Have one shady area with little sunlight is one of the reasons why many people give up or postpone the decision to plant in some places in their homes. However, some plants manage to adapt and survive in the shade, including herbs and spices.
While these plants are at their most beautiful and robust when they receive full sun, some of them are able to produce luscious leaves even with limited sunlight. Ideally, these plants should receive at least 2 hours of full sun a day, however, we know that some places only receive sun at a specific time of the year. Even so, it is possible to do tests and experiments or cultivate them for a period of time.
There are some management tips that can make herbs thrive longer in the shade, such as:
You can grow them directly in the ground or in pots and enjoy not only their beauties and aromas, but also their flavors.
7 herbs and spices you can grow in the shade
1. Melissa or lemon balm (Melissa officinalis)
Melissa, also known as lemon balm, is an annual plant that is easy to grow, even in the shade. It makes a delicious herbal tea when the leaves are fresh or dried.
Melissa leaves, stems and small yellow flowers can be used to make teas, but the leaves are the tastiest. For a stronger tea, dry the leaves first.
2. Chives (Allium schoenoprasum)
Chives (also known as chives or chives) are the easiest herb to grow in the shade as they are quite hardy. The plant is mainly grown for its leaves, although the flowers are also edible. Despite the name, it is a different species from the popular chives, commonly used in cooking.
Chives have a delicate onion flavor and can be harvested and used in cooking during the growing season. To do this, simply cut the leaves at their base, new stems will continuously grow from the crown of the plant throughout the season.
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3. Parsley or parsley (Petroselinum crispum)
Parsley, or parsley, is a staple herb in many gardens, but did you know it’s also one of the easiest herbs to grow in the shade? This herb has a fresh and unmistakable flavor.
Parsley produces only foliage in its first growing season. Flowering occurs in the second year, after which the plant gives seeds and then dies. In addition to being easy to grow, it can be said that it is one of the most used spices in world cuisine.
4. Coriander (Coriandrum sativum)
Coriander is a fast-growing herb that can be consumed in two different ways: its fresh leaves are used in salads and in a variety of recipes, and its dried seeds can also be consumed as a seasoning.
Since it is a shade-tolerant herb, it grows well in the garden. The trick to growing a healthy coriander crop is timing. Cilantro is a cool season crop that quickly blooms when the weather warms up and the days get longer.
5. Laurel (Laurus nobilis)
Laurel is a large shrub with fragrant, dark green, glossy leaves. In gardens in full sun, the plant grows to several meters in height, however its height will be less when grown in the shade. The plants thrive in pots, are quite drought tolerant, and require little maintenance.
Bay leaves are very tasty and often used in the preparation of beans. They are usually dried before use.
6. Mint (Mentha spp.)
Mint is one of those herbs that grows in shade or sun. There are dozens of different types of mints and some do very well in shady areas.
Mint plants are quite aggressive, spreading with underground stems quickly, even in the shade. Therefore, the ideal is to plant them in vases without holes for drainage, so as not to let the root escape. See more about the species here!
7. Lemon verbena or lemon verbena (Aloysia citrodora)
Limonete, also known as lemon verbena or lucia-beauty, is a woody herb native to South America that also resists when grown in the shade.
Its foliage is highly fragrant and lemon-flavored. The herb considered medicinal, has small white or pale purple flowers. The parts used in lemon verbena are its leaves and flowers to make teas, infusions and compresses. The herb can also be used as a spice in cooking.
Now you have no excuse to start your spice and herb garden!
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