Olive herb is not a native plant, but it gets along very well with the living conditions offered in this country. So there is not much left for its owner to do. A little care is enough for the subshrub, and it reciprocates with bright yellow flower heads and delicious leaves.

If the olive herb is good, care is minimal

Good location is the best care

The leaves of olive herb need a lot of sun where they are located in order to develop their full flavor potential. If you do not neglect this aspect when planting, then the subsequent care will only be the icing on the cake.

Casting is rarely required

A specimen in the bucket has to be watered at regular intervals. But the olive herb is not a big water consumer. The casting volume therefore remains modest. The top layer of soil is allowed to dry properly between two visits to the watering can.

Olive herb bushes planted in the garden only need a targeted watering during the rooting phase. After that, watering is only done if there is no rain for many days.

Meet moderate nutritional needs

Like most Mediterranean herbs, the olive herb prefers a nutrient-poor soil. In the garden bed it can do without fertilization for a long time. Since even a potted plant only takes a few nutrients from the soil, it rarely needs to be re-fertilized.

  • fertilize once a month
  • only during the main growing season
  • Use liquid fertilizer or organic fertilizer

Pruning for bushy growth

The fine leaves of the olive herb only come into their own when the foliage is very tightly woven. But that can only be achieved with expert cutting.

  • after flowering, a topiary should be done
  • about a third of the length may be removed
  • more radical cuts should only be made in spring
  • immediately before the forthcoming new growth
  • Dividing as a cooking ingredient is possible at any time
  • cut off shoots of 5-10 cm length
  • then pluck off the leaves

tips

When cutting in spring, there are enough slightly woody cuttings that are ideal for propagating this herb.

support in winter

Planted olive herb is hardy and may overwinter outdoors. Nevertheless, it is advisable to cover the herb with brushwood or plant fleece before the first frost.

If possible, olive herb in the bucket should spend the winter in the house in a bright place. If this is not possible, it must be armed against the cold outside.

  • Place the pot in a sheltered spot
  • wrap with fleece
  • stand on insulating styrofoam

Category:

Vegetable garden