If basil is to grow properly and produce a bountiful harvest, it needs sufficient nutrients. Regular fertilization of culinary herbs both in the garden and on the windowsill is very important. However, excessive fertilization should be avoided.
Can you overfertilize basil?
If fertilizer is applied too heavily or too frequently, it ispossible to over-fertilize basil. The risk of over-fertilization for both potted basil and outdoor basil is particularly high when mineral fertilizers or coffee grounds are used.
How does overfertilization manifest itself in basil?
When usingmineral fertilizersthere is a risk of over-fertilization due to the high s alt concentration. If the fertilizer is overdosed, the groundwater can be contaminated and the excess nitrogen causes enormous growth of the shoots. The leaves of the basil are thennot very aromatic
Ifcoffee groundsis used for fertilization, if given too frequently, the pH value of the soil can be affected sink into an area that is too acidic. Thenthe basil will not thrive optimallyOrganic fertilizer should not be overdosed either.
What should I do if I overfertilized my basil?
If signs of over-fertilization are discovered in the basil, furtherfertilization must be stopped immediatelyso that the plant can recover. It is also strongly recommended torepotcultivated basil in pots and give it optimal care. Basil planted in the garden should be planted in another suitable place if over-fertilization is evident - be sure to use fresh soil that suits the needs of the royal herb.
Can over-fertilized basil plants still be saved?
If you react quickly in the event of over-fertilization, the plantscan usually still be saved.
How often and when should basil be fertilized?
If the heavy feeder is planted in the garden bed, then fertilization is generally recommendedonce a week during the growth phasefrom May to September - depending on which fertilizer is used. If long-term fertilizer is used, it is sufficient to apply it twice per season. During the wintering phase, less fertilizer needs to be used.
Pot basil in the kitchen should also be fertilized aboutonce a week - although the season makes no difference.
How can I fertilize basil?
The following products are very suitable for fertilizing basil:
- Organic (long-term) fertilizers with sufficient phosphorus and potassium (liquid in irrigation water, as granulated herbal fertilizer or as fertilizer sticks)
- Home remedies: This category includes cattle manure, compost and horn shavings, which are only suitable for basil in the bed, as well as coffee grounds, which are perfect for basil in the house.
Mineral fertilizer can also be used, but the risk of over-fertilization is high and only a short supply of nutrients is guaranteed for heavy feeders.
Tip
Do not fertilize in fresh herb soil
Since all the nutrients required for a few weeks are added to fresh herb soil, it is sufficient to only start fertilizing after about eight weeks.
