Considered one of the most traditional plants of Santos Populares, basil continues to be present in many Portuguese homes at this time of year. Small, aromatic and often accompanied by a popular court, it is a symbol of celebration, devotion and affection, but requires some care to avoid withering quickly.
According to gardening and agricultural experts at , despite appearing resistant, basil is a sensitive plant. Many people take it home during the June festivities and, a few days later, notice that the leaves begin to lose strength, turn yellow or dry out.
The most common mistake
One of the most common mistakes is to smell the basil directly, touching the plant with your nose or touching the leaves too much. Tradition recommends the opposite: you should gently run your hand over the plant and smell your hand, without crushing or touching the leaves excessively.
This care helps prevent the plant from being damaged. Basil leaves are delicate and can suffer from constant contact, especially when several people touch it throughout the day.
Furthermore, basil does not like sudden changes, excessive heat or lack of water. When exposed to direct sunlight for many hours, it can quickly lose vitality.
Where should you place the basil
The ideal is to place the basil in a place with lots of light, but without direct sun during the hottest hours. A protected balcony, a bright window or an airy space can be good options.
If it is in a very hot, stuffy place or exposed to strong sun, the plant may wilt in a short time. You should also avoid areas with strong drafts or near heat sources.
The small vase in which the basil is sold also requires attention. As it has little land, it dries out faster and needs regular monitoring, especially on hot days.
Watering also makes a difference
Irrigation must be balanced. Basil needs moisture, but it shouldn’t be soggy. Too much water can rot the roots, while too little water causes it to wilt quickly.
A good way to check is to touch the ground. If it is dry on the surface, you can water sparingly. The ideal is to keep the substrate slightly moist, without leaving water accumulated in the pot’s plate.
On hotter days, it may be necessary to water more frequently, but always with care. It is better to water little and observe the plant than to water it all at once.
Basil is not basil
Despite the similar names, basil and basil should not be confused. Basil is used in the kitchen, in dishes such as pasta, salads and sauces. The basil of Santos Populares is above all ornamental and symbolic.
Its value lies in the aroma, tradition and the quatrains that accompany the vases. During festivities, it is common to offer basil with popular messages, often linked to love, dating and fun.
This tradition is closely associated with Saint Anthony, but it also appears on the festivals of Saint John and Saint Peter. In many homes, basil remains a simple way to bring the atmosphere of the festival indoors.
How to keep it looking beautiful longer
To keep basil looking beautiful for longer, you should avoid touching the leaves too much, protect it from strong sun and control watering. It also helps to remove dry or damaged leaves, so that the plant can focus energy on healthy parts.
If the pot is too small, you can transfer the plant to a slightly larger container with adequate soil and good drainage. This step must be done carefully to avoid damaging the roots.
With daily attention, basil can last much longer than just festive days. The key is to treat it like a delicate plant, not just a June decoration.
In the end, the secret is simple: don’t smell it directly, don’t leave it in the strong sun and don’t overwater it. Small precautions can prevent basil from withering in a few days and help keep one of the most beloved traditions of Santos Populares alive.
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