The Best Herbs to Grow in Shade (Yes, It’s Totally Possible!)
No sun? No problem! Not every herb garden basks in all-day sunlight, and honestly, that's a good thing. Some of my best herb harvests have come from shady corners and dappled light under trees. While most people think you need full sun to grow flavorful herbs, the truth is: plenty of them actually prefer a bit of shade.
Maybe you've got a north-facing patio, a tree-lined backyard, or just a windowsill that only sees a few hours of morning light. Don't count yourself out; you've got options.
In this post on herbs for shade, I'll walk you through some of the best herbs that thrive in low light, tips for keeping them happy, and common mistakes I've learned the hard way (so you don't have to). Whether you're filling a few pots or planning a full garden bed, these herbs will prove that shady spots can be surprisingly productive.
Understanding Shade: What Counts (and What Doesn’t)
Before we get into the list of herbs, let's talk about what shade actually means. Because not all shade is created equal, and your herb's happiness depends on understanding the difference.
Full shade means no direct sun at all, which usually isn’t ideal for herbs. Most need some light to produce flavor-packed leaves. Think dense, wooded areas or north-facing corners with no light breaks.
Partial shade means 3–6 hours of sunlight per day, usually in the morning or filtered through tree branches. This is the sweet spot for most shade-tolerant herbs.
Dappled shade is like nature's light curtain: spots under trees where the sun flickers through throughout the day.
Bright indirect light is the indoor equivalent. Think windows that never get blasted by direct sun but stay consistently bright.
Many shade-friendly herbs will grow just fine in partial or dappled shade, but may need a little extra attention when it comes to drainage and airflow (shade tends to hold moisture longer).
Now that we’ve defined your growing conditions, let’s get to the herbs that thrive in them.
Why Some Herbs Tolerate Shade Better
Not all herbs are sun worshippers. Some actually prefer a break from the midday blaze and that often comes down to where they originally grew in the wild.
Many popular culinary herbs (think rosemary, oregano, and thyme) come from hot, dry Mediterranean hillsides where they soaked up sun all day and thrived in lean, rocky soil. These are your sun-lovers, give them too much shade, and they sulk.
But others? They evolved in woodland edges or temperate forest floors where light filters in through leaves and the soil stays a little damper. That’s where shade-tolerant herbs shine.
Here’s the basic rule I’ve found over the years:
Leafy herbs tend to handle shade better than woody ones.
That’s because they’re growing for leaves, not stems. When you’re not asking a plant to become thick and bushy or hold up blooms, it can afford to grow a little slower in softer light.
And here’s the bonus: many herbs bolt (go to seed) slower in shade. So if you’ve ever had your cilantro or parsley go from leafy to lanky overnight in the heat, a bit of afternoon shade might actually help extend your harvest.
Top Herbs That Grow Well in Shade
You don’t need full sun to grow a great herb garden. In fact, some of the most flavorful herbs actually prefer a bit of a break from the heat. Here are my top picks for herbs that thrive in part shade or dappled light - plus a few personal notes from my own garden.
Mint
If you’ve ever grown mint, you know it doesn’t need much encouragement and that includes sunlight. Mint actually prefers part shade, especially in the afternoon, where it grows lush and flavorful without drying out.
Chives
Chives are one of the most forgiving herbs out there. They'll grow in full sun or part shade and just keep coming back year after year. I love snipping them into scrambled eggs or salads, and the flowers are edible too.
Parsley
Both flat-leaf and curly parsley can handle lower light. In my experience, parsley grown in light shade is slower to bolt and stays sweeter longer into the season. Bonus: it’s surprisingly cold-tolerant.
Cilantro
This one bolts fast in full sun, so shade can actually help. In cooler, shadier spots, cilantro plants holds its leaves longer and doesn’t rush to flower.
Lemon Balm
One of my personal favorites for containers and corners, lemon balm grows best with a bit of protection from intense heat. Partial shade helps keep its leaves tender and full of that bright lemony scent.
Tarragon (French Tarragon)
French tarragon likes steady moisture and cooler soil, so light shade helps keep it happy. Just make sure your soil drains well; wet feet are its only complaint.
Chervil
This delicate herb doesn’t get nearly enough love. It looks a bit like parsley and tastes like a mix of anise and tarragon. Chervil thrives in cool, shaded spots and bolts quickly in full sun.
Want more options?
If you’ve got more space or are looking for something different, try growing sorrel, lovage, or catnip. All three can do well in partial shade and bring unique flavors to your herb garden.
Herbs That Tolerate Shade (But Would Rather Sunbathe)
Some herbs will put up with a bit of shade, but they’d really prefer not to. These plants won’t thrive in deep shade, but they can still grow (slowly) in partial or dappled light if that’s what you’re working with.
Thyme
Thyme’s a sun-lover through and through, but it can handle light shade if the soil drains well. I’ve grown it in spots that only get 4–5 hours of sun, and while it doesn’t spread like crazy, it still holds its flavor.
Oregano
Another Mediterranean favorite that wants to sprawl in full sun, but in a pinch, it'll make do with a little less. Just know that it might get leggy and won't develop the same punchy flavor without strong light.
