Have you ever tried to cultivate the basil on the balcony? This aromatic plant not only enriches your dishes with its unmistakable perfume, but it is also easy to grow. Do you know what is the ideal time to start sowing? Discover all the secrets to grow a strong and healthy basil, directly on your balcony!
Il basil It is one of the most loved and used aromatic plants in the kitchen. Fresh, fragrant and rich in beneficial properties, it is an inevitable ingredient in many recipes, from pesto to caprese. But do you know what is the perfect period to sow it? If you have a balcony, you can easily grow it in a pot, but you have to know when and how to do it to get a strong and productive plant. The moment of sowing directly affects the growth and quality of the leaves, so it is essential to choose the right period and follow some simple tricks.
In this article you will discover When to sow the basil on the balcony, how to protect it from the cold and what are the best techniques to make it grow at best. Prepare to fill your external green space and an irresistible perfume!
The right time to sow basil: when to start?
If you want to cultivate a healthy and lush basil, you must pay close attention to the sowing period. The ideal time to plant the seeds in pots is Between the end of February and the end of Maywhen temperatures begin to increase and the risk of frost is reduced. In recent months, basil has the perfect conditions to sprout and develop aromatic leaves. This plant loves the heat and lightbut can’t stand the cold. If the temperatures go down under the 10°Cgrowth can slow down or even stop. For this reason, it is better to sow After winterwhen the climate is more stable. If you live in an area with particularly cold springs, you can sow basil at home And move it to the balcony only when the temperatures remain myths.
Another fundamental aspect is the sunlight. Basil grows better in bright areasbut the direct rays of the sun in the hottest hours can burn the leaves. The ideal is to place the vase in one point with indirect light or with a few hours of sunshine in the morning and shadow in the afternoon. The choice of the vase is also important: although not needing a lot of earth, the basil grows better in large containerswhich allow the roots to expand. Avoid too small vases, which could limit the development of the plant.
Protect basil from cold: what to do when winter arrives
Basil is a delicate plant and does not tolerate the cold. If you want to survive even in the strictest months, you will have to adopt some strategies to protect it from low temperatures.
Here’s what you can do to keep it healthy during the winter:
- Take it to the house: When temperatures go down under the 10°Cmove the vase inside, positioning it near a light window.
- Cover the vase with a protective sheet: If you can’t move it into the house, wrap it with a breath to protect it from frost.
- Put it close to a wall: Positioning the vase next to a wall of the house helps to maintain heat and avoid thermal changes.
- Avoid air currents: Basil suffers the cold wind, then finds a sheltered corner of the balcony to protect it.
By following these precautions, you can extend the life of your plant and have fresh leaves even in the colder months!
How and when to water the basil for perfect growth
L’irrigation He plays a fundamental role in the growth of basil, which needs soil always humid but without stagnation of water, to avoid the risk of radical rot. The best time to water it is early in the morningso the ground can absorb water before the sun becomes too strong. It is important Don’t wet the leavessince humidity on the surface could favor mold and diseases; Better to pour the water directly into the ground. Before each irrigation, it is advisable Check the humidity level Of the substrate: if the earth is still humid, it is better to wait before adding more water. In the hottest periods, when the temperatures are high and the plant is exposed to the sun for several hours, a second watering After sunset It can help keep it well hydrated. With the right attention and balanced irrigation, your basil will grow lush, green and fragrantready to flavor your every dish with its unmistakable freshness.
Choose the right period, protect it from the cold and water it correctly: in a short time you will have fresh leaves to use in the kitchen, perfect for preparing a delicious homemade pesto or flavor your favorite dishes.
Photo © Stock.adobe
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