How Much Light Does Basil Need? Basil is a plant that thrives in bright, direct sunlight. If it doesn’t get enough light, the leaves will become pale and floppy. If you’re growing basil indoors, place it near a window where it will get plenty of sunlight. Outdoors, make sure to plant your basil in a spot that gets plenty of sun.
How Much Light Does Basil Need
Basil is a sun-loving herb that thrives when it receives at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight each day. While it can tolerate partial shade, basil will produce large, flavorful leaves when it is grown in full sun. However, if you live in an area with very hot summers, you may need to provide some afternoon shade to keep your basil plants from wilting.
How Much Sunlight Does Thai Basil Need
Thai basil is a tropical plant that requires 8-12 hours of sunlight per day to thrive. It will do best in an area that receives full sun but can also tolerate partial sun. If you live in a cooler climate, you can grow Thai basil indoors near a sunny window. Keep in mind that the plant may need supplemental lighting if it does not receive enough natural light.
How Much Sunlight Does Sweet Basil Need
Sweet basil is a sun-loving annual herb that requires at least 8 hours of sunlight per day to produce abundant leaves.
In the garden, place sweet basil in a spot where it will get full sun exposure. If you’re growing it in a container, move it around to follow the sun throughout the day.
Can Sweet Basil Tolerate Shade
If you’re trying to grow sweet basil in a shady spot, choose a location that gets at least several hours of direct sunlight each day. You can also try growing the plant in a container so you can move it to different locations throughout the day as needed.
Can Basil Tolerate Shade
Basil is a sun-loving annual herb that needs at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. However, it can tolerate dappled shade for short periods, which can be a benefit in hot climates. Generally, the more sun basil gets, the better it will grow and produce flavorful leaves.
Can Basil be Planted in Full Shade
Basil cannot be planted in full shade since it requires full sun to thrive and produce an abundance of leaves. If you try to grow it in shade, it will likely languish and produce far fewer leaves than it would in full sun. All that said, if you absolutely can’t give your basil plant full sun, then the next best thing is to grow it indoors under artificial light.
Can Basil Get Too Much Sun
If Basil is grown in a hot, dry climate, it might need some protection from the sun as too much direct sunlight can damage the leaves. However, if Basil is grown in a humid climate with moderate temperatures, too much sun is unlikely to be an issue as the humidity will help keep the leaves from drying out.
Can Basil Get Sunburned
Basil leaves can dry out if they’re exposed to too much direct sun. The leaves may also get sunburned if they’re subjected to prolonged exposure to high temperatures and/or intense UV radiation. Symptoms of sunburned basil leaves include brown patches on the leaves, scorching or wilting of the leaves, and a general decline in the overall health and vigor of the plant.
How Much Light Does Basil Need Indoors
If you’re growing basil indoors, it’s important to give the plant enough light. Basil needs at least 12 to 14 hours of light each day, so place it in a sunny spot near a window.
Basil Light Requirements
- Basil Light Requirements Outdoors: 6 to 8 Hours a Day
- Basil Light Requirements Indoors: 12 to 14 Hours a Day
Can Basil Grow with Artificial Light
Yes, basil can grow under artificial light! Many indoor gardeners grow their basil plants under fluorescent or LED grow lights. These types of lights are designed to mimic the sunlight that plants need in order to photosynthesize and thrive.
Additionally, using artificial lighting to grow basil is a great way to extend the growing season. If you live in an area with cooler winters, you can move your basil plants indoors and keep them under lights, so they continue to produce fresh leaves throughout the year.
Growing Basil Under LED Lights
LED Grow Lights are becoming increasingly popular for indoor gardening, as they are more energy-efficient than traditional grow lights. When choosing LED lights for growing basil, it is important to select a light with a high spectral output in the blue and red range, as these are the wavelengths that plants need for photosynthesis.
Growing Basil in an AeroGarden
Growing basil in an AeroGarden is a great way to get fresh herbs all year round, regardless of the weather outside. AeroGardens use high-intensity LED grow bulbs which provide the optimal amount of light for indoor plants. Additionally, the built-in timer ensures that your plants get just the right amount of light each day, making it easy to grow healthy basil indoors.
Basil Light Schedule
The recommended basil light cycle is 12 hours on and 12 hours off. However, some indoor gardeners prefer to give their plants 14 hours of light each day and then turn the lights off for 10 hours at night.
Basil Light Intensity
To get the best growth out of your basil plants, you’ll want to place them in a bright location with plenty of direct sunlight. In particular, they will thrive in bright direct light, which is what you generally find outdoors on a sunny day. If you’re growing basil indoors, be sure to use artificial lighting that emulates natural sunlight as closely as possible. This will help ensure healthy and robust growth for your plants.