Herbs that Thrive in Shade

Can herbs grow in full shade?

Though it is true that most herbs prefer full sun, there are some varieties that thrive in shade or require at least some shade for their best performance. Gardening with herbs in the shade can be a perfect way to maximize your garden and grow abundant varieties.

Tips to growing herbs in shade

While herbs can grow in shade they do love some sun! Here’s some tips to making the most of your shady spaces to grow fantastic herbs.

1. Do not over-fertilize.

Since herbs growing in the shade will be leggy to begin with, stimulating growth may make this issue worth and cause the plant to weaken. If you do fertilize, go light or wait till the herbs are more established.

2. Harvest regularly.

When you harvest herbs that grow in shade, remove a little more growth than you regularly would. Snip off the outermost stems. This encourages branching and keeps the plant more compact, continual harvests also keep the plant from producing flowers.

3. Monitor moisture

Shade can present more or less moisture depending on the weather, be sure to check moisture levels before watering as they may be different from sun exposed areas. You do not want to over or under water especially young herbs.

Mint

First of all is the most common herb, mint. It is like the energizer bunny of herbs and it grows like a champ, no matter the conditions. It's the king of shade-loving herbs, and you can pick from various types, like spearmint, peppermint, or even the delightful chocolate mint. Just pop some mint cuttings into rich soil during the spring and it will likely take root. When those stems hit about 5 inches tall, it's time to pluck for that minty zing. Be careful as it likes to spread! Mint is prized for its medicinal benefits, including its ability to soothe digestive issues, relieve headaches, and alleviate symptoms of colds and allergies.

Cilantro

You might have heard about Cilantro, the superhero of flavor, but it can also handle shade. To keep the cilantro train rolling, sow some seeds every few weeks during the summer. Keep the soil just a little damp. When those stems reach 5-7 inches, give 'em a trim, but don't go overboard as they need some room to grow back. And bonus, cilantro attracts pollinators and keeps pesky mosquitoes at bay. Cilantro is used in traditional medicine for its detoxifying properties, which may help cleanse the body, support digestion, and reduce inflammation.

Lemon Verbena

This shady character enjoys partial sun but can still thrive in low levels. It prefers less water and regular snips to harvest will keep this herb from getting out of control. Lemon Verbena is renowned for its intense lemon fragrance and flavor, making it a popular choice for adding a lemony twist without the tartness of actual lemons. Lemon Verbena is known for its calming effects, often used to reduce anxiety, improve sleep quality, and relieve digestive discomfort. It is also frequently used in aromatherapy for its benefits through the nose as well as the stomach!

Dill

The herb with the feathery flair and that distinct flavor. It thrives in partial shade and loves a little windbreak, especially if it's hanging out with Brassicas. When you've got 6-8 healthy, feathery leaves on your dill, grab your scissors and start harvesting. Dill is used medicinally to aid digestion, alleviate gas and bloating, and potentially soothe colic in infants as well as of course, being a great addition to many dishes.

Parsley

Imagine parsley as your cool-weather buddy in the garden. It comes in two flavors: curly and flat-leaf. Treat it like a yearly guest even though it's technically a biennial herb. To make it happy, give it a little afternoon shade during scorching days. Now, here's the secret sauce, plant it in rich, compost-amended soil, and let the top layer dry out between drinks. When your parsley pals reach about 4 inches in height, start snipping away stems as needed for your recipes. Medicinally, parsley is valued for its potential to support kidney function, reduce water retention. It also is a good source of vitamins C and K, as well as essential minerals like potassium and folate. It also contains antioxidants, including lutein and zeaxanthin. Some studies suggest that parsley may have anti-inflammatory properties, which could be beneficial for conditions related to inflammation.

