Best Full Shade Vegetable Seeds of 2026

Toby Butcher Avatar
Toby Butcher
Last Updated: 5 Feb 2026

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For those looking to grow vegetables in areas with limited sunlight, full shade vegetable seeds offer a solution. These seeds are specifically designed to thrive in low-light conditions, making them ideal for gardens with tall trees or buildings that block out the sun. With a variety of options available, gardeners can enjoy a range of delicious and nutritious vegetables, including leafy greens, root vegetables, and herbs. While it's important to ensure proper soil and watering, full shade vegetable seeds can help gardeners achieve a thriving garden even in less-than-ideal growing conditions.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Welsh Onion Seeds by Premier Seeds Direct Cover #TOP 1
Welsh Onion Seeds by Premier Seeds Direct
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Viridis Hortus Buttercrunch Lettuce Seeds Cover #TOP 2
Viridis Hortus Buttercrunch Lettuce Seeds
ftb score rating icon 9.7
PREMIER SEEDS DIRECT - Onion BUNCHING Cover #TOP 3
PREMIER SEEDS DIRECT - Onion BUNCHING
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Full Shade Vegetable Seeds

Welsh Onion Seeds by Premier Seeds Direct

Premier Seeds Direct
HRB93
Green
Welsh Onion Seeds by Premier Seeds Direct Cover
PREMIER SEEDS DIRECT - Welsh Onion (Allium FISTULOSUM) - 1200 Seeds

The Premier Seeds Welsh Onion is ideal for gardeners looking to grow their own fresh produce. You can sow these seeds under cover from early spring or directly outdoors from late April, with germination occurring in just 10-14 days at optimal soil temperatures. After about 5-6 weeks, gradually harden off your plants and space them 10cm apart for best results. Preferring full sun to partial shade, these onions thrive in a moist, organic-rich medium, ensuring a bountiful harvest for your kitchen.

What We Like
Quick germination in 10-14 days
Easy to grow in various conditions
Harvest leaves like chives
Establishes well in the first year

Viridis Hortus Buttercrunch Lettuce Seeds

SEEDV023
Green
Viridis Hortus Buttercrunch Lettuce Seeds Cover
Viridis Hortus - Buttercrunch Lettuce 1000 (1.08g's) Vegetable Seeds - Butterhead - Cool Season Heirloom - Lactuca Sativa

Viridis Hortus Lettuce Seeds offer a delightful Bibb type lettuce known for its small, dense heads and buttery texture, perfect for salads. The rich green leaves, sometimes tinged with red, create an attractive rosette in your garden while demonstrating good bolt resistance. You’ll appreciate that they grow best in full sun but can tolerate partial shade, making them versatile for various climates. With a quick harvest time of just 55 to 60 days, you can enjoy fresh lettuce in no time.

What We Like
Crisp and crunchy texture
Good bolt resistance
Attractive garden appearance
Fast growth cycle
Tolerates partial shade
#TOP 3

PREMIER SEEDS DIRECT - Onion BUNCHING

Premier Seeds Direct
9G-UL40-SJAE
White
PREMIER SEEDS DIRECT - Onion BUNCHING Cover
PREMIER SEEDS DIRECT - Onion BUNCHING - White Lisbon (Winter Hardy) - 5 Grams

Features
For The Finest Onions, Seed Directly Outdoors, Depth 1/4 To 1/2 Inch, In Full Sun To Partial Shade And Well Drained Soil As Soon As The Ground Can Be Worked In Spring. Planting Space Rows 12 Inches Apart. Scatter Seed In The Row At The Rate Of 3 Seeds Per Inch.
Days To Germination: 10-14. Planting Depth: 1/2". Spacing, Row: 12-18 Inches. Spacing, Plant: 1-2 Inches. Light: Full Sun Or Partial Shade.
When Seedlings Are 3 Inches High, Thin To Stand 2 To 3 Inches Apart. Sowings In Jul-Aug Should Be Ready Prior To Xmas, Later Sowings Will Mature In Early Spring
Seed Can Be Started Indoors 8-10 Weeks Before Transplanting Outdoors. When Transplanting, Clip Plants To Three Inches And Plant 2 Inches Deep.
Professional DEFRA Licenced Quality Seed Supply Only - Minimal Packaging - Ziplock Labelled Bags - Instructions Not Attached - See Details Provided Above For Cultivation Advice.
#TOP 4

PREMIER SEEDS DIRECT - Spring Sowing Onion Sets

Premier Seeds Direct
YELLOW
250 Grams
PREMIER SEEDS DIRECT - Spring Sowing Onion Sets Cover
PREMIER SEEDS DIRECT - Spring Sowing Onion Sets (Red Baron, 250 Grams)

