Yes, rosemary likes full sun.
Rosemary, a fragrant evergreen herb, thrives in conditions that provide abundant sunlight. According to the provided reference, Rosemary likes full sun and does not tolerate any shade. This strong preference means it requires significant exposure to direct sunlight to grow properly.
Understanding Rosemary's Sunlight Needs
For healthy growth, rosemary needs at least six hours of direct sunlight on most days. This substantial sun exposure indicates that rosemary is well-suited for sunny locations, which often include periods of hot sun, especially during peak growing seasons or in warmer climates.
Why Full Sun is Crucial
- Energy Production: Like most plants, rosemary uses sunlight for photosynthesis, the process of converting light into energy. More direct light means more energy for growth, flowering, and developing its characteristic aroma.
- Preventing Legginess: Plants grown in insufficient light tend to become "leggy," stretching out weakly towards the light source. Full sun encourages compact, bushy growth.
- Aromatic Oils: Adequate sunlight helps rosemary produce the volatile oils responsible for its strong scent and flavor.
Practical Sunlight Solutions
Whether growing rosemary outdoors or indoors, ensuring it gets enough sun is key:
- Outdoor Placement: Choose a location that receives direct sun for the majority of the day. A south-facing spot is often ideal in the Northern Hemisphere.
- Indoor Growing: Growing rosemary indoors can be challenging due to lower light levels. The reference notes that a south-facing window is ideal for indoor growth, but often grow lights are necessary to provide supplemental light to meet the six-hour minimum.
In summary, based on its requirement for "full sun" and dislike of shade, rosemary is a plant that not only tolerates but actively benefits from strong sunlight, which often corresponds with hot conditions.
