table of contents
- Royal herb among herbs
- Needs sun
- Bed or tub
- frequently asked Questions
basil is probably one of the most popular herbs. It is impossible to imagine Mediterranean cuisine without it. The herb is relatively easy to cultivate. However, the location - and thus the question of whether sun or shade - is decisive.
In a nutshell
- Basil needs sun
- The herb grows poorly in the shade
- Cultivation in pots or tubs is ideal
Royal herb among herbs
basil (Ocimum basilicum) is also known as basil or royal herb. There are over 35 different species worldwide and they all come from warm and tropical areas. This origin already suggests what needs the plant has. The herb needs warmth to grow. Already at Temperatures below 15 ° C will that Strongly restricted growth and temperatures even drop below 10 ° C, grows the basil no longer.
Note: Basil is well suited to mixed culture with tomatoes and Cucumber. Be through the scent Pests kept away from tomato plants and infected with cucumbers mildew prevented.
Needs sun
The location in particular mainly influences the growth and flowering of the royal herb. It does not matter whether it is cultivated in a bed or in a bucket / pot on the balcony or terrace. All species need plenty of sun and warmth for healthy growth. A place in the shade is less suitable for the culture. The herb would react very sensitively to the cool temperatures here and the correspondingly higher humidity. Sooner or later the basil will die. When choosing a location, however, it is not just sun or shade that is important, but also
- a warm, bright place
- combined with a lot of light
- at least six hours of sunshine in summer
- sheltered from the wind
- but still airy
- Protection against heavy downpours
- Temperatures above 16 ° C
- Guarantee of lush and healthy growth
- deep, well drained, nutrient and humus rich soil
- ideal pH 6.5 to 7.5
- moist, but no waterlogging
Note: The sunnier the royal herb, the more aromatic the leaves become, as the proportion of essential oils in the parts of the plant increases. However, in very hot and sunny summers, half-day light shade, but not full shade, is appropriate.
Bed or tub
The bed, whether in the sun or in the shade, is not always the best location for the herbs. Cultivation in a pot or bucket is better. There are good conditions for growth here. So the herb can also find its place on the windowsill. Here, too, it takes
- a sunny location and
- Temperatures between 16 and 22 ° C
However, the pots should be moved outside in summer, because the aroma becomes stronger in the fresh air and in the sun. The potted plants can be slowly accustomed to the open field in partial shade during the day in mid-April. From mid-May they can then be completely put outside. However, the pots should not necessarily stand directly on the south wall of a house, because here they would be exposed to stagnant heat due to the reflection of the wall.
Tip: When planting in the bed, the place must be changed every year. It is also advisable thymeDo not plant dill, lemon balm, marjoram and savory in the immediate vicinity. They don't get along.
frequently asked Questions
Basil is not frost hardy in our latitudes. Perennial species can be overwintered in light and at a temperature of 15 ° C in the house.
Regular watering is important. The soil must be well moist, but not waterlogged. The herb is one of the strong eaters, so weak fertilizers (horn shavings or herbal fertilizers) are appropriate. It is recommended to pinch out the tips of the shoots. As a result of this so-called stripping, the plant grows bushier and the harvest is higher.
Before flowering in June to September, the parts of the plant contain the highest aromatic content. Harvesting is best done in the late morning hours. To do this, whole shoot tips are cut off above a leaf axil with sharp scissors. The shoot can be shortened to the middle.