Tree basil is a robust version of the ever-popular herb. Whether in the garden or in a pot, on warm days it can develop its distinctive aroma anywhere. If you promote its he althy growth with proper care, you can always branch off a few shoots for cooking.
How do you properly care for bush basil?
For optimal care of shrub basil, the plant should be watered regularly, fertilized sparingly and pruned. Frost-free accommodation is required for the winter. Harvest the leaves just before use by cutting off entire shoots.
Keep shrub basil moist
A hot summer and a “cramped” existence in the pot require regular use of the watering can. But even beyond this, the substrate should remain moderately moist throughout. Here are the rules for optimal water supply:
- avoid standing moisture
- water in the morning and/or evening
- never in the midday heat
- Water basil from below
Low fertilizer for strong aroma
Like most herbs, the edible shrub basil prefers lean soil. That's why the nutrient consumption in the pot can only be replenished cautiously. Otherwise the aroma of the leaves will suffer.
- Provide with liquid fertilizer
- only during the growing season
- and only at intervals of 4 to 6 weeks
- no fertilization is necessary in the garden
Cutting for a better harvest
Dense branches are formed by regularly cutting the shoot tips from April to September. Not only does the plant look more attractive, there is also a lot more to harvest..
You can leave them flowers because they are an ornament and are also edible. But if you want to use the herb frequently in the kitchen, you should cut off the flowers, otherwise the leaf formation will decline.
If the shoots of the basil are very woody, the plant can be encouraged to sprout again by making a radical cut, and it will follow willingly.
Tip
The bush basil is versatile in its use, so it doesn't hurt to have several copies. Use unwoody cuttings to propagate the plant.
Repotting
If the roots are sticking out of the pot holes, it's time to repot the herb. Specimens rooted in the garden must also be potted in autumn, as bush basil is not hardy.
Wintering
The shrub basil is perennial and requires frost-free winter quarters to overwinter. The optimal temperature is between 10 and 15 °C, and the place should not be too fast.
There should be no lack of light in the room because the plant wants to keep its leaves. If necessary, install a plant lamp (€89.00 on Amazon). Continue watering, but with a greatly reduced amount of water.
Harvesting
Harvest the basil shortly before use, then it tastes best. Do not pick off the leaves. Always cut off complete shoots, about 1-2 mm above a pair of leaves.
