In addition to the classic green basil, red-leaved varieties are also becoming increasingly popular - they provide a great splash of color in Mediterranean dishes and impress with their intense aroma. However, in cool temperatures, red basil also dies quickly if left outside.
Is red basil hardy?
Red basil is absolutely not hardy in our climates with cold winters. At temperatures below an average of 10 to 15 °C, the aromatic culinary herb quickly dies and can no longer be saved.
Why is red basil not hardy?
This is because the basil genuscomes from subtropical areas where our winter temperatures are unknown.
Can you leave red basil outside in winter?
Red basil with its edible and very aromatic leaves must not be left outside in cold temperatures because it is not hardyUnder no circumstances should it be kept outside Bedding plants must be dug up and moved, basil plants in pots or smaller pots must be placed indoors for overwintering.
Can red basil be overwintered indoors?
Perennial varieties in particular can be overwintered indoors with good carerelatively problem-free. The basil has to move at the latest when the temperatures permanently fall below 10 °C.
As an alternative to overwintering indoors, the plants can also spend the winter in a sufficiently bright greenhouse, as long as the required temperatures are maintained (possibly heating is possible). necessary) can be achieved consistently. Of course, a basil plant grown on the windowsill does not have to be moved and can be harvested all year round.
How to overwinter red basil?
If basil is to overwinter in the house, please pay attention to the following points:
- Temperatures of at least 10 °C, better 15 to 20 °C must be guaranteed - the cellar is therefore unsuitable.
- Asufficiently bright location is absolutely necessary. The plants may need to be artificially lit.
- There must beno drafts reaching the plants.
- Always waterwhen the soil feels dry on the surface.
- Every four to 6 weeksfertilize, preferably with a liquid, organic herbal fertilizer.
Which variety is best suited for overwintering?
For overwintering red basil to be worthwhile, you should make sure to choose a perennial variety - then the chances are much greater that the plants will survive the winter indoors and then again outdoors next year provide rich harvest. We recommend the variety“African Blue” (Ocimum kilimanscharicum basilicum) This is a perennial shrub basil that is relatively robust and produces beautiful purple flowers. With annual varieties the chances of success are very low.
Tip
Propagate via cuttings
If you don't have a suitable place to overwinter your basil pots from the garden in the house, you can cut cuttings at the beginning of autumn and grow them in the kitchen over the winter and then transplant them into pots. This way you will have several new basil plants in the new year.
