Partial Sun Herbs

Learn about the most popular partial sun herbs you can easily grow in this guide. We'll also tell you why partial sun herbs are great for indoor gardening.

You’ve been growing or reading about herbs for a while now. You already know that many of the ones that gardeners grow fall into the category of “partial sun plants.”

Partial sun herbs span different climates and regions. The flexibility of these plants with light makes it easier for everyone to grow them.

In this article, you’ll discover the most popular partial sun herbs you can easily grow.

But there’s something we need to go over before we list them. We will discuss some interesting and important general information regarding partial sun herbs.

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What Are Partial Sun Herbs?

wooden container with fresh herbs

What are partial sun herbs? It’s a very simple question with a sophisticated answer. Don’t worry; we’re not going to dwell on the scientific explanation here.

The simple answer is partial sun herbs are those that can thrive on four to six hours of direct sunlight per day.

Partial sun is the moderate amount of light plants can get. The two other extremes are full sun and full shade.

Learn more about light requirements for herbs! Check the article we have written on that topic here.

Why Partial Sun Can Be A Good Option For Many Herbs?

Most herbs have a very diverse receptivity to light. (This means they can grow under different amounts of light.)

For instance, many herbs are simultaneously partial sun and full sun. Others can even grow under any amount of light, whether it’s full sun or full shade.

The question is, what’s the best option for these herbs? Sometimes, you should choose partial sun because it’s safer for your herbs.

The sun doesn’t only emit light. It also distributes heat in pretty good amounts. Heat is very unpleasant for many plants because it causes them to lose water.

Indoor plants

Indeed, some plants have adapted to grow in hot regions. Despite that, they still prefer to grow under moderate temperatures.

It’s your job to give them as much brightness as they need with the least amount of heat.

You need to place your partial sun herbs where they can get all their light needs from the morning sun. You’ll want to avoid the afternoon sun. When the sun rises and shines through the day, it gradually increases the amount of heat it emits.

Partial Sun Herbs Are Awesome For Indoor Gardening

What if you’re growing your herbs without using artificial light?

Sadly, you will have trouble finding an everlasting sunny location for your full-sun herbs inside.

That’s frustrating because it’s challenging to find a space indoors where the sun shines for more than six hours a day.

For that reason, partial sun and full-shade herbs do much better inside if you’re not using grow lamps. The chances of finding a window at home where the sun shines for at least four hours a day are pretty high.

Indoor Gardening

But if you can’t find one, you shouldn’t give up. It would be best if you start thinking about getting some grow lamps that can aid the growth of your plants.

Growing partial herbs under artificial light doesn’t consume that much energy.

But you can still depend on sunlight to grow your herbs. Then you can use grow lamps to boost them to get the minimum amount of light they need.

However, if you grow your partial sun herbs only under artificial light, there is a limit. It would be best to keep the lamps turned on for about 14 hours daily.

List Of Partial Sun Herbs

Here’s a list of the most popular partial sun herbs you can easily grow:

Parsley

Green fresh parsley on the vintage table

Parsley is an herb that can grow in either full sun or partial sun. Many experts say it does pretty well under both conditions.

Nonetheless, parsley can dry faster under full sun; hence partial sun is better and safer for it.

Otherwise, if you grow it under full sun, you’ll monitor and water it much more frequently.

Turmeric

Another popular herb that can grow under partial sun is turmeric. This herb can grow under all amounts of light.

Keeping this herb away from a lot of heat is preferable. Grow it under partial sun and avoid exposure to the afternoon sun, especially if you live in a hot climate.

Stinging Nettle

Many gardeners often overlook stinging nettle. It is considered a weed in the yard, but its benefits are pushing many to grow it in the garden.

Nettle can grow in full and partial sun, but I always prefer to give it a maximum of four hours of sunlight per day.

Bee Balm

Bee Balm

Bee balm is a wonderful plant that can be grown anywhere. Gardeners usually grow this herb as a companion plant for other herbs.

Bee balm can be grown under different amounts of sunlight.

But you don’t want to dehydrate the plant and end up with flowers that taste extremely tangy and peppery. You must grow it under partial sun.

Mint

Mint is a very diverse group of plants cultivated around the world.

However, their light needs are very controversial. Some say mint thrives in full sun, but this statement is problematic.

While mint can grow well in full sun, it can quickly dehydrate. Mint should grow in a moist environment. The best way to ensure it never becomes dry is by limiting its exposure to the sun.

That’s why different experts prefer to grow mint in partial sun, especially in hot regions.

Valerian

Valerian is a famous plant that gardeners cultivate for its root. It has a sedative effect, which may help reduce anxiety and enhance sleep.

You can grow valerian under full and partial sun. But it needs moist conditions like mint, so you should grow it under partial sun most of the time.

Salad Burnet

Potted salad burnet (Sanguisorba minor) with a wooden plant mark

Salad burnet is a strong medicinal herb that people use in salads and dressings. It can relieve diarrhea.

It’s always preferable to grow this herb in partial sun. You want to protect it from dryness because it’s a bit more sensitive than other herbs.

Chervil

Chervil, also known as French parsley, is an essential herb in French cuisine. People use it to season meat and vegetables.

Chervil is an herb that prefers to grow in cool areas; the hot sun is its enemy. Always grow chervil under partial sun, specifically in summer.

Catnip

Catnip is a plant that attracts cats and has a ridiculous effect on them. When cats smell it, they become crazy, and when ingested, they become relaxed.

To grow catnip, you need to find a bright location where you can grow it under partial sun. This herb is also sensitive to heat and drought.

 Angelica

Angelica is a diverse group of plants used in native medicine. People use it for intestinal and stomach problems and relieving cold symptoms.

This plant prefers cool environments and cannot tolerate hot temperatures.

That’s why you need to avoid growing this herb under the intense sun and should provide it with four hours of sunlight per day.

So, I hope you enjoy growing all of these partial sun herbs! And if you have any questions or thoughts, please post them in the comments below!

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Jad Daou

Jad has always been passionate about growing plants. When he finished high school, he majored in biology, which makes him very knowledgeable about agriculture.