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 for six or more hours a day [1]. Many garden plants need several hours of sunlight daily to grow well.
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.
Plants That Grow Well in Full Sun
Below are some of the best plants for full sun (vegetables, herbs, fruit plants, flowers, shrubs, and trees). However, in very hot climates, some full-sun plants may benefit from afternoon shade during extreme heat.
Vegetables
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)
- Lima beans
- Asparagus
- Swiss chard
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 plants in the morning to reduce evaporation and help prevent fungal diseases. Also, ensure they have plenty of space to spread their leaves and soak up the sun.
Sun-loving vegetables generally produce better harvests when they receive consistent moisture and nutrient-rich soil.
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 that you can grow in full sun.
- Rosemary
- Mint
- Thyme
- Sage
- Caraway
- Cilantro
- Dill
- Lavender
- Lemongrass
- Summer savory
- Tarragon
- Anise
- Chamomile
- Fennel
- Calendula
- St. John’s Wort
- Echinacea
- Valerian
- Chives
- Parsley
Most sun-loving herbs grow best with several hours of direct sunlight daily. 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
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 while attracting butterflies, bees, and other pollinators.
Below are 30 sun-loving flowers, some of which are heat-tolerant plants.
- Zinnias
- Lantana
- Marigolds
- Sunflowers
- Petunias
- Dahlberg daisies
- Black-Eyed Susans
- Annual vinca
- Hibiscus
- Pentas
- Coneflower
- Peonies
- Wax begonias
- Beardtongue
- Verbena
- Russian sage
- Angelonia
- Fernleaf yarrow
- Calibrachoa
- Chrysanthemum
- Cosmos
- Blanket flower
- Euphorbias
- Fan Flower
- Foxgloves
- Geraniums
- Dahlias
- Moss rose
- Poppy
- Coreopsis
If you’re new to gardening, you might wonder how to care for sun-loving flowers.
Be sure to plant them in an area that receives at least 6 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 and Shrubs
Many trees and shrubs 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.
- Crape jasmine
- Mimosa tree
- Jacaranda
- Crepe myrtle
- Southern magnolia
- Maple
- Oak
- Bougainvillea
- Black walnut
- Palm trees
- Dogwood (certain varieties)
- Citrus trees
Shrubs and trees that grow in full sun are often the most beautiful and stately ones around.
Some can add impressive height and shade to a yard. Also, their leaves can provide a stunning array of colors in the fall.
While sun-loving trees are known for their beauty, they also require more care than shade-tolerant trees.
Here are a few tips for caring for them:
- Water regularly. Trees growing in full sun may require more frequent watering during hot, dry weather. Also, newly planted trees may need more frequent watering during hot, dry weather.
- Fertilize regularly. Young or newly planted trees may also benefit from occasional fertilization to support healthy growth. This will help them grow strong and healthy.
- Adding mulch around plants can help retain soil moisture and keep roots cooler during hot weather.
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
Whether you want colorful flowers, productive vegetables, fragrant herbs, or shade trees, there are many plants that thrive in full sun.
Once you match the right plants to your climate and growing space, a sunny garden can become one of the most productive and colorful areas in your yard.
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