By choosing the location, hobby gardeners set the course for the successful cultivation of basil in the bed and on the balcony. We have put together for you here how the ideal place for a royal herb should be structured.
Which location criteria are important for basil?
The ideal location for basil offers a sunny location with at least 6 hours of sunshine, warm and draft-free conditions, protection from intense rain, deep and well-drained soil, plenty of nutrients and humus and a pH of 6.5 to 7, 5.
The most important location criteria at a glance
The tropical origin already suggests that basil has a high need for sunlight. In addition, kingweed is surprisingly one of the heavy feeders, which is quite an exception for herbal plants. This is what a location should be like:
- sunny location with at least 6 hours of sunshine in summer
- warm and without cold drafts
- preferably protected from pelting rain
- deep, well-drained soil
- nutrient-rich and well-stocked with humus
- ideal is a pH value of 6.5 to 7.5
Regardless of the preference for plenty of sun and warmth, potted basil should not be exposed to the accumulating heat of a reflective south-facing wall. A place surrounded by air is beneficial so that raindrops dry more quickly.
How to take crop rotation into account
Like many crops, basil is also incompatible with itself. It is therefore recommended to plant the annual herb plant in a different location every year. Other herbs such as thyme, dill, marjoram, lemon balm or savory should not be planted there as they do not mix with royal herb.
Cucumbers are well suited candidates for mixed cultivation, as the royal herb keeps mildew away from them.
Tips & Tricks
Basil is an excellent companion for tomatoes. The intense scent, characterized by the essential oils, keeps cunning pests away. At the same time, the royal herb enjoys protection from the rain through the tomato canopy. As long as the mighty tomatoes do not rob the herb plant of sunlight, it is an exemplary win-win constellation.
