Most common kitchen herbs like basil, rosemary, thyme, oregano and mint do best with around 4–6 hours of direct or strong indirect sunlight per day. They don’t need to be roasted all day, but they do appreciate a bright spot. A sunny windowsill, balcony rail or a place that gets morning sun and afternoon brightness usually works well.
If your herbs are too shaded, they often grow tall and weak, with fewer leaves and less flavour. Basil, for example, becomes leggy and floppy. On the other hand, in extremely harsh afternoon sun, especially in hot climates, some herbs can scorch. In that case, a spot with morning sun and filtered light later is ideal.
Watch the plant: pale new leaves, slow growth and constant stretch towards the window usually mean “more light, please.” If the leaves burn or curl, they’re getting too much direct heat. Adjusting position a couple of times until they look happy is totally normal; every house has its own light pattern.
