Within the field of plants in the home, there are those who choose the most decorative ones in terms of their aesthetics, others opt for the ones that smell the best and then there are those who prefer to have a good repertoire of aromatic plants with which to spice up their dishes in the kitchen. Among the latter, the most popular is basil, which stands out for its pleasant smell, as well as for enriching countless recipes, from pasta to pizzas, including stews, rice dishes and salads.
In addition, basil helps repel mosquitoes and is attributed with diuretic properties and promotes digestion. For all these reasons, it is an excellent plant to grow, since it also does not require very demanding care. However, it is a seasonal plant. This means that, once its cycle is over, it usually dries out and dies, which happens at the beginning of autumn, when temperatures drop. However, if you practice a series of more thorough care, you can make your basil plant last all year long.
In the blog Plan your life in green, they compile the keys to making your basil last all year long. First of all, we must keep in mind that basil is one of the aromatic plants that needs the most light, with at least six hours. Furthermore, it suffers damage when the temperature drops below 7ºC, being especially sensitive to frost.
Taking this into consideration, if you live in an area where temperatures are colder in winter, it is best to plant your basil outside with a greenhouse, or indoors. Remember: your basil will need at least six hours of light a day, so it will be best near a sunny window, and a constant temperature that does not drop below 7 degrees.
Following the advice of the aforementioned blog, it is better to opt for varieties with small leaves, such as cannelle or purple, as they adapt better to the shade if you do not have as many hours of light. In addition, they recommend starting with seeds, as these adapt better to the conditions than purchased plants.
Another key tip for your basil to thrive is to maintain the humidity of its environment. It must remain constantly moist, so you should water it a couple of times a day, but without flooding it. To do this, make some holes in its pot so that excess water can drain. If the heating dries out the environment, use a dome or a small greenhouse – which you can make with a water bottle with holes in it – to prevent the plant from wilting. If you live in a cold area with frequent frosts during the winter months, place your basil a few centimeters away from the window, because if the glass is very cold it can freeze the plant.