Why herbs become leggy

Leggy growth is a common issue in herbs grown indoors or in partial shade, especially on north-facing Indian balconies.

What's happening

Stems stretch toward light, growing tall and spindly with wide gaps between leaves. Basil, coriander, and mint are particularly prone to this on shaded windowsills.

Why this happens

Limited light triggers hormones that elongate stem cells—a shade-avoidance response. In Indian apartments, tinted glass, nearby buildings, or pots too far from windows all cut the light that actually reaches leaves.

What usually helps

Move pots to a spot with 4–5 hours of direct morning sun—east-facing balconies work well. Rotate pots a quarter turn every few days. Pinch off top growth to force branching. A light-coloured wall behind pots bounces extra light onto foliage.

What to expect next

New growth after pinching becomes compact within a week or two. Existing leggy stems won't shrink, so prune them back by half to encourage dense shoots from the base.