Herbs, in general, prefer full sun. Their flavor will generally be stronger when grown in sun, but there are several culinary herbs that do just fine in partial shade.
Many herbs will not bloom when grown in shade, but that’s actually a bonus since the flavor often declines after flowering. Shade-grown herbs also tend to be become leggy, but keeping them trimmed will help them to become bushy.
Plant these 5 herbs in moist, well-drained soil rich in organic matter and they will thrive without full sun.
Herbs to Grow in Partial Shade
Chives – great in soup, salads, and as a garnish. What would a baked potato be without sour cream and chives?
Lemon Balm – this lemon-scented perennial herb is used in teas, salads, or is dried and used in sachets.
Mint – for 12 great ways to use mint, see this post.
Oregano – especially good in Italian or Greek dishes.
Parsley – besides being used as a garnish, parsley is wonderful in soups, stews, salads, and to flavor meat and fish.
Which herbs do you grow in partial shade?
Also be sure to see Healthy Green Savvy’s post, 40+ Vegetables that Grow in Shade.
To learn how to build a garden that builds healthy soil, be sure to check out my eBook The Art of Gardening: Building Your Soil. You really can become a better gardener, and you really can grow healthy, nourishing produce. It’s all about the soil! Click here to buy now.
Recommended Reading: The Complete Book of Herbs by Leslie Bremness
Thank you for visiting Learning And Yearning. May "the LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace." Num 6:24-26
Anna @ Feminine Adventures says
I’ve got parsley in partial shade but most of the other herbs are in full sun. I do have some extra shaded area and have been wanting to plant chives. Thanks for the tips!
Susan says
You’re welcome!
Small Footprints says
Well, I think I’m going to have to start following your blog because out of all the posts at Dude, Sustainable’s Green Living Thursday link-up, the ones I really wanted to read are yours. Thanks for this list. I have some shady spots and I’ve been wondering why kind of edibles I could put there … herbs will be perfect!
Susan says
Aww, thanks!!!
Shelley Alexander says
Hi Susan, I just found your lovely site from the VGN forum! I really enjoyed this post and will share it for others to use this valuable information. Have a good week!
Susan says
Hi Shelley!!!! Great to meet you!
Lisa Lynn says
I featured your post today! Thanks for sharing this on The HomeAcre Hop! Hope to see you again today!
http://www.theselfsufficienthomeacre.com/2013/06/the-homeacre-hop-24.html
KarinSDCA says
Awesome! 🙂
I have a metal spiral staircase that I moved out of full sun because nothing would stay alive in our HOT DRY late summers in small enough pots for the steps. Turns out, the area I moved it to used to be full shade, but the height of the staircase let the plants have a little sun during part of the afternoon. Brilliant! So, top to bottom (most sun to least sun, but everything gets at least a bit of sun in late afternoon), I have: nasturtium, peppermint, French tarragon, Holy Basil, spearmint, catnip, valerian, bay, and another spearmint. Chamomile seeds and Lemon Balm seeds are both beginning to sprout in containers just out from the base of the staircase (partial shade, about the same as the Holy Basil and upper spearmint).
Susan says
That sounds absolutely beautiful!!! It’s great that you were able to move it.
infected tooth says
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Bruce and Barbara Caisse says
We have peppermint growing in a damp area that gets very little sun (maybe an hour or two at the most) and it is doing great.
Heather says
Just found your site, I love it! Thanks so much for this post! Shade spots are always the trouble spots for most gardeners! I’m excited to read your tomato from seed post next!
Much love,
Heather
http://Www.simplefreshnatural.com
Susan Vinskofski says
Thank you for your encouragement!
Jennifer D, says
Growing all 5 in partial shade and they are doing well.
Susan Vinskofski says
Yes, they really do do well in partial shade!!!