Herbs rely on sunlight to grow lots of flavorful leaves and eventually flower. An herb’s ability to thrive depends on how much sunlight it receives, how long it receives sunlight, and how strong the sunlight is. Without adequate light, herbs get lanky. But even if you have a shady yard or porch, you can still grow herbs to add flavor, aroma, and freshness to your cooking.
Some herbs require a little less light than others to thrive; they tolerate partial shade, which translates into 3 to 6 hours of direct sun daily. Here is a selection of popular herbs that grow in partial shade, along with must-know planting tips.
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Credit:
Pete Krumhardt
1. Mint
Supply a summer’s worth of fresh herbs for serving up mojitos, mint juleps, and decadent mint desserts by planting and growing mint (Mentha spp.). This perennial herb grows best in full sun as long as it is well-watered. But it also tolerates part shade, so you could easily try growing mint in pots right near a partly shaded kitchen door for convenient harvesting.
Planting mint in a container is also a great way to control the herb’s aggressive habit. Plus, whether you want to extend your growing season or simply don’t have the space to garden outdoors, try growing mint indoors.
Growing Conditions: Full sun to part shade; adapts to most soil types
Size: 1 to 3 feet tall and wide
Zones: 3-9
Credit:
Dean Schoeppner
2. Parsley
Parsley (Petroselinum spp.) is a biennial plant that grows in full sun and part shade. If you have limited planting space, grow parsley in pots. Because the plants are compact, they fit even on a windowsill.
To get a headstart on your spring planting, sow seeds indoors in 1-inch cell containers about 8 weeks before the last spring frost date in your area. Transplant seedlings after the soil warms up.
Growing Conditions: Full sun to part shade; soil rich in organic matter
Size: 6 to 12 inches tall and 8 to 24 inches wide
Zones: 4–11
Credit: Scott Little
3. Lemon Balm
Plant lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) once in your shade garden, and this perennial herb will keep on producing for years to come. Use the lemon-scented, mint-like leaves of this low-maintenance perennial herb to flavor teas, salads, soups, sauces, and vegetables with a tart flavor. Bees love its white flowers in the summer. Prune this plant frequently to encourage the growth of highly fragrant leaves and minimize self-seeding.
Growing Conditions: Full sun to part shade; well-drained soil
Size: 1 to 2 feet tall and 1 to 3 feet wide
Zones: 3–7
Credit:
Dean Schoeppner
4. Cilantro
The spicy leaves, pungent seeds, and tangy roots of this annual herb add an unmatched freshness to meals. Although cilantro (Coriandrum sativum) grows in full sun, part shade is better because it prevents the plant from bolting.
If you want consecutive plantings in the summer, plant cilantro in part shade or protect it with a 30% to 50% shade cloth. Another way to prevent bolting is to select bolt-resistant varieties. Sow seeds ¼ to ½ inch deep and ½ inch apart, in rows 12 to 18 inches apart.
Growing Conditions: Full sun to part shade; well-drained, slightly acidic soil
Size: 6 to 12 inches tall and 4 to 10 inches wide
Credit: Marty Baldwin
5. Sage
Enhance the beauty and fragrance of your garden beds by growing perennial sage (Salvia officinalis) alongside other perennials in borders or rock gardens. Sage grows best in full sun, but tolerates light shade. To conveniently access the aromatic gray-green leaves and edible lavender-blue flowers, plant it in pots.
Growing Conditions: Full sun to part shade; well-drained soil
Size: 1 to 3 feet tall and 2 to 3 feet wide
Zones: 4–10
Credit:
Edward Gohlich
6. Chives
Chives (Allium schoenoprasum) are low-maintenance and one of the easiest herbs to grow. The slender, bright, green leaves and purple pom-pom blooms have a mild onion flavor. This cool-season herb produces its best harvest in the spring and fall and thrives in locations with 6 hours of bright, direct light and shade for the rest of the day.
Growing Conditions: Full sun to part shade; well-drained soil
Size: 6 to 18 inches tall and 8 to 12 inches wide
Zones: 3–9
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