Basil tends to gradually become woody over time. This is accompanied by reduced leaf growth and a noticeable loss of aroma. You can find out what you can do about this undesirable development here.
How do I prevent basil from turning woody?
To prevent basil from becoming woody, you should regularly prune whole shoots, cut off older branches at the base and cut off branches with a sharp knife. Leave at least one pair of leaves so that the plant can sprout freshly.
Regular pruning prevents woodiness
The vast majority of all basil species and varieties are created by Mother Nature as subshrubs or shrubs. If your royal herb tends to become woody, it is a completely natural process. However, you don't have to accept this development, because this way the royal herb remains juicy and green:
- As part of the harvest, always cut whole shoots
- regularly cut older branches at the base
- do not pick the branches, but cut them with a sharp knife
As long as at least one pair of leaves remains on the royal herb, the plant will sprout freshly. It is therefore worth keeping an eye on the herb plant and, if necessary, cutting back excess shoots even if there is no current need. What is not eaten immediately can be preserved very well by freezing or pickling.
Lignification is desired here
So that perennial basil varieties and wild basil can withstand the weather conditions, they rely on woody shoots. This means that the herb plants can spend the summer in the bed without lying flat on the ground after a thunderstorm. In addition, the woody branches give them sufficient resistance to survive the winter indoors.
A prime example of woody basil is the wild variety from its country of origin, India. Known under the variety name 'Tulsi', the herb plant thrives as a richly branched bush. The reddish leaves impress with a light black pudding aroma that remains even after lignification. Whole shoots are always harvested here in order to thin out the bush at the same time.
Tips & Tricks
If the woodiness of a one-year-old basil is already well advanced, you don't have to miss out on enjoying the herb. Simply cut off several shoot tips as cuttings that are not woody. The offshoots will root quickly in the water glass. Planted in a nutrient-rich substrate, they quickly transform into a vital young plant with a lush, green habit.