Basil
Basil is pretty picky. It can grow in partial shade, but you’ll likely get fewer leaves and slower growth. I’ve had the best luck planting basil in the shadiest sunny spot like where it gets morning sun and afternoon dappled light.
Dill
Dill will sprout in part shade, but it stretches and flops fast without enough sun. You’ll get tall, spindly plants and early flowers. If dill is a must, try growing it in early spring or late summer when the sun isn’t quite so intense.
Shade Survival Tip:
If you’re working with less-than-ideal light, go for morning sun + afternoon shade. It’s usually gentler and gives just enough light for borderline herbs to hang on. And keep an eye on flavor - herbs grown in shade often taste milder, so harvest and taste as you go.
Tips for Growing Herbs in Shade
Growing herbs in the shade takes a little tweaking, but once you understand what they need (and don’t), you’ll be snipping fresh herbs in no time. Here are a few tricks I’ve learned from years of coaxing herbs along in less-than-sunny spots:
Use Containers to Chase the Light
If you’re working with filtered light or patchy sun, pots are your best friend. I move my shade-loving herbs in containers around throughout the season, tucking them under trees in summer, then sliding them out into brighter corners in early spring and fall.
Bounce Light Around with Reflective Surfaces
Anything white or reflective helps boost the available light. I’ve used white-painted walls, galvanized tubs, and even a strategically placed mirror to brighten up a shady herb corner. It doesn’t work miracles, but it does help.
Skip the Heavy Watering
Shade means slower evaporation, and soggy soil is the fast track to root rot. Let the top inch of soil dry out before watering. I've learned (the hard way) that it's better to underwater than overdo it when sun is limited.
Harvest Regularly to Keep Plants Compact
In shade, herbs tend to stretch and get leggy faster. Snip often to keep them bushy, especially with mint, parsley, and lemon balm. Even if you don’t need a handful of herbs for dinner, a little trim here and there keeps the plants looking their best.
Common Mistakes with Shade Herbs
Growing herbs in the shade can be super rewarding, but only if you sidestep a few common traps. Here are the big ones I’ve learned to avoid:
Overcrowding
It’s tempting to tuck a bunch of herbs into one cozy corner, but shade plus poor airflow is a recipe for disease. Keep some space between your plants so air can move around - it’ll help prevent mildew, mold, and those sad yellowing leaves.
Expecting Full-Sun Performance
Shade-tolerant doesn’t mean fast-growing. Most of these herbs will take their sweet time, and that’s okay. Don’t expect basil-sized harvests from parsley in deep shade — it’ll grow, just a little slower and more delicately.
Overestimating Your Shade
That “shady” corner? It might actually get a few solid hours of sun, or none at all. Spend a day tracking how much light your space really gets. Morning sun counts, dappled light counts… but if it’s full darkness? That’s tough, even for mint.
Shade Herb Garden Design Ideas
Just because your yard isn’t flooded with sunlight doesn’t mean you can’t grow herbs. Some of my favorite shady garden spots turned out to be perfect for cool, leafy herbs. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
Narrow Side Yards
That overlooked strip between houses? If it gets a few hours of morning or late afternoon sun, it’s prime real estate for herbs like mint, chives, or lemon balm. Use raised beds or long planters to maximize space.
North-Facing Patios
While not ideal for sun-lovers like rosemary, north-facing patios are perfect for parsley, cilantro, or chervil. Group several pots together for a lush look, and rotate them occasionally for even growth.
Under Trees with Filtered Light
Some herbs actually prefer a bit of shelter, especially in the summer. I grow lemon balm and mint under my apple tree where they stay cool and happy during heatwaves.
Windowsill Herbs with Indirect Light
If your indoor space gets soft, filtered light (especially from an east- or north-facing window), try herbs like parsley, chives, or even basil if the light is bright enough.
Frequently Asked Questions About Shade-Loving Herbs
Mint is probably the most forgiving when it comes to shade. In fact, it often grows better in part shade than in full sun, especially during hot summers. Just make sure it’s planted in well-draining soil and maybe in a container so it doesn’t take over.
Chervil, lemon balm, and parsley top the list for herbs that do well with minimal direct light. These leafy herbs evolved in woodland or forest-edge environments, so they’re naturally suited to shadier spots in your garden or home.
Besides herbs like mint, chives, and cilantro, a few vegetables also tolerate shade pretty well - think leafy greens like lettuce, spinach, and arugula. They don’t need full sun to thrive, and in some cases, a little shade even keeps them from bolting too quickly.
Very few culinary herbs thrive in full shade (meaning no direct sun at all), but you can often get away with growing mint, chervil, and lemon balm in filtered light or deep partial shade. Just know they may grow a bit slower or have a milder flavor, still useful, still beautiful!
You don’t need full sun to grow a thriving herb garden. With the right plants and a little know-how, even a shady corner can be bursting with fresh flavor. Whether you’re tucking mint into a north-facing patio or keeping chervil happy on a windowsill, there’s plenty you can grow in lower light.
Want to explore more ways to grow and use herbs at home? Visit the Herb Index for growing guides, companion planting tips, and seasonal ideas by herb.
Have a favorite shade-loving herb I missed?
Tell me in the comments - or tag me @celebratedherb with your shadiest harvest!
Happy Shade Gardening!
