The bush basil is planned by Mother Nature for several years. But it cannot live this property under all conditions. The conditions here cannot replace his tropical home. It therefore depends on your intervention how many years a specimen is actually granted.
Descent from southern climes
Variety names such as “African Blue” or “Greek basil” suggest that this herb does not have its origins in our country. But where it is native, it can be pampered by the sun all year round. He will not encounter long-lasting frost, as is common in this country.
In the usual climate of its homeland, bush basil can grow for several years. But what about in the far distance?
Winter as a challenge
If the shrub basil is to survive outdoors for several years in our latitudes, it would have to withstand cold and frost. But this herb cannot do that. It doesn't like temperatures below 10 °C, let alone being comfortable with sub-zero temperatures.
Since the shrub basil is not hardy and is also sensitive to cold, no winter protection measure can protect it from damage. This means that the bush basil outside is only condemned to a one-year existence.
Warm wintering as a life-saving measure
Extend the life of shrub basil beyond the winter by overwintering it safely indoors. The move is easiest if the specimen is already growing in a pot. Plants in the bed must be dug up and potted in time in the fall for overwintering.
- in the winter quarters it should be 15 to 20 °C
- more heat cannot be tolerated
- therefore avoid proximity to heating
- Temperature must not fall below 10 °C
- airy and bright location is ideal
- there should be no drafts in the place
The bush basil continues to need your care even in winter quarters. Water it regularly but moderately and fertilize it every four weeks with an herbal fertilizer.
Tip
Tree basil is edible, which is why its aromatic leaves are used in many different ways in the kitchen. You can also harvest this herb without worry in winter quarters.
Cultivation as an annual plant
If you do not have the opportunity to overwinter to cultivate shrub basil as a perennial, you will have to sacrifice it to the cold in winter. But first cut off all shoots. Basil can be easily frozen or dried. So no leaf is wasted.
Sow new bush basil on the warm windowsill in February or March. The seeds germinate quickly and you get new plants for the summer. You can buy seeds in garden shops everywhere.
You can easily propagate bush basil in the fall using cuttings. Of course, the young plant also has to be overwintered. However, it has the advantage that it takes up much less space than a full-grown plant.
