So that the basil does not become lignified »This is how you can prevent it

Regular pruning prevents lignification

The vast majority of all types of basil and sorts is created by mother nature as a subshrub or shrub. If your royal herb tends to become lignified, it is a completely natural process. However, you do not have to accept this development, because this is how a royal herb stays lush green:

• As part of the harvest basically 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 fresh from it. It is therefore worthwhile to use the herbal plant in the eye to retain and, if necessary, excess shoots even without current need cut back. What is not consumed immediately can go through Freeze or pickling can be preserved very well.

Lignification is desirable here

So that perennial basil varieties as well

Wild basil Can stand up to the weather conditions, they are dependent on woody shoots. Thus, 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 in the house.

A prime example of lignified basil is the wild species from the Country of origin India. Known under the variety name 'Tulsi', the herb plant thrives as a richly branched bush. The reddish colored leaves convince with a light blood pudding aroma, which is retained even after lignification. Whole shoots are also always harvested here in order to thin out the bush at the same time.

Tips & Tricks

If the lignification of a one-year-old basil is already well advanced, you do not have to do without the herbs for a long time. Simply cut several shoot tips as Cuttings that are not lignified. The offshoots will quickly take root in the water glass. Planted in a nutrient-rich substrate, they quickly transform into a vital young plant with a juicy green habit.

GTH