Basil is a very popular culinary herb. In order for it to thrive, it is best kept outside in summer - planted in a bed or in suitable containers on the balcony or terrace. But what happens to basil when the temperatures drop?
Can basil freeze?
Basil is a very cold-sensitive plant anddoes not tolerate frost- it canfreeze quickly. Even temperatures below 12 °C are too cold for basil and the herb clusters react by stopping growth.
What happens if basil gets frost?
If basil gets frost, you can tell by the leaves: Thesehang downand in extremely sub-zero temperatures there can also beblack spotsform on the leaves. Another damaging sign is when the leaves curlThe risk of fungal infestation is also significantly increased - even when temperatures drop to around 12 °C.
Can a frozen basil plant still be saved?
Basil that has suffered frost damage is unfortunatelycannot be saved anymoreEven cutting it back or leaving it in a frost-free location after freezing would not help - the plant is lost and has to be disposed of It's the same with basil plants that were planted in the bed too early. In the event of late frost, such as night frost before the so-called ice saints, these can also die.
How should basil overwinter?
To prevent frost damage, basil should not be left outsideat temperatures that are permanently below 15 °C. Basil in pots can easily be moved indoors. Specimens planted in the bed must be transplanted into a pot with suitable soil and drainage. A place on the windowsill or in the winter garden is ideal - bright, withtemperatures between 15 and 20 °CAlternatively, basil can overwinter in the greenhouse.
Should basil be harvested before winter?
If there is no suitable place to overwinter in the house, it is highly recommended to harvest theplant before it freezes to death If the tender leaves cannot be consumed directly fresh, you can Pesto can be made from it. The different varieties are also very suitable for drying or freezing. This means there is always a supply at hand.
Tip
Wintering various herbs outside
If you don't want to keep your herbs indoors over the winter or you simply don't have the space for them, you should choose varieties that can easily overwinter outside and tolerate sub-zero temperatures well. These include, for example, mint, oregano and lemon balm, which do not mind frosty temperatures. Wild garlic can also spend the winter outside without any problems.
