If you can give herbs a sunny spot, the choice is wide. Here you will find particularly suitable sun-loving herbs and learn more about their needs.
Herbs not only have health benefits, they also give many dishes that certain something. But not every herb grows in every location. If you pay attention to a few things like light and nutrient requirements, nothing stands in the way of an abundant herb harvest from your own garden. This article introduces you to some sun herbs and their demands on the soil.
Herbs for the sun with low nutritional requirements
The vast majority of herbs for the sun with low nutritional requirements are so-called Mediterranean herbs. They come from the dry and warm Mediterranean region and can easily be grown in suitable locations. For example, ours is suitable for cultivation Plantura organic herb & seed compostthat can partly still be mixed with sand in order to imitate the natural conditions of the herbs.
rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis): Rosemary is a perennial, evergreen small shrub that usually reaches a height of 70 to 150 cm in our country. It is suitable for direct sunlight and loves poor soil. In addition, he only needs a little water. Its needle-like leaves can be used in many ways in the kitchen - from simple rosemary potatoes to ratatouille. And also as Cabbage for grilling rosemary is suitable.
thyme (Thymus vulgaris): Like rosemary, thyme also originally comes from the Mediterranean region. This can be seen, among other things, in the very similar location requirements, but the two sun-loving herbs also complement each other perfectly in the kitchen. The height of the thyme is 10 to 40 cm smaller than the rosemary and its leaves are also significantly smaller. Aside from the kitchen, various medicinal effects are attributed to thyme, for example against Colds, coughs or gastrointestinal complaints, which earned it the title Medicinal Herb of the Year 2006 brought in.
oregano (Origanum vulgare): The Mediterranean oregano also prefers dry, nutrient-poor soils and is a typical herb for sunny locations. Oregano is perennial, although it often has to struggle with the cold in our latitudes. However, there are species that can withstand temperatures down to -15 ° C, so that we can also grow them during the winter. In suitable locations, oregano can reach heights of growth of up to 65 cm, but it is also suitable for cultivation in pots as a herb for sunny balconies.
Savory (Satureja): Savory also prefers warm, sunny, lean and rather dry locations. We have two main types: The annual summer savory (Satureja hortensis) and the biennial to perennial winter or mountain savory (Satureja montana). According to its name, the savory harmonizes perfectly with bean dishes of all kinds. But apart from that, savory with its bitter, slightly pungent taste can be used in many ways in the kitchen. It is ideal for meat and fish dishes or for refining herb butter and quark.
lavender (Lavandula angustifolia): Lavender is known from the lavender fields in Provence, which show the Mediterranean origin and the need for sunshine of the perennial subshrub. With us, lavender can be grown in rather nutrient-poor, calcareous and well-drained soils. The lavender blooms between May and September and forms its ornamental and fragrant purple-colored flowers. The leaves and flowers are used in the kitchen, but lavender is also often used in medicine thanks to its calming, sleep-promoting and antibacterial properties.
tip: In addition to lavender, there are a few more Herbs to help you fall asleepthat you can also grow in your own garden.
sage (Salvia officinalis): The leaves of the real sage are elongated oval, coated with white trichomes and exude an intense scent thanks to the essential oils they contain. Due to their pleasantly bitter and spicy taste, they are indispensable for many Italian meat dishes. The genus Salvia is very species-rich, so there are some differences in taste: some varieties taste like lime, marzipan or peach. The sage comes from the Mediterranean area and prefers well drained, barren soils. Our Plantura organic herb & seed compost should be mixed with about 30% sand for optimal conditions for the sage.
Curry herb (Helichrysum italicum): The smell and taste of the curry herb is immediately reminiscent of an Asian spice mixture, even if the sun herb is not present in it. Like most of the other species mentioned here, the curry herb has its home in the Mediterranean region. It grows best in well drained, poor substrates and does not tolerate waterlogging. With its silvery-gray leaves and yellow flowers, the curry herb has a certain ornamental value in addition to its distinctive taste.
tip: In addition to these herbs, many others are also suitable heat-resistant plants for sunny location.
Herbs for the sun with higher nutritional requirements
The following herbs have slightly higher requirements and need a lot of nutrients and sometimes a lot of water. Only when it comes to care are most of them quite frugal. A nutrient-rich substrate, like ours, is recommended for growing in pots Plantura organic universal soil. It provides the plants with all the nutrients they need and, with its relatively high pH value, also ensures an environment in which the sun herbs feel good.
basil (Ocimum basilicum): Basil is often lumped together with rosemary, thyme, oregano and the like. Basil originally comes from the forest areas of the subtropics. That explains why basil likes it moist and warm and does not put up with the blazing midday sun so well. Basil is annual and is therefore a good herb for sun balconies. There are many different types of real basil, for example cinnamon, aniseed, lemon or Thai basil. Some varieties can even be overwintered. You can find out more about this in our article Hibernate basil.
dill (Anethum graveolens): Nowadays, dill is mostly associated with cucumbers and fish. In the past, however, it was mainly used as a medicinal herb, because it is said to support wound healing and have a pain-relieving effect. Dill prefers wind-protected locations with soils rich in humus and nutrients. Since it is annual, dill is also a good herb for sunny balconies.
Chives garlic (Allium tuberosum): Outwardly, chives are similar to normal chives, but in terms of taste they are in no way inferior to garlic - but without leaving their typical smell everywhere. In addition, chives are easy to care for and can be harvested almost all year round, which are just a few advantages over its big brother, the real garlic. There is also nothing wrong with growing it in pots, so that garlic chives go well on sunny balconies. It thrives best in humus and nutrient-rich, evenly moist soil without waterlogging. Do you want for cultivation our organic universal soil you should mix it with some clay powder (bentonite), which among other things improves the water retention capacity. Herbal and potting soil is only suitable for cultivation.
laurel (Laurus nobilis): Laurel is sensitive to frost, so it can be cultivated in pots in which it can be overwintered in a frost-free place that is as bright as possible. Humous, nutrient-rich, but nonetheless well-drained soil is suitable as a substrate. You can use our Plantura organic universal soil mix with some sand. The bay laurel must not be confused with the cherry laurel, as it is slightly poisonous. In contrast, the leaves of the laurel are used in many ways in our kitchens and as medicinal plants.
hyssop (Hyssopus officinalis): Like rosemary, oregano and thyme, hyssop also belongs to the mint family and is one of the perennial subshrubs. The hyssop prefers sheltered, sunny locations with lime and nutrient-rich soils. If these conditions are met, he is very easy to care for. You ensure optimal growing conditions if you have 10 liters Plantura organic universal soil with a heaped planting shovel full Plantura garden lime mix to raise the pH. In addition to diverse uses in the kitchen and as a medicinal herb, the cultivation of hyssop also has a very practical use, because with its strong scent it drives away snails and others Pests.
Nasturtiums (Tropaeolum majus): The annual plant is a real all-rounder. Nasturtium grows quickly, is a ground cover, and has decorative leaves and beautiful flowers that are extremely tasty. It prefers sunny locations, but also thrives well in partial shade. Nasturtiums grow best in pots or beds in slightly moist, nutrient-rich substrates.
In no garden is there just space for herb beds in the sun. If you would like to grow herbs elsewhere, you can refer to our articles Herbs for the shade and Herbs for the partial shade Continue reading.
