Grow Your Herbs on The Sunny Side They need sun – and lots of it. Most herbs require at least 6 hours of sun per day outdoors. Indoors, much less light gets in, especially in the winter. So be sure you can place your herbs in a sunny spot, preferably in a south-facing window.
Do herbs need sunlight to grow indoors?
Herbs, like many houseplants have certain requirements to grow indoors. However, unlike common houseplants, herbs need conditions to be just right for optimum growth, or their health will rapidly decline. Most herbs need six hours of direct sunlight.
How do you keep herbs alive indoors?
Most herbs need a warmth in order to grow. Keep them in rooms that are at least 65-75°F during the day, and no less than 55-60°F at night. Even though many herbs can survive at lower temperatures, they are unlikely to produce much growth under those conditions.
Which herb needs the most sunlight?
Top 13 Herbs For Full Sun
- Aloe Vera (Aloe vera barbadensis)
- Basil (Ocimum basilicum)
- Chamomile (Matricaria recutita)
- Chives (Allium schoenoprasum)
- Cilantro (Coriandrum sativum)
- Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)
- Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis)
- Mint (Mentha spp.)
How can I grow herbs indoors with little sunlight?
Tips for Growing Herbs in Low Light
- Provide as much light as possible – Keep plants as close to windows as outside temperatures will permit.
- Fertilize sparingly – Even in sunny conditions, overfertilization promotes leggy growth.
What herbs dont need direct sunlight?
Herbs that grow in shade: 10 delicious choices
- Shade vs sun.
- Chervil: A salad herb for shade.
- Cilantro/Coriander: 2 herbs that grow in shade for the price of 1.
- Lemon balm: Flavorful herbs that grow in shade.
- Chives: Easiest of all the herbs that grow in shade.
- Lemon verbena: A sun- or shade-loving herb.
Can you grow herbs in kitchen with no windows?
A lack of adequate light will leave you with spindly, stressed plants that have poor flavor. So make sure you have a sunny windowsill where your herbs will survive. A south or southwest window is ideal, as long as it gets at least six hours of sun per day and is away from drafts.
How often should I water my indoor herbs?
two to three times a week
In general, you should water your herbs two to three times a week. Herbs that require more watering: Basil, cilantro, mint and parsley. After initially planting or buying your herbs, provide enough water to keep the soil moist for a few days.
Why do my potted herbs keep dying?
The main reason for herbs dying is because of root rot which is caused by overwatering, slow draining soil and pots without drainage holes in the base. Herbs require well draining soil and suffer root rot because of excess moisture around the roots which causes herbs to turn yellow, droop and die back.
How often do I water my herbs?
A good rule of thumb for most herbs is to water about once per week. During extreme heat or drought conditions, sometimes twice per week will be needed. Water in the cooler hours of the morning, between 6 – 10 am, to avoid evaporation and allow for deep root soaking.
Can herbs grow in low light?
Yes! There are plenty of shade-tolerant herbs that you can grow if your space doesn’t have optimal lighting. You’ll often find that herbs that tolerate low-light conditions are a darker green color and have thinner, larger leaves. This is due to the way these plants photosynthesize.
What herbs should not be planted together?
Which herbs do not go together?
| Herb | Not compatible with |
|---|---|
| Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) | Coriander (Coriandrum sativum), dill (Anethum graveolens), cress (Lepidium sativum), marjoram (Origanum majorana), caraway (Carum carvi) |
| Peppermint (Mentha x piperita) | Camomile (Matricaria chamomilla) |
How many hours of sunlight does mint need?
A mint plant needs at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. As mentioned above, fluorescent lights should be on your mint plant for at least 12 hours per day.
Can you grow herbs indoors all year long?
Many cooks grow herbs indoors during the winter when it’s too cold outside or too wet to dig in the dirt, but you can grow herbs inside any time of year. Indoor herbs prefer the same temperatures that most people do—around 65 to 70 degrees F—so if you’re comfortable, they probably are.
What is the easiest herb to grow?
Easy herbs to grow
- Sage. Sage is used primarily in poultry dishes and stuffing, making it a mainstay for Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners.
- Parsley.
- Oregano.
- Mint.
- Thyme.
- Dill.
- Chives.
- Cilantro.
Can thyme grow without direct sunlight?
Thyme favors a full sun location in well-drained soil. It requires a minimum of 6 hours of sunlight, but as many as 10 is not too much. This hardy herb can survive in freezing temperatures, but dies quickly if deprived of sun. You may also notice its leaves turning brown or yellow if not exposed to full light.
Can herbs be grown 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.
Do herbs need morning or afternoon sun?
Gardeners in areas with 5-6 hours of afternoon sun may be able to grow most vegetables and herbs. However, those with only 3-4 hours of morning sun will have better success with true shade-lovers, and should choose other types of plants as the main focus of their gardens.
Does rosemary need sun or shade?
full sun
Plants are slow growing at first, but pick up speed in their second year. Rosemary prefers full sun and light, well-drained soil with a pH between 6 and 7.
What direction should herbs face?
Look for south-facing windows, which get the most direct light exposure. Northeast- or northwest-facing windows get medium to low light, but the most forgiving herbs can still thrive in them (see below). Once you’ve evaluated your home’s natural light, keep it in mind while choosing which herbs to grow.
Do herb pots need drainage holes?
Excellent drainage is essential, no matter how you grow herbs. Poor drainage quickly leads to root problems, including rot. Give herbs coarse, fast-draining soil, so roots get air as well as water. Herbs in containers need good drainage holes so water flows through freely.