Digging through the soil, ready to plant a garden full of your own delicious herbs?
I’m sure it can be a bit challenging, as you’re wondering which ones are best for shade. Luckily, there are plenty! In fact many people think these herbs do better in shade instead of being placed in full sun.
If your yard doesn’t get a lot of sunshine, you might think that it’s not possible to grow herbs.
On the contrary! I’ve been growing them in shade for several years and they seem quite happy with less light.
HOW MUCH SUNLIGHT DO HERBS NEED?
When it comes to the amount of sunlight that plants need, there is no one answer. All types will grow in different amounts and some may even thrive with 4 hours or less per day!
TIPS FOR GROWING HERBS IN THE SHADE
There are a few unique challenges to growing herbs in the shade, but it is not as difficult or time consuming when you use these tips!
Keep an eye on their growth
When plants start getting tall and leggy, it means they need more light. Pinching them back regularly will help to keep them bushier but you may also have the option of moving your plant in order for all sides receive enough sun exposure.
Overwatering is not an option
Herbs growing in the shade need less water than those that are out on full sun, and they hate soggy soil. So, make sure to allow them a bit more time between watering.
Choose suitable varieties
There are a lot of different herbs out there for your garden. You’ll want to make sure that you find the right in order not only provide food, but also beauty as well!
Some plants prefer warmer weather than others so it’s important know what they need before growing them – some will bolt when hot, while others need cooler temperatures or require an acidic soil.
15 GREAT HERBS THAT GROW IN SHADE
1. THYME
All types of thyme will thrive in the shade. It’s a fantastic option for beginners too because it doesn’t require any special care, and has an edible leafy green that gets pretty purple, pink or white blossoms from June to August every year!
2. OREGANO
Since oregano (also called winter marjoram) prefers cooler temperatures, it will do really well in an area where its shade and protected from intense afternoon rays.
In hot climates this plant can become invasive if not planted correctly; however with enough care oreganos make great additions to shady borders or as groundcover under trees!
3. SORREL
There are many herbs that can thrive in a variety of climates, but sorrel is one which prefers partial shade. It’s excellent for pots too!
To reach its full potential with 12-18 inches worth of growth each year you need to water it regularly and make sure not to expose your plant on the hot sun.
4. CILANTRO
Cilantro is one of my favorite herbs to grow. I find that it does very well in cool soil, hates hot sun and will bolt within a few hours when exposed too long to direct sunlight.
Mine only gets about 4 hours each day, but manages just fine with these conditions as they are low-mounding plants like their name suggests! It should also be watered regularly since this type loves moisture more than anything else
5. MINT
Mint is a great addition to your garden. It will grow just as well in low light and doesn’t require as much sun, so you can enjoy it all year long! Mints start at about 18 inches tall with flowers that bloom during summer time.
This plant prefers moist soil but does fine either pot or terra cotta pots if given enough space.
6. LOVAGE
Lots of people enjoy lovage because it looks, smells and tastes similar to celery. Since this plant is in the carrot family, you’d expect that it would prefer partial shade especially during hot climates.
It thrives best if given 4-6 hours of sun per day. Just make sure you don’t give it too much water, and provide it with rich soil.
7. ROSEMARY
Despite what you might have heard, rosemary does not need direct sun. I get at least four hours of sunshine a day and your plants will be healthy!
My advice for planting or growing in partial shade would be this: keep the soil dry (but don’t water too much).
8. SUMMER SAVORY
Summer savory is a staple in my garden. It has wonderful flowers with an unusual shape and pungent aroma that fill the air for miles around!
I love how it grows well even without full sun, reaching up to 18 inches tall on average – so you don’t have any excuses not too grow this cool herb
9. CALENDULA
A favorite of many, calendula is a beautiful herb that can be used in cooking or beauty products. It prefers cooler temps and needs the shade to survive – but with proper watering it will thrive!
Be sure not to forget about deadheading these herbs, as they don’t like being overpopulated either way too much; A height of 18-24″ tall appears common for them on average.
10. PERILLA
Perilla is a shade-loving herb that’s known for its strong peppery aroma. It doesn’t need much care and they are great in containers too!
The purple variety smells especially nice, so get planting today if you’re looking to bring some color into your garden or container.
11. DILL
I remember the first time I planted dill. It was in my shady garden, and it bloomed much earlier than usual!
The plant seemed happier with less sun exposure so that’s what you should try next if your planting location has hot weather conditions!
Keep the soil moist at all times, and pick it just before it blooms for a big yield.
12. PARSLEY
Though many times the instructions will tell you to plant parsley in full sun, it doesn’t tend to perform well there. In fact, this shade-loving herb suffers when exposed to too much heat and light which makes a bad combination for an annual crop like these herbs!
Since they are biennial plants (meaning that one growth cycle lasts two years), we can enjoy them all summer long without worrying about winter emptiness left at our doorstep!
13. CHERVIL
One of the many herbs that grows well in shade is one you may not be familiar with. Chervil, has a milder flavor and gets up to 18 inches tall after 4-6 hours of sun give or take depending on where it’s grown.
It also blooms twice as much when grown during summertime!
14. SAGE
Though they look very delicate, common or culinary sage is a tough herb that grows great in partial shade. If you notice it’s starting to get leggy and not produce new leaves like before simply pinch back the tender tips.
Be careful not to overwater them, as this might kill these hardworking plants!
15. BASIL
Basil has a bad reputation for being an easy herb to grow, but it can be tricky if you don’t know what may work best.
If your basil is bolting too fast or keeps wilting during hot summer weather try planting in the shade instead of full sun; only get 6 hours per day!
There are lots of different varieties out there so check them all before making any final decisions on which one will suit your needs better.