Features
Gradually Harden Off And Plant Outdoors After 5-6 Weeks With 10cm Between Plants. Prefers Full Sun To Partial Shade And A Moist Growing Medium Rich In Organic Matter.
Sow Under Cover From Early Spring Or Directly Outdoors From Late April. Seeds Germinate In 10-14 Days At 15-20c Soil Temp.
The Leaves Can Be Harvested As Per Chives. The Onions Can Be Lifted And Used Whole.
Professional DEFRA Licenced (07274) Quality Seed Supply Only - Minimal Packaging - Ziplock Labelled Bags - Instructions Not Attached - See Details Provided Above For Cultivation Advice.
Do Not Harvest In The First Year Until Early Autumn In Order The Plant Can Get Established.
#TOP 5

PREMIER SEEDS DIRECT - Welsh Onion RED

Premier Seeds Direct
750 Seeds
PREMIER SEEDS DIRECT - Welsh Onion RED Cover
PREMIER SEEDS DIRECT - Welsh Onion RED - 750 Seeds

Features
Gradually Harden Off And Plant Outdoors After 5-6 Weeks With 10cm Between Plants. Prefers Full Sun To Partial Shade And A Moist Growing Medium Rich In Organic Matter.
Sow Under Cover From Early Spring Or Directly Outdoors From Late April. Seeds Germinate In 10-14 Days At 15-20c Soil Temp.
The Leaves Can Be Harvested As Per Chives. The Onions Can Be Lifted And Used Whole.
Professional DEFRA Licenced (07274) Quality Seed Supply Only - Minimal Packaging - Ziplock Labelled Bags - Instructions Not Attached - See Details Provided Above For Cultivation Advice.
Do Not Harvest In The First Year Until Early Autumn In Order The Plant Can Get Established.
#TOP 6

Welldales Stem Lettuce Seeds for Home Gardening

WD1324
White
Welldales Stem Lettuce Seeds for Home Gardening Cover
Welldales 50 Chinese Stem Lettuce Seeds Long Tender Asian Celtuce Exotic Vegetable Plants

Welldales Stem Lettuce Seeds are a unique variety that combines the flavours of celery and lettuce, making them a delightful addition to your culinary repertoire. They grow quickly, allowing you to enjoy a fresh harvest in just 60 to 70 days. These seeds are versatile, suitable for both raw and cooked dishes, which means you can easily incorporate them into your meals. Furthermore, they thrive in well-draining soil and are resistant to cold weather, making them an excellent choice for beginners and seasoned gardeners alike.

What We Like
Fast-growing for quick harvest
Mild flavour for versatile cooking
Resistant to cold weather
Easy to grow for beginners
Adapts to different soil types
#TOP 7

PREMIER SEEDS DIRECT -Celery Victoria F1-60 Seeds

Premier Seeds Direct
Green
60 Seeds
PREMIER SEEDS DIRECT -Celery Victoria F1-60 Seeds Cover
PREMIER SEEDS DIRECT -Celery Victoria F1-60 Seeds (60 Seeds)

Features
CELERY SEEDS - It Is Also Slow To Bolt And Has Been Awarded The RHS Award Of Garden Merit For Its Flavour.
GROW YOUR OWN CELERY - Celery Victoria Is A Fast-Growing Variety Which Is Self-Blanching And Has A Good Standing Ability. This Variety Has Been Bred Specifically For The UK Climate And Is More Tolerant To Drier Conditions Than Other Celery Varieties.
SOW AND HARVEST - Sow Indoors: March-April Days To Germination: 10-14 Days Optimum Soil Temperature: 18-22 °C Planting Depth: 6-12mm Plant Height: 50cm Plant Spacing: 20cm Light: Full Sun/Part Shade
QUALITY VEGETABLE SEEDS - Professional DEFRA (APHA) Licensed Quality Seed Supply. At Premier Seeds Direct We Check Germination Rates/quality At Least Every Six Months To Ensure We Deliver The Best.
MINIMAL PACKAGING - Foil / Ziplock Sealed Packs With QR Code For Further Information Or See Details Provided Below For Cultivation Advice.
#TOP 8

Welldales 50 Winter Hardy British Purple Spring Onion Seeds Fast Harvest UK Bunching

Purple
Welldales 50 Winter Hardy British Purple Spring Onion Seeds Fast Harvest UK Bunching Cover
Welldales 50 Winter Hardy British Purple Spring Onion Seeds Fast Harvest UK Bunching

Features
Fast Germination And Quick Growth - Spring Onion Seeds Germinate In 10-14 Days - Harvest Young Onions In 60 Days Or Full Sized Spring Onion Bulbs In 90 Days - Ideal For Continuous Crops In UK Gardens
Grow Your Own Purple Spring Onions - This Dual Purpose Variety Produces Bold, Vibrant Red/Purple Onions - Perfect For Adding Colour And Flavour To Culinary Dishes - Easy To Grow UK Purple Spring Onion Seeds
Perfect For Home Gardeners And Allotments - Grow Indoors Or Outdoors In Containers, Raised Beds, Or Directly In Garden Soil - These Winter Hardy Spring Onion Seeds Are Ideal For Beginners And Experienced Growers
Over 50 British Grown Welldales Purple Spring Onion Seeds Per Packet - A Low Maintenance, High Yield Crop - Easy To Sow
Hardy, Winter Resistant Purple Bunching Spring Onions - Specifically Suited For UK Weather Conditions - Thrives In Full Sun Or Partial Shade - Grow Purple Spring Onions Year Round Even In Colder Months
#TOP 9

