The levels of sunlight required for crops to grow well varies depending on specific plants. Some plants require few hours of sunlight. Others need the maximum possible. Some can withstand lots of sun, where others wilt and die. Some can withstand lots of shade, where others fail to get started.
Most gardens and allotments will have shady areas. Very few of us grow in flat tree-less, hedge-less, shed-less plateaus. If you are planning where to position your edible plants in your garden or allotment, this list of sunlight required for crops to grow will be of help to you.
In general leafy greens tolerate shade best, root crops require at least half a day of sun to thrive, and plants that grow from flowers and produce seeds (fruits) require as much sun as possible.
Lots of sun
fruits (don’t forget peppers, cucumbers, tomatoes, melons, squash, pumpkins, aubergines, okra, sweetcorn)
4-6 hours of sun per day
potatoes, beetroots, carrots, beans, peas, broccoli, cauliflower, garlic, leaks, onions, turnips, swede, parsnips, radish, rhubarb, rosemary, basil, dill, thyme, oregano, coriander, tarragon, sage
2-4 hours of sun per day
asparagus, brussels sprouts, chard, lettuce, cabbage, watercress, spinach, collard greens, arugula, kale, sorrel, mustard, mint, parsley, lambs lettuce, chives, celery, chervil, sweet cicely