Tarragon

Next one is, Tarragon the herb that adds a delightful hint of anise to your dishes. French Tarragon is the star for cooking, while Russian Tarragon is the cold-weather champ. Stick it in sandy or loamy soil that's well draining. Water-wise, remember: less is more. Tarragon likes to stay on the drier side. Whenever your taste buds demand a flavor boost, grab your scissors and snip some young leaves. Did you know its also an appetite stimulant? Tarragon may have digestive benefits, helping to ease indigestion and reduce symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Tarragon has been used as a mild sedative and to promote relaxation. It may help with anxiety and stress relief when consumed in moderate amounts so don’t flavor too much of this shade loving herb.

Sorrel

Sorrel is a flavor twin to spinach, perfect for fresh, zesty salads. It's a shade-loving herb that keeps coming back year after year. Find a comfy spot in fertile, slightly moist soil, and give it a nice mulch blanket after planting. Keep the soil consistently damp but not soggy. Pick tender young leaves for your salads and let the older ones develop that robust herbal zing. Sorrel is high in vitamin C and has potential antioxidant properties. It is used to strengthen the immune system, fight off infections, and was used to reduce symptoms of scurvy. Sorrel is also valued for its mild diuretic effect, which may help with kidney health and the elimination of toxins from the body. Some traditional herbal practices use Sorrel to soothe digestive discomfort and alleviate diarrhea.

Valerian

Valerian is the sleepyhead of the herb world, with its roots making soothing teas. It's typically a sun lover, but it won't mind a few hours of shade daily. Plus, it's a butterfly magnet! If you're planning on harvesting the root, plant a bunch at once because it can be a bit of a puzzle. Valerian thrives in loamy, moist soil. When the time is right (usually after two years), gather the whole root or chunks during spring or autumn. Valerian is a natural remedy for insomnia and anxiety, offering sedative effects that promote relaxation and restful sleep.

Chervil

Another herb, Chervil also known as French Parsley. It's a biennial herb that enjoys milder temps. In the spring, plant its seeds in luscious, loamy soil being sure to keep its feet wet as it prefers consistent moisture. It is often used to garnish salads, soups, and omelets. Chervil may be used to aid digestion, potentially reducing symptoms of indigestion and gas. It contains antioxidants, such as flavonoids, which may help combat free radicals and oxidative stress.

Sweet Cicely

This fern-leaf prefers the dappled, shady spots, and give off a delightful licorice scent. It is often used as a natural sweetener in desserts, jams, and beverages. The leaves and seeds can be used to impart a gentle, sweet taste to dishes without the need for added sugar. It pairs well with fruits, especially rhubarb and strawberries, and can be used to flavor syrups, custards, and baked goods. Sweet Cicely is used medicinally as a digestive aid, potentially reducing gas and bloating. It also has been used as a mild expectorant for respiratory issues like coughs.

Sweet Woodruff

Transforming even the shadiest corners into a carpet of delicate white flowers, this self-seeding perennial is a multitasker, fitting in as a potted herb or as ground cover. Known for its delightful scent, reminiscent of freshly cut hay and vanilla. This fragrance intensifies when the leaves are dried, making it a popular choice for potpourri, sachets, and scented crafts. It also makes a great tea. Sweet Woodruff is sometimes used medicinally to ease headaches, improve sleep, and promote relaxation. It also has been used as a mild digestive aid to soothe upset stomachs.

Trillium

To add a pop of color to your shady herbals, try Trillium. It comes in a variety of flower colors and they're a springtime delight. Trillium has been used to address women's health issues, such as regulating menstrual cycles, alleviating menstrual pain and discomfort, and assisting with childbirth. It is sometimes referred to as "birthroot" due to its historical use during labor. Just a note for foragers, Many species of Trillium are protected due to overharvesting and habitat destruction. It is essential to respect regulations and guidelines regarding the collection and cultivation of Trillium to ensure its continued survival in the wild.

Wasabi

Lastly, a bonus for our warm friends, Wasabi. It's famously tricky to grow, but if you're in the Zones 8 to 10, it's an adventure worth trying. Imagine having your very own fresh wasabi. Wasabi may have antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties and could be used medicinally to support digestive health.

Ready to get started growing?

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