Originally a classic of Mediterranean cuisine, basil has become an indispensable part of our kitchens. Who would want to do without the spicy green on a plate of tomato and mozzarella or can imagine a fresh green pesto without basil? However, this popular plant likes to drop its leaves and die. To prevent this from happening to you, you need to look after your basil properly – find out how here.
Proper basil care: tips for location, watering and harvesting
You usually buy it as a fresh plant in the vegetable section. However, what looks so juicy and lush in the store usually cuts a rather sad figure after a few days and ends up in the organic waste garbage can or on the compost heap with a heavy heart. However, it is quite possible to save the plant. There are even people who give their basil names and have a veritable cult surrounding the spice plant. But that’s exactly what you need: a good dose of dedication and the following tricks and tips.
Watering basil – the right amount
Most people go to two extremes: some water their basil overprotectively and literally drown it in water. Others don’t bother and let the soil dry out. The right thing to do, however, is to keep the soil evenly moist and avoid waterlogging. In addition, you should only water the soil, not the leaves, as otherwise fungi are encouraged.
The right location for basil
This Mediterranean plant loves as much light as possible. So choose the sunniest spot in the house if you want to keep it indoors. The garden or balcony is better, at least in the summer months. Outside, the plants get plenty of sun and fresh air and usually have more space to develop.
Growing basil in a pot
It is best to give the plants plenty of space. To do this, you can divide the pot from the store into four parts and plant each in an individual pot with plenty of fresh soil.
This is the soil basil needs
Please do not use herb soil for this, but high-quality, nutrient-rich potting soil. Basil is demanding and hungry.
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Fertilizing basil correctly
Fertilize your basil once or twice a month with an organic liquid fertilizer for foliage plants (outdoors, every six weeks is sufficient). It will thank you with plenty of fresh leaves and pests such as spider mites will be kept at bay.
Harvesting basil
Many people believe it is best to pick individual leaves from different branches so as not to weaken any branch too much. In reality, however, it makes more sense to cut off entire stems. This makes the growth denser, as new shoots and leaves form at the cut points.
Basil in bloom: Can you still eat the leaves?
Cutting off the stems also has the advantage that you can control the flowering. This is because when the plant flowers, the leaves lose their size and aroma. However, if you overlook a branch and it starts to flower, don’t panic: The flowers are also edible, extremely tasty and an adornment for any salad.
Your basil arrives at your home rather stressed, as the stems are actually too densely packed in the finished herb pot, have too few nutrients and transportation is hard on them. This means that the plants only have a short life ahead of them when you buy them. However, if you provide them with a “species-appropriate environment”, they will thank you for it – in the best case for a long time.
Sources: t-online, utopia, gartenlexikon
