As a Mediterranean plant, I am a sun-worshipper by nature. Outdoors, I thrive under 6-8 hours of direct, unfiltered sunlight. When grown indoors, I require you to replicate this intense light for me to perform robust photosynthesis. This process is how I convert light, water, and carbon dioxide into the energy I need to grow and produce the aromatic oils you love. Without sufficient light intensity, I will become leggy, stretching weakly towards any light source in a desperate attempt to survive. My leaves will be pale, sparse, and lack their characteristic pungent aroma. Furthermore, I require a specific photoperiod, or day/night cycle. I need a consistent period of darkness for respiration, so my ideal light schedule is 14-16 hours of light followed by 8-10 hours of complete darkness.
Not all light is equal to my photosynthetic machinery. The full spectrum of sunlight is ideal, but when using artificial lights, you must consider the color temperature, measured in Kelvins (K). For vigorous vegetative growth—producing lush, leafy stems—I benefit most from lights in the cooler, blue-heavy spectrum (around 6500K). This spectrum promotes compact, bushy growth. However, during all growth stages, a full-spectrum light that closely mimics natural sunlight is the best choice, as it provides a balance of cool blue and warm red wavelengths, supporting overall health and oil production.
The intensity of the light is crucial. I need a lot of it. Low-light household bulbs are insufficient. You should provide me with dedicated LED or fluorescent grow lights. LEDs are highly efficient and produce less heat. The light source should be positioned very close to me—typically 6 to 12 inches above my topmost leaves—to prevent etiolation (stretching). You must monitor this distance, as I will grow upwards towards the light. If the leaves show signs of bleaching or curling, the light is too close and intense. If I start to stretch and look thin, the light is too far away. A simple adjustment can make a profound difference in my structure and health.
If my light needs are not met, I will communicate my distress clearly. My most common issue is etiolation: my stems will become long, spindly, and weak as I desperately search for more photons. The space between my leaf nodes will widen significantly, resulting in a sparse, unattractive plant. My leaf production will slow, and the leaves that do grow will be small, pale green, or even yellowish. Most critically, the concentration of the essential oils that give me my signature flavor and scent will be drastically reduced. I will become a bland, fragile version of my true potential.
