04/30/2026
"Full sun" on the tag is the minimum. It is not the optimum.
Eight hours against a south-facing brick wall is not the same as eight hours in an east-facing bed that loses direct light by 2pm. Same count. Completely different heat load.
Mediterranean herbs want the hot wall. Rosemary, thyme, oregano, lavender, sage — they increase oil production under heat stress. More sun, more heat, more flavor.
Leafy herbs want morning sun and afternoon shade.
Basil bolts weeks faster under sustained afternoon heat. An east-facing bed extends the harvest by three to four weeks over full south exposure.
Cilantro is more extreme — two weeks of hot afternoon sun and it goes to seed. Morning sun, dappled afternoon shade, and it keeps producing.
Parsley, chives, and mint handle four to six hours. The north side of the house. The shaded porch. The spot behind the garage. Mint actually produces more menthol with less afternoon sun.
The herb that bolted wasn't in too little light. It was in too much of the wrong kind.
