Does Basil Need Full Sun?

Basil needs full sun to thrive. Make sure it receives a minimum of 6-8 hours of sunlight each day in moderately moist soil with plenty of space around each plant. This herb belongs to the mint family and grows easily, but doesn’t flourish if light-deprived. Lack of sunlight combined with hot, humid conditions put basil at risk for “downy mildew,” a fatal disease. Basil kept from the sun loses its color and dies quickly. You can grow basil in partial shade, but expect very poor results if it receives less than 3 hours of sunlight daily. Excessive sun, however, can lead to leaf scorch, drooping, and death.

How Many Hours of Sun Does Basil Need?

Make sure your basil plant receives 6-8 hours of full sunlight per day. The herb can live with less sun, but it will not thrive. It helps to think of it as at least 6-8 hours of sun. Up to 12 hours a day is not dangerous, as long as the soil is kept moist. If you live where the midday sun is intense or scorching, though, try to shade your basil during the hottest hours.

• Basil is an herb that requires 6-8 hours of full-sun conditions a day.
• If growing indoors, position your plants at the brightest windows so it receives plenty of sun.
• Use fluorescent light indoors as an alternative to the natural sun, but increase the hours of exposure to 10.

When growing basil indoors, position your plants in a sunny window for at least 6 hours daily. If fluorescent lighting is used, increase the light to 10 hours per day for healthy growth. A combination of natural and fluorescent light is an option also, so don’t be afraid to mix and match.

Can Basil Grow in Indirect Sunlight?

Basil’s perfect world is direct sunlight and warm, fresh air. However, it’s possible to grow basil in indirect sunlight, as long as the hourly requirements are met. When in indirect light, it’s best to keep the soil moist, but not boggy, for optimum basil growth. 

• Basil prefers at least partial sunlight.
• Basil can thrive in indirect light if conditions are right.

If enough light is provided, but your basil doesn’t seem to be growing at the desired rate, consider more than just sunlight levels. The difference in growth rate might relate to soil composition, too little or too much water, or even the size of the container where your basil is growing. If you are still struggling to give your basil enough light, consider growing it indoors with a smart garden.

Can Basil Grow in Shade?

Basil grows in shade, but not total shade. Because basil thrives in moist soil, shady areas often feature ideal soil conditions. Nevertheless, it is still important to avoid planting your basil in full shade where surrounding plants or other objects block the sun entirely. If this occurs, your basil will struggle and die. Opt for partial shade if necessary,

• Basil can be grown in the shade, but partial shade is better than full shade.
• You can plant your basil in a shady area of your garden, as long as there is some sunlight.
• Basil left in full shade eventually turns yellow or brown and produces smaller than average leaves.

Basil planted in full shade usually grows very slowly and new leaves tend to be small. At first, you may think the herb is the picture of health. This is because the herb arranges chlorophyll in its leaves to try to receive maximum light, temporarily making the leaves of basil appear dark. Unfortunately, when left permanently in full shade, the leaves turn yellow or brown, and the plant ultimately dies.

What Happens if Basil Doesn’t Get Enough Sun?

The first sign of sun deprivation in basil is sparse leaves. Basil attempts to save energy by growing fewer leaves when plenty of sun is not available. If your basil is losing its full, bushy characteristics, it is almost certain that it needs more direct sunlight. Humid, hot weather and too little sun can also lead to downy mildew.

• Sparse leaves are a sign your basil is not receiving enough sun.
• Basil leaves turn brown or yellow when kept from light.
• Basil may grow tall and spindly if left in the shade.

Brown or yellow leaves are telltale signs that your basil is in need of the sun. It may also grow tall and spindly, which is not normal for the herb. Fortunately, basil quickly rebounds when moved to a sunnier region.

Can Basil Get Too Much Sun?

Basil is an herb that has little resistance to cold weather but thrives in environments of up to 90° Fahrenheit (32°C). Nevertheless, long-term exposure to sharp, direct sunlight and extremely high temperatures is not good for basil. Warm temperatures higher than 90°F make it difficult for the plant to keep moisture within its leaves.

• Basil thrives in a warm environment, but has little resistance to cold.
• Extreme temperatures or prolonged, bright sunlight may damage basil.
• Plants damaged by too much sun may appear dry and yellow.

If the herb is overcome with excessive sun or very high temperatures, abnormally rapid transpiration may occur. Transpiration is the evaporation of water from a plant’s leaves. Not surprisingly, if this occurs at a fast pace, your basil plant becomes dry, sickly, and more prone to pest infestations. Leaves often look yellow and rough if sun damage has occurred.

How Much Sun Does Basil Require?

Basil needs 6-8 hours of sunlight daily. Soil should be moist but not boggy. Up to 12 hours of sunlight is safe for your basil as long as it is not left in excessive heat or scorching sun. Basil loses its color and dies quickly when sun-deprived.

• Basil belongs to the mint family.
• Humid weather and lack of sunlight can result in a fatal disease called downy mildew.
• Basil can be grown in the shade if it receives a minimum of 3–6 hours of light daily.
• Sun-deprived basil won’t flourish.
• Excessive heat and blazing sun can lead to leaf scorch, drooping, and death.

Whether you are growing sweet basil or cultivating basil from seed, these guidelines will put you on the right track. Plant basil in sunny locations, or choose a sunny window for potted basil. If it appears to be drying out, simply increase soil moisture and provide some late-day shade.