PREMIER SEEDS DIRECT - Onion BUNCHING

Premier Seeds Direct
Green,White
PREMIER SEEDS DIRECT - Onion BUNCHING Cover
PREMIER SEEDS DIRECT - Onion BUNCHING (Spring) - White Lisbon - 5 Grams

Features
For The Finest Onions, Seed Directly Outdoors, Depth 1/4 To 1/2 Inch, In Full Sun To Partial Shade And Well Drained Soil As Soon As The Ground Can Be Worked In Spring. Planting Space Rows 12 Inches Apart. Scatter Seed In The Row At The Rate Of 3 Seeds Per Inch.
Days To Germination: 10-14. Days To Harvest: 60-120. Planting Depth: 1/2". Spacing, Row: 12-18 Inches. Spacing, Plant: 2-3 Inches. Light: Full Sun Or Partial Shade.
When Seedlings Are 3 Inches High, Thin To Stand 2 To 3 Inches Apart. Harvest Young Plants In 60 Days Or Up To 120 Days For Mature Plants. Fertile, Moist Soil Enriched With Compost Is Best For Onion Production.
Seed Can Be Started Indoors 8-10 Weeks Before Transplanting Outdoors. When Transplanting, Clip Plants To Three Inches And Plant 2 Inches Deep.
Professional DEFRA Licenced Quality Seed Supply Only - Minimal Packaging - Ziplock Labelled Bags - Instructions Not Attached - See Details Provided Above For Cultivation Advice.
#TOP 10

PREMIER SEEDS DIRECT Swiss Chard Orange Glory

Premier Seeds Direct
Green,Orange
PREMIER SEEDS DIRECT Swiss Chard Orange Glory Cover
PREMIER SEEDS DIRECT Swiss Chard Orange Glory - 4 GRAM ~ Approx 210 Seeds

Features
Minimal Packaging
Professional DEFRA Licenced (07274) Quality Seed Supply Only
Start Harvesting Early Thinning Seedlings To 7 Cm (3") Apart For 'baby Leaves' Which Will Be Fully Ready To Harvest Approximately 50 Days From Sowing. · For Mature Plants Continue To Thin To 15 Cm (6") Apart, Or 23 Cm (9") For Mature Plants.
See Details Provided Below For Cultivation Advice
Instructions Not Attached
Direct Sow Outdoors From March To August After The Soil Has Warmed In Your Location. · Best Grown In A Well Prepared, Moist, Fertile Seedbed In Full Sun Or Partial Shade. · Sow Seeds Thinly At A Depth Of 1 Cm (½") In Drills 30 Cm (12") Apart.
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What vegetable grows in full shade?

Shade-Tolerant Vegetables and Herbs. arugula, endive, lettuce, sorrel, spinach.collards, kale, mustard greens, swiss chard.beets, carrots, potatoes, radishes, rutabaga, turnips.Broccoli and cauliflower, brussels sprouts, cabbage.mint, chervil, chives, coriander/cilantro, oregano, parsley.

2. Can you grow vegetables in a shady area?

Vegetables in shade Beetroot, carrots (baby), chard, kale, kohl rabi, leaf salads, lettuce, peas, runner beans and spinach are all relatively tolerant of light shade. Sowing seeds in modules in bright conditions and then transplanting will get them off to an early start with an established root system.

3. Can full sun plants grow in shade?

Expect most part sun to sun plants to bloom most prolifically in full sun and produce fewer flowers in part sun. When part shade to shade is listed for a plant, that means it prefers to grow in less than six hours of direct sunlight per day with most of that being the less intense morning sun.

Editor's Notes

During our full shade vegetable seed research, we found 46 full shade vegetable seed products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 2,541 customer reviews through our big data system to write the full shade vegetable seeds list. We found that most customers choose full shade vegetable seeds with an average price of £20.00.

The full shade vegetable seeds are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of full shade vegetable seeds, including Premier Seeds Direct, Viridis Hortus, Welldales.

Written by
Toby Butcher Avatar

Toby Butcher is a Horticulturist, and he earned his title as a Master Gardener in 2016. Toby has acquired a 25-year experience as a home gardener planting, designing, grooming vegetables and flowers. He is the leader of a plant group in Durham. Toby owns a blog where he publishes articles on growing and growing your flowers at home, in a vase, or in a garden.