Sasha CampbellYou can grow sun-loving plants if you have a sunny spot in your yard. This article features a comprehensive list of plants that will thrive in full sun.
What is Full Sun?
Full sun means an area receives direct sunlight six or more hours a day [1]. Most plants need at least four hours of sunlight daily to grow well.
However, some plants, such as succulents, can handle eight or more hours of sun daily. Full sun is ideal for growing many vegetables, fruits, and herbs.
If you want to grow flowers, plenty of options will do well in full sun, too. Below are some vegetables, herbs, fruit plants, flowers, and trees that grow well in full sun.
Vegetables That Grow in Full Sun
When it comes to vegetables, there are plenty that love the sun.
These include everyone’s favorites, like tomatoes, peppers, and squash. But plenty of other veggies love basking in the sun, like okra, eggplant, and pumpkins.
If your garden receives a lot of sunlight, check out these 15 sun-loving vegetables.
- Okra
- Sweet potatoes
- Zucchini
- Eggplant
- Cucumbers
- Corn
- Tomatoes
- Pumpkins
- Melons
- Peppers (hot and sweet)
- Beans
- Squash (winter and summer)
- Peas
- Asparagus
- Spinach
However, there are a few things to keep in mind when growing vegetables in full sun.
First, choose a spot in your garden that gets at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. Once you’ve found the perfect spot, get to work.
Preparing the soil before you start planting is also important. This will help your vegetables grow big and strong. Add some organic matter, such as manure, to the soil.
These vegetables must also be watered more frequently than those in partial sun or shade.
Water them in the morning so they have time to dry off before the hot afternoon sun hits. Also, ensure they have plenty of space to spread their leaves and soak up the sun.
Herbs
Many herbs grow well in full sun. Some of these include parsley, rosemary, thyme, and sage. They are also very easy to grow and can be used in many different dishes.
Below is a list of 20 herbs you can grow in full sun.
- Rosemary
- Mint
- Thyme
- Sage
- Caraway
- Cilantro
- Dill
- Lavender
- Lemongrass
- Summer savory
- Tarragon
- Anise
- Chamomile
- Fennel
- Calendula
- John’s Wort
- Echinacea
- Valerian
- Chives
- Parsley
Herbs that love the sun need at least six hours of direct sunlight to thrive. If you live in an apartment or have a shady backyard, you can still grow healthy herbs by placing them on a windowsill or in a sunroom.
Fruit Plants That Grow Best in Full Sun
A wide variety of fruit plants love the full sun. From grapes to strawberries, there are many options to choose from.
Below are 10 fruit plants that prefer full sun. If you’re looking for a bountiful harvest, make sure to plant them in an area that gets plenty of sun.
- Blueberries
- Strawberries
- Raspberries
- Grapes
- Apples
- Cherries
- Peaches
- Brown Turkey Fig Trees
- Apricot
- Pomegranates
You also need to do a few things to ensure your full-sun fruit plants stay healthy.
Ensure they get enough water. These plants must be watered regularly, especially during hot summers.
Additionally, make sure they’re getting enough nutrients. Feed them regularly with high-quality fertilizer.
Flowers
Many flowers grow well in full sun. Some require more sun than others, so check the requirements for the flowers you are interested in.
Planting colorful, full-sun flowers in your garden has many benefits. They add beauty and interest and attract butterflies, bees, and pollinators.
Below are 30 flowers that like full sun, some of which are heat-tolerant.
- Zinnias
- Lantana
- Marigolds
- Sunflowers
- Petunias
- Dahlberg daisies
- Black-Eyed Susans
- Annual vinca
- Hibiscus
- Pentas
- Coneflower
- Peonies
- Begonias
- Beardtongue
- Verbena
- Russian sage
- Angelonia
- Fernleaf yarrow
- Calibrachoa
- Chrysanthemum
- Cosmos
- Delphinium
- Euphorbias
- Fan Flower
- Foxgloves
- Geraniums
- Dahlias
- Pansies
- Poppy
- Violas
If you’re new to gardening, you might wonder how to care for sun-loving flowers.
Be sure to plant them in an area with at least six hours of sun daily. However, to keep your flowers looking their best, ensure they get enough water. This is especially important in hot, dry weather.
Water them deeply and regularly.
Trees
Many trees also like full sun, and they are all beautiful. Plant them in areas that receive a lot of sunlight.
If you’re looking for a tree to plant in a sunny spot, one of these 12 might be the perfect choice.
- Grand fir
- Mountain hemlock
- Black walnut
- Oregon white oak
- Snowbrush
- Red maple
- Indian Plum
- Red dogwood
- Fringe cup
- Ponderosa pine
- Western Bleeding Heart
- Crape myrtle tree
Trees that grow in full sun are often the most beautiful and stately around. Some can add impressive height and shade to a yard. Also, their leaves can provide a stunning array of colors in the fall.
But while sun-loving trees are known for their beauty, they also require more care than trees that grow in shaded areas.
Here are a few tips for caring for them:
- Water regularly. They need more water than trees that grow in shaded areas. Also, they may need to be watered daily during hot, dry months.
- Fertilize regularly. These trees will benefit from regular fertilization. This will help them grow strong and healthy.
Where to Buy Seeds
You can find seeds for your garden at your local garden center or online at reputable stores such as SeedsNow. They have various seeds, from vegetables to flowers to fruit.
See also: Plants That You Can Successfully Grow in Water.
Takeaway
The bottom line is that a variety of plants like full sun. However, to ensure that your plants get the best possible chance to grow, it is important to select the right plant for the right location.
With a little bit of planning, you can have a beautiful garden. Just be sure to pick the right plants for your climate and space.
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