myrrhis odorata. ... Corsican Mint. Botanical Name: Mentha requienii. ... Parsley. Botanical Name: Petroselinum crispum. ... Wasabi. ... Tarragon. ... Angelica.More items...
Does thyme grow in shade?
Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) 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.
Does Mint tolerate shade?
Mint – Several varieties of mint also make suitable shade herbs. They do well in lightly shaded areas with adequate moisture and relatively fertile soil.
Will rosemary grow in shade?
Rosemary is tolerant of some shade, but will not thrive in full shade. This plant loves full sun (6-8+ hours of direct sunlight) but will grow in partial shade (2-6 hours of direct sunlight) as long as the area is dry and has excellent drainage and air circulation.
Will basil grow in shade?
It is recommended that basil is not grown in full shade (less than 1 hour of direct sunlight per day). Partial sun or partial shade means that the plant receives 2 to 6 hours of sunlight per day.
Does lavender grow in shade?
Lavenders thrive in an open site in full sun in a well-drained, neutral to alkaline soil (got acid soil? Try French lavender, Lavandula stoechas, instead). They cope well with drought conditions and may suffer in wet, heavy soils, particularly over winter.
Does mint like sun or shade?
Mint will grow either in full sun or part shade, though it definitely benefits from afternoon shade in the hottest regions. It also adapts readily to a variety of soils, but the ideal is moist, well-drained, and rich with organic matter.
Does oregano like sun or shade?
sunny spotSoil, Planting, and Care for Growing Oregano Oregano prefers a sunny spot; however, in zone 7 and farther south, it benefits from a little afternoon shade. Set plants in well-drained soil with a pH between 6.5 and 7.0.
Does sage like sun or shade?
full sunSage grows best in full sun and in soil with excellent drainage. It will rot if grown in soggy ground. The amount of space you'll need to leave between plants depends on the variety you're growing, but will usually range between 12 and 24 inches.
Can herbs survive 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.
Does rosemary need sun or shade?
full sunRosemary should receive at least 6 hours of sun each day; it grows best in full sun. If you plan to use rosemary as a perennial plant, choose a site that will not be disturbed by tilling.
Can herbs grow in the 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.
Can herbs grow in low light?
For most households, the easiest low-light indoor herbs to grow will be soft-leaved species that mature at shorter heights. These culinary herbs can comfortably sit in a windowsill or on a small table in a well-lit area: Chervil. Chives.
Can thyme grow without direct sunlight?
Thyme tolerates indirect sunlight well and will flourish as long as you provide a minimum of 6 hours of exposure. The more sunlight the better, whether it is direct or indirect. Aim for at least 10 hours a day in an indirect light environment.
Can herbs grow in indirect sunlight?
Herbs that can tolerate indirect sunlight include mint (Mentha spp.), bay (Laurus nobilis), rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis), and thyme (Thymus spp.). Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) and tarragon (Artemisia dracunculus) will even grow well in very low light conditions.
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.
What color is chives?
Color Varieties: Purple. Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade. Soil Needs: Medium, well-drained soil. All varieties of chives will grow well in a shade garden. Although there may be less blooming, the fresh taste and bright green habit will flourish.
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.
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 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 can grow in low light?
Here are 24 wonderful herbal plants that can grow in low-light conditions. Some are total shade-lovers and others are partial to partial shade…but they’re all well suited to a shaded herb garden! 1. Culinary Parsley.
Is mint a perennial?
2. Mint (Especially Peppermint) Mint is a perennial culinary and medicinal herb. While it is most commonly grown in sunny areas, it is such an enthusiastic plant that it can also thrive in low-light conditions. There are numerous types of mint to grow in the garden.
Can French Tarragon be grown in shade?
French Tarragon. French Tarragon is a medium-sized shrubby perennial herb. While tarragon does grow best in sun, it will tolerate shade if other conditions are favourable. French tarragon can only be grown from divisions of existing plants (it spreads in clumps, but the flowers/seeds are sterile).
Is bee balm a perennial?
Bee balm is a perennial tea herb with showy red/pink flowers. This is a hardy plant that fares well in either sun or shade. Bee balm does grow best in moist fertile soil – conditions that can be easier to maintain with at least some shade.
Do chives grow in shade?
Chives are a perennial culinary herb from the onion family. Chives are quite a low-maintenance herb and will grow in sun or in shade. They are also easily grown from seed or from root divisions, and once they’re established, they seem to live forever!
Can nasturtiums grow in the shade?
Nasturtium is a pretty annual grown for its edible green leaves and flowers. When grown in the sun, it will certainly flower more, but it is completely possible to grow nasturtium in partial shade. You may get more greens than flowers, but they’re just as much fun!
Is dill good for the garden?
Dill is a biennial culinary herb that can be grown in sun or shade. While dill flowers much better in sunny conditions, this is not necessarily a good thing. Many gardeners grow dill only for its feathery foliage known as dill weed, and shady conditions can sometimes allow for a higher production of this leafy herb per square foot of garden soil.
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.
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.
How tall does lemon balm grow?
Lemon balm is a bushy herb that grows to around 2 feet in height.
How tall is a lovage plant?
Lovage ( Levisticum officinale) Lovage is a tall and bushy herb that can reach six feet in height each season. And since all parts of the lovage plant are edible – leaves, stems, seeds, and roots – lovage harvests are always generous.
What are herbs used for?
Herbs are savory and aromatic plants, grown for flavoring, fragrance, and medicine.
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, ...
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.
What herbs grow in the shade?
Mint. Without a doubt, mint has to be in any list of herbs that grow in the shade. Not only do they thrive in shady areas, but you can pick between dozens of different varieties from the infamous spearmint to unique pineapple mints and everything in between.
How much sun do herbs need?
