In contrast to many other herbs, the aromatic basil (Ocimum basilicum) is a heavy feeder, so it needs a lot of nutrients for he althy and strong growth. In our article you will find out all the important facts about fertilizing the popular culinary herb.
How do you fertilize basil correctly?
Fertilizing basil is possible with organic liquid fertilizer, vegetable or herb fertilizer as well as compost, horn shavings or cattle dung. Weekly fertilization is recommended; in winter, every two weeks is sufficient. Coffee grounds or nettle manure are useful additions.
How and with what should you fertilize basil?
You can use many commercial fertilizers to fertilize basil. Organic-based fertilizers are best, for example in the form of liquid fertilizer (€13.00 on Amazon). Feel free to use vegetable or herb fertilizer! Alternatively - and if the basil is growing in the garden - you can also use compost, horn shavings or cattle manure.
You should not supply the heavy feeder with purely mineral fertilizers in order to avoid over-fertilization with nitrogen. In this case, the basil would produce very long shoots but only little aroma. In addition, over-fertilization can cause various diseases.
When and how often should you fertilize basil?
When and how often you fertilize the basil depends on the fertilizer you choose. When it comes to organic fertilization in the garden bed, it is best to proceed as follows from May to September:
- compost and horn shavings or horn meal once a week
- some beef dung (granulated, approx. 100 grams per square meter) every 14 days
- apply a thin layer of dried coffee grounds every four weeks
(Organic) liquid fertilizer, however, should be applied once a week. If you supply your basil with long-term fertilizer, one application of fertilizer in May and July is usually sufficient.
After repotting potted basil, if you use pre-fertilized substrate, you should wait approx. four to six weeks before the first top dressing.
Can you fertilize basil with coffee grounds?
Basically, you can also fertilize basil with (dried!) coffee grounds. But be careful: This home remedy is not suitable as a sole fertilizer, but should only be administered as a supplement - for example to provide nitrogen and keep snails away.
However, coffee grounds do not provide all the necessary nutrients, and use also gradually acidifies the soil. However, basil prefers a more alkaline pH value between 6.5 and 7.
What other home remedies can you use to fertilize basil?
However, nettle manure is suitable for (supplementary) fertilization of basil, as it supplies the plant with important minerals as well as the main nutrients potassium and nitrogen. Nettle manure is very easy to make yourself:
- 1 kilogram of finely chopped nettles
- pour 10 liters of water
- add a handful of rock dust
- place in a warm location
- cover with cloth or fine-mesh grid
- Allow to ferment for 10 to 14 days
- stir once a day
As soon as no more bubbles appear, the manure is ready and can be used for fertilization. To do this, dilute it again with soft water in a ratio of 1:10.
Tip
Do you have to fertilize basil in winter?
If you grow the basil on your windowsill at home in winter, you should fertilize it. However, it is sufficient to administer a liquid fertilizer for vegetables or herbs every 14 days or to use a long-term fertilizer (e.g. in the form of fertilizer sticks).
