Admittedly, they are an ornament. But is that what matters most to us when it comes to shrub basil? We claim no! It's the green, aromatic leaves that the owner is after. But then the flowers have to go before they have really blossomed. We tell you why.

The flowers should be cut off for a higher and better crop yield

Flowering time of the shrub basil

The perennial shrub basil is available in different varieties. Their flowers differ partly in colour, but also in the flowering period. Here are dates of some popular strains in this country:

  • "African Blue" flowers from May to September
  • the flower color is pink-purple
  • "Greek shrub basil" and "mammoth" only rarely flower
  • "Cypriot basil" flowers relatively late
  • "Magic Blue" blooms bright violet from June

Flowers as a cooking ingredient

The flowers are edible! The best reason for cutting off the flowers is therefore their use in the kitchen. But their taste is tart than that of the green leaves. This bitter note is quite welcome for some connoisseurs. Those who do not like to eat them can still benefit from them. For example by pickling them in vinegar to flavor them. The flowers are also ideal as colorful food decorations.

tips

Harvest the buds in the bud stage or freshly opened and they will be more delicate compared to older specimens.

Cut off for more leafy greens

Even if the basil blossoms are not to your liking, you should still cut them off. Of course, their existence gives the plant more attractiveness. But removing the flowers also has benefits.

  • this saves energy
  • leaf growth, which has come to a standstill, is picking up speed again
  • this allows you to harvest more

tips

Don't tear at the flowers. Cut them off with sharp, clean scissors. Place about 2-3 mm above a pair of leaves so that the shoot will then sprout again.

Basil flowers for the vase

Cut off the basil flowers, including the stem and leaves. The flowering branches are a good addition to other cut flowers. In the vase, they quickly spread their typical scent. They are pretty to look at too.

You can also dry basil blossoms. Either just the flowers themselves or with stem. They are then used as a scent in dried bouquets or placed in small bowls to give fragrance.

Category:

Vegetable garden