How do I provide sufficient light for indoor herbs?

Published: October 17, 2025
Updated: October 17, 2025

Proper lighting is the most important factor in whether your indoor herb garden flourishes or fails. Natural sunlight is frequently insufficient indoors, particularly during the winter months. Grow lights remedy this problem. The benefits of herbs in relation to proper lighting are the same regardless of the weather conditions outside or the direction the window faces.

Full-spectrum LED lights effectively replicate sunlight. When using them indoors, it is ideal to keep the lights 6-8 inches (15-20 cm) above the plants. As herbs grow taller, adjust the height every week to ensure they remain at the desired level. At this height, the plants should be able to absorb light without burning their leaves, and the light should be able to penetrate the plant canopy effectively.

Automated LED Systems

  • Programmable 14-16 hour daily cycles
  • Adjustable intensity settings for different herbs
  • Built-in sunrise/sunset simulations
  • Energy-efficient operation

Light Placement Strategies

  • Rotate plants weekly for even exposure
  • Use reflective surfaces to boost efficiency
  • Group herbs by light requirements
  • Avoid placing near heat vents

Herb-Specific Needs

  • Basil: 16 hours bright light
  • Mint: 6 hours moderate light
  • Rosemary: Direct light all day
  • Parsley: 8 hours medium light
Grow Light Comparison
Light TypeFull-spectrum LEDBest For
All herbs
Daily Hours14-16 hoursEnergy Use
Low
Light TypeFluorescentBest For
Seedlings
Daily Hours12-14 hoursEnergy Use
Medium
Light TypeIncandescentBest For
Not recommended
Daily HoursN/AEnergy Use
High
Based on Mediterranean herb requirements

Watch for signs of stress in the plants due to excessive light. A pale leaf means there is not enough light. A brown tip is the result of burning the light. Adjust the lights' timers seasonally. The light needs to be on for a longer time in winter. I check my herbs daily for two weeks after the initial setup.

Light duration has a profound impact on the development of flavor. Basil produces oil more readily with longer periods of light. Mint develops a more intense aroma when given moderate light. You can adjust the settings for each herb to help create a greater impact in culinary use.

Read the full article: 7 Best Indoor Herb Gardens for Your Kitchen

Continue reading