The shrub basil is planned by Mother Nature to be perennial. However, it cannot live up to this quality under all conditions. The conditions in this country cannot replace his tropical homeland. It therefore depends on your intervention how many years a specimen is actually granted.

Shrub basil is perennial, but needs to be kept warm in winter

Descent from southern climes

Variety names such as "African Blue" or "Greek shrub basil" already suggest that this herb does not have its origins in us. But where it is at home, it can be pampered by the sun all year round. Long-lasting frost, which is common in this country, will not be encountered there.

In the usual climate of its homeland, the shrub basil can grow for several years. But what about in the distant future?

Winter as a challenge

If the shrub basil is to survive for several years outdoors in our latitudes, it would have to withstand the cold and frost. But this herb cannot do that. It does not like temperatures below 10 °C, let alone the fact that it can get used to minus degrees.

Since the shrub basil is not hardy and also sensitive to cold, no winter protection measure can protect it from damage. Thus, the shrub basil is only condemned to a one-year existence outside.

Warm hibernation as a life-saving measure

Extend the life of shrub basil beyond winter by wintering it safely indoors. The easiest way to move is if the specimen is already growing in the pot. Plants in the bed must be dug up and potted in good time in autumn for the winter.

  • in the winter quarters it should be 15 to 20 °C warm
  • more heat is not tolerated
  • therefore also avoid proximity to the heating system
  • The temperature must not fall below 10 °C
  • airy and bright location is ideal
  • there must be no draughts

The shrub basil also needs your care in the winter quarters. Water it regularly but moderately and fertilize it with an herbal fertilizer every four weeks.

tips

Shrub basil is edible, which is why its aromatic leaves are used in many ways in the kitchen. Even in the winter quarters, you can harvest this herb without worry.

Cultivation as an annual plant

If you do not have the opportunity to overwinter to cultivate the shrub basil for several years, you will have to sacrifice it to the cold in winter. But first cut off all shoots. Basil freezes and freezes well. So no sheet is wasted.

Sow new shrub basil on the warm windowsill in February or March. The seeds germinate quickly and you get new plants for the summer. You can buy seeds from any garden store.

You can also easily propagate shrub basil in autumn using cuttings. The young seedling must of course also be overwintered. However, it offers the advantage of taking up much less space than a fully grown plant.

Category:

Vegetable garden