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Gardeners’ Forum: “full sun”

• full sun

  Posted by theresa on Monday, April 30, 2012 10:10 AM ADT

  When a planting guide says "full sun", does that mean it must have sun all day, or is there a minimum amount? My yard gets sun from about 1:00 PM til sundown ? Is that enough ?

  • re: full sun

    Posted by Brian T on Tuesday, May 8, 2012 7:57 PM ADT

    There is no such thing as a straight answer to your question. If you are planting annuals then give it a try without hesitation, All that will happen is a slower than normal growth but by winter the plant will die anyway. Perennials however could cause a problem. If your sundown is at 8 that means only 7 hours of direct light and less than that as the year wears on. Some plants would survive but not be great, some would wither and die, if not the first year then probably the third. Now if you are in the north where you almost have a midnight sun and long days you should be alright with proper winter protection. I would think, although I have no proof, that full sun would mean at least 8 hours for most of the summer and near the start of the summer 10 to 12 hours or more. Perhaps if we knew your area and the type of plant you are considering you might get a more reasoned answer.

  • re: full sun

    Posted by Brenda N on Sunday, May 27, 2012 7:25 PM ADT

    Most gardening books I've consulted over the years describe "full sun" as having at least 6 hours of sunshine a day.