How do you get a basil plant with lots of green leaves for a long time?

The secret of 20°C

Providing the  right temperature  to the plant is essential to ensure that it maintains its green leaves. In every season of the year, place your plant at a  minimum temperature of 20°C . In summer, this is not difficult to do. It is enough to keep the plant outside and not at home, where the air conditioning is usually on.

However, during the cold seasons, install your basil at home, avoiding placing it in  rooms that are too cold and humid .

Cover the soil with mulch

Paillage  du sol  is a common process with larger plants but can be of great help with this aromatic plant.

To do this, use  dried leaves and bark  , scattering them on the ground. These materials give the soil a fairly constant temperature to prevent the roots from getting cold.

Use expanded clay

Stagnant water is basil’s worst enemy. In a very short time, water can rot the roots and wilt the entire plant. To reduce the risk of  water stagnation , put some  expanded clay at the bottom of the pot. This helps drain excess water to prevent pooling.

Use a terracotta pot

In most cases, basil is sold in  small plastic pots . However, it is necessary to use a different pot to preserve this green plant, guaranteeing a long life. To do this, choose a pot of approximately  20 cm in diameter,  preferably  made of terracotta .

Don’t forget  to soak your plant at least every 2 years in early spring . This will allow the plant to grow properly while preventing its roots from shrinking.