Basil is probably one of the most popular herbs. It is an indispensable part of the Mediterranean cuisine. 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
- herbs grow badly in the shade
- Ideal for culture in pots or tubs
King 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 alone suggests the needs of the plant. The herb needs heat to grow. Already at Temperatures below 15°C will that growth severely restricted and the temperatures even drop below 10°C, grows the basil no longer.
Basil in the vegetable patch
Notice: Basil is well suited for mixed cultivation with tomatoes and cucumbers. The scent keeps pests away from tomato plants and prevents mildew on cucumbers.
needs sun
The location in particular mainly influences the growth and flowering of the royal herb. It doesn't 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 cultivation. The herb would react very sensitively to the cool prevailing temperatures here and the correspondingly higher humidity. Sooner or later the basil will die. When choosing a location, not only sun or shade is important, but also
- a warm, bright place
- combined with lots of light
- at least six hours of sunshine in summer
- sheltered from the wind
- but still airy
- Protection from heavy downpours
- Temperatures above 16°C
- Guarantee for lush and healthy growth
- deep, permeable soil rich in nutrients and humus
- ideal pH 6.5 to 7.5
- moist but not waterlogged
Too much sun can cause burns (brown spots) on basil.
Notice: The sunnier the royal herb is, the more aromatic the leaves become, as the proportion of essential oils in the plant parts increases. However, in summers that are very hot and sunny, half-day light shading, 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 herb. A culture in a pot or bucket is better. Here are good conditions for growth. So the herb can also find its place on the windowsill. It is needed here too
- 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 gradually accustomed to being outdoors in mid-April in the semi-shade during the day. From mid-May they can then be placed completely outside. However, the pots should not necessarily be placed directly on the south wall of a house, because here they would be exposed to pent-up heat due to the reflection of the wall.
Basil thrives best in fresh air.
Tip: When planting in the bed, the place must be changed every year. It is also advisable not to plant thyme, dill, lemon balm, marjoram and savory in the immediate vicinity. They don't get along.
frequently asked Questions
Is it so easy to overwinter basil in the garden?Basil is not frost hardy in our latitudes. Perennial species can be overwintered indoors in light and at a temperature of 15 °C.
What must be considered when caring for the royal herb?Regular watering is important. The soil must be well moist, but not waterlogged. The herb is one of the heavy feeders, so weak fertilizers (horn shavings or herb fertilizer) are appropriate. It is recommended to pinch out the shoot tips. This so-called pruning causes the plant to grow bushier and the harvest is higher.
How should the herb be harvested correctly?Before flowering in June to September, the parts of the plant contain the highest aroma content. It is best harvested in the late morning hours. To do this, entire shoot tips above a leaf axil are cut off with sharp scissors. The shoot can be shortened to the middle.