Herbs Sunlight Chart: 15 Most Popular Herbs and Their Sunlight Requirements
[Updated January 25, 2026]
So you’ve just started your very first herb garden. Now what? While herbs are relatively easy to grow, sometimes gardeners will still need some help especially when they’re just starting out. One of the most frequently asked questions in herb gardening is how much sunlight to give plants.
Of course the answer will vary on what you’re growing, but most herbs need 6+ hours of full sun daily. Popular herbs like basil, rosemary, sage and thyme need this amount of sunlight in order to thrive.
Some plants can do with less, though. Chevril is a good example of this. It only requires around 4-6 hours of partial sun every day, so it’s very easy to maintain.
Finally, there are herbs that can do well with either full sun or partial sun exposure. Herbs like chives, coriander and mint are fine with either setting as long as their daily sunlight needs are met. They’re very flexible, that’s why many people like to grow them at home.
For more information on herb sunlight requirements, please refer to this chart below. It’s just a basic guideline though—not an absolute rule. Use it to get you started and adjust accordingly. Don’t forget to visit our other herb articles, we've linked them below.
Image Source: Empress of Dirt
Related Herb Gardening Resources
Chart & Reference Guides
- The Best Cheat Sheet to Herb Gardening
- Herb Gardening Chart: 8 Most Popular Garden Herbs and How to Grow Them
- Herb Cooking Guide
- Herbs 101: A Quick Guide to the 19 Most Essential Herbs
Growing Guides
- 7 Steps to Growing Herbs from Seeds
- How to Grow Your Own Herbs from Seeds
- Top 7 Herbs That You Can Grow in the Shade
- Top 5 Herbs to Grow in Spring
- Top 3 Best Herbs for Starters
- 5 Best Herbs to Grow in Your Kitchen Garden
- Grow a Successful Herb Garden Today!
Indoor Herb Gardening
- The Ultimate Guide to Indoor Herb Gardening
- 4 Essential Tips for Growing Herbs Indoors
- 6 Easy Tips for Growing Herbs Indoors
- Need Help Maintaining Your Indoor Herb Garden?
Tips & Best Practices
- 7 Good Reasons to Grow Your Own Herbs
- Top 5 Mistakes That Herb Gardeners Should Avoid
- 4 Creative Ways to Use Your Homegrown Herbs
- Make Your Fresh Herbs Last Longer With These Easy Tips!
- Want to Know the Quickest & Easiest Way to Dry Herbs?
Health & Culinary
- Herbs and Their Amazing Health Benefits
- Spice Up Your Meals With These 17 Special Herbs & Spices!
- Wanna Have a Healthier Garden? Start Growing Herbs Today!
DIY Projects
- Easy Steps to Making a DIY Hanging Herb Garden
- Vertical Herb Garden: How to Build a Vertical Herb Planter Box
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "full sun" mean for herbs? Full sun means 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily. Mediterranean herbs like rosemary, thyme, oregano, and basil need full sun for best growth and flavor. South-facing locations provide the most consistent full sun exposure.
Can herbs get too much sun? In extremely hot climates (above 90°F consistently), some herbs like cilantro, parsley, and lettuce-leaf basil benefit from afternoon shade to prevent bolting and leaf scorch. However, in most climates, herbs rarely get too much sun if properly watered.
What's the minimum sunlight herbs need to survive? Most culinary herbs need at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight to thrive. Below 4 hours, plants become leggy, weak, and flavorless. Shade-tolerant herbs like mint, parsley, and chives can manage with 3-4 hours, but still prefer more light.
Does morning sun or afternoon sun matter for herbs? Morning sun is gentler and ideal for shade-tolerant herbs. Afternoon sun is more intense and better for sun-loving Mediterranean herbs. If you can only provide partial sun, morning sun with afternoon shade works well for most herbs and prevents heat stress.
How do I measure how much sun my garden gets? Observe your planting area throughout a sunny day. Note when direct sunlight hits the spot and when it moves into shade. Count the total hours of direct sun. Alternatively, use a sun calculator app or light meter to measure light intensity throughout the day.
