Does basil grow well in shaded gardens?
Written by
Liu Xiaohui
Reviewed by
Prof. Charles Hartman, Ph.D.Basil requires full sun to produce its intense flavor and avoid weak leggy growth. It often stays stunted, with pale leaves and diminished oils in shaded gardens. My basil, too, was struggling under a maple tree until I relocated it to a fuller sun location. Without six hours of direct sun, basil will not flourish.
Shaded basil shows unique signs of stress. The stems elongate to get to the light. The leaves turn yellowish. And they become susceptible to problems like Fusarium wilt. Partially shaded plants will produce smaller leaves. I lost two crops of basil before I recognized these signs of stress. Full sun will correct these problems.
Basil
- Light: Full sun (6+ hours)
- Shade Response: Leggy growth, disease prone
- Tip: Use only in brightest garden spots
Mint
- Light: Partial shade (2-4 hours)
- Shade Adaptation: Larger leaves capture light
- Tip: Ideal basil substitute for shade
Parsley
- Light: Light shade (3 hours)
- Shade Adaptation: Slower bolting
- Tip: Curly varieties handle shade best
Increase the limited amount of light for basil using reflective methods. Put plants by white walls or light-colored surfaces. Mirror light to the plants in the morning sunlight. Rotate the containers each day to expose all sides. I used aluminum foil mulch that reflected additional light to the lower leaves, which increased growth.
When you have a light issue! You can select a shade-loving substitute or alternative. Mint can add a fresher touch to Mediterranean recipes. Similarly, parsley can be used as a garnish, offering the same benefits. Lemon balm will lend an aroma to bracing teas. All of these provide a satisfying production of herbs that do not require the same lighting levels as for basil.
If you plan to grow basil in shade, consider adding supplemental lighting to enhance its growth. If possible, use LED grow lights for about four hours each day during the months when sunlight is at its darkest. Suspend them about six inches above the plants. My indoor basil was beautiful under lights, while the outdoor plants in the shade looked dreadful. If you are growing basil in a tiny and contained garden, this is doable.
Acknowledge shade limitations, and choose appropriate herbs. Basil prefers lots of sun, while mint, parsley, and lemon balm thrive in shade, with similar culinary satisfaction. Start with these tough options, and you'll be successful if you try growing herbs in the shade.
Read the full article: 10 Shade Loving Herbs for Your Garden