The herbs that tolerate shade often grow well in limited sunlight. Ideally, these plants should receive around two hours of full sunlight per day, but even if the spot you select doesn’t receive two hours of sunlight, you can still try to grow these plants.
How tall does a sage plant grow?
Once planted, this herb grows fast. It can reach four feet in height by the end of the growing season.
How to grow a sage bush from seed?
It’s best to start with a plant from a local garden center because attempting to grow from seed is quite tricky and takes a long time. Try growing this shrub in a glazed ceramic pot or a terra cotta container that has plenty of drainage holes in the bottom. Make sure to fill it with high-quality potting soil.
Is shade a curse?
Gardeners often view shade as a curse — it’s empty space that doesn’t serve much purpose in a garden . It’s time to take back the shade and reclaim it as a valuable growing space. That means you need to find vegetables and herbs that grow in the shade, along with flowers, to show that full sunlight isn’t always required.
Can you grow chives from the base?
This herb has an onion-like flavor, so that you can use it in a range of culinary dishes. All you need to do is cut off some of the stems; new stems continue to grow from the base. Here’s how to grow chives in the garden.
Do herbs need sun?
Most of the popular herbs, like basil and lavender, need to be grown in full sunlight, but that doesn’t mean all herbs need tons of sun. While all nine of these herbs appreciate some sunlight (don’t all plants), they will survive without much.
What herbs grow well in partial shade?
Here are 15 of the best herbs that will do just fine when grown in partial shade. 1. Mint . Mint is a vigorous grower in even the poorest of conditions, and is happy to grow and reproduce rapidly in shady areas. As long as it gets a few hours of sunlight per day it will be happy, and in fact it might begin to take over shaded areas of your garden.
How much sun do herbs need?
Full sun. Implies that the herb in question requires at least 6 hours of sunlight per day to grow. In the summer months when days are long, it is possible to plant full sun herbs in a spot that receives shade in the morning or afternoon, as long as they are still getting those 6 hours at some point in the day.
How to grow a sage plant?
Growing Guide: Plant this herb in well-draining, rich soil that has an alkaline pH. Sandy or loamy soils are best as clay soils will inhibit drainage and this plant is highly vulnerable to root rot. Water infrequently and allow soil to dry out between waterings. Harvest regularly to keep the plant under control.
How to increase the amount of herbs you can use?
Begin by watering your herbs less than would normally, and then increase only if you feel it is needed.
What is a perennial plant that has feathery leaves?
14. Herb Fennel. Herb fennel is a perennial grown for its fragrant feathery leaves, and is tolerant to suboptimal, shady conditions. Be careful not to confuse it with bulb fennel, which is a different variant of the same species that is grown for its underground bulbous root, and has less flavorful leaves.
How to grow a sprig of sprigs?
Growing Guide: Grow in slightly acidic, loamy soils that have been amended with compost or manure. You can begin to harvest older sprigs once plants have at least 6-8 healthy, feathered leaves. Use scissors to harvest leaves as pulling on the plant can result in accidental uprooting. 6.
How much sun does lemon verbena need?
The container can be placed in a partially shaded spot of your garden, but lemon verbena should get at least 4-5 hours of sun per day. The bush can grow up to six feet and grows well as a companion to other herbs. Growing Guide: Plant this herb in well-draining, rich soil that has an alkaline pH.
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.
What herbs grow without sunlight?
Well, outdoors, no herb can grow without sunlight. Indoors, you can use special grow lights with good success.
7 types of herbs
Annual herbs live for only 1 year. You can snip and enjoy them all summer. Annuals don’t like cold weather so harvest before the first frost hits.
Basil grows in shade
Yes, this bushy annual herb that grows about 2 feet tall and is best known for its culinary uses, prefers full sun but this herb grows very well in partial shade. It’s one of those hard-working herbs that does double duty and is a good medicinal too.
Chives grow in shade
An old friend, perennial chive is part of the onion family — except you eat the grass-like leaves, not the bulb. The lavender blossoms (which bees and butterflies love) are also edible.
cilantro grows in shade
Often called coriander, cilantro is a cool-season, annual herb that grows about 1 to 2 feet high. Cilantro is actually the green leafy part of the plant, while the seeds are called coriander.
Dill grows in shade
A member of the carrot family, this hardy annual herb sports light-green feathery leaves and grows between 2 to 4 feet tall. Small yellow-green flowers form on top of thin stems like clusters of parasols.
Mint grows in shade
Yes. Full sun brings out the most intense flavor, but mint thrives when grown in partial shade .
Mint
M int is a very durable common perennial herb that thrives indoors. Mints will grow in the sun, too but thrive in low light and shade.
Chervil
A hard-to-find store herb that produces some tremendous mild anise-like flavor is Chervil. It does not dry well, so it is best-used fresh-picked for the most excellent taste. It grows great in low light, light shade conditions.
Cilantro
Cilantro likes bright light but not direct sunlight beating on it. This makes it an ideal herb to grow in low light. It does well in east windows that get morning sunlight but stay indirect the rest of the day.
Parsley
T his one may cause an argument as I have seen many people swear that parsley needs a lot of suns. I will tell you in my 20 years of experience growing parsley; it has no issues growing in low light.
Thyme
Thyme does great with indirect light in a bright room or an east window. You are freeing up more space in your sunny southern windows for sun-loving plants. Light does not need to shine on this plant directly but is near for thyme to thrive.
Shiso
S hiso, or otherwise referred to as perilla, is a beautiful, unique herb. It adds an Oriental flavor to your dishes with its Asian roots.
Chives
N ot everyone considers this to be a shade-loving herb. Yet, the hardiness of chives tolerates low light and shade conditions with style. The blades maybe a little more delicate when grown in lower lights, but the taste is not sacrificed.
