Shrub basil is a hardy variant of the ever-popular herb. Whether in the garden or in a pot, on warm days it can unfold its unmistakable aroma anywhere. If you encourage its healthy growth with the right care, you can always branch off a few shoots for cooking.

Shrub basil likes it moderately moist and lean

Keep the shrub basil moist

A hot summer and a "cramped" existence in the pot require regular use of the watering can. But even beyond that, the substrate should remain moderately moist throughout. Here are the rules for optimal water supply:

  • avoid standing wetness
  • water in the morning and/or evening
  • never in the midday heat
  • Pour basil from below

Little fertilizer for a strong aroma

Like most herbs, the edible shrub basil prefers rather poor soil. For this reason, the nutrient consumption in the pot may only be replenished with restraint. Otherwise the aroma of the leaves will suffer.

  • supply with liquid fertilizer
  • only during the growing season
  • and only at intervals of 4 to 6 weeks
  • no fertilization is necessary in the garden

Cutting for better harvest

By regularly cutting the shoot tips from April to September, dense branches are formed. Not only does the plant look more attractive, there is also much more to harvest…

You can leave them in bloom because they are decorative and also edible. But if you want to use the herb frequently in the kitchen, you should cut off the flowers, otherwise the formation of leaves will decrease.

If the basil shoots are very woody, the plant can be prompted to shoot again by a radical cut, and it willingly follows.

tips

The shrub basil is versatile in use, so there is no harm in owning several specimens. Use unlignified cuttings to propagate the plant.

repot

When the roots are sticking out of the pot holes, it's time to repot the herb. Specimens rooted in the garden must also be potted in autumn, as shrub basil is not hardy.

hibernate

The shrub basil is perennial and needs a frost-free winter quarters for overwintering. The optimal temperature is between 10 and 15 °C, and it should not be too fast on the seat.

There should be no lack of light in the room, because the plant wants to keep its leaves. Install a grow light if needed. ($24.99) Keep watering but with much reduced watering.

To harvest

Harvest the basil just before use, that's when it tastes best. Don't pluck the leaves. Only ever cut off complete shoots, about 1-2 mm above a pair of leaves.

Category:

Vegetable garden