Basil blooms in the garden: is it still possible to eat the plant?

2023-09-21T17:25:25.527Z

Highlights: The large leaves of basil in particular lose a lot of their flavour when they flower. The small basil leaves are less affected. The plant stops growing when it blooms. Basil lovers should therefore act quickly in case of doubt. If you prefer to have basil in your home than in your garden, you need a pot for it. Flowerpots with a self-watering system are ideal (promotional link) With it, you only need to water once a week. The flowers are not only great decoration on the plate, because they are also edible.

Status: 21/09/2023, 19:14 p.m.

By: Sophia Lother

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Flowers in the garden are often something particularly beautiful. But a blooming basil plant does not please everyone. What to do then.

Kassel – Herbs are the be-all and end-all for every garden fan who is also a passionate hobby cook. Because they give the dishes the finishing touch and provide a fresh spice. But what do you do when the basil suddenly no longer shows only green, juicy leaves?

If the basil begins to bloom in the garden, or even on the balcony or in the kitchen, then you have to hurry. Here you can find out what needs to be done then.

Basil	Nutritional content per 100 grams
Sodium	4 mg
Potassium	295 mg
Vitamin C	18 mg\t
Iron	3.2 mg
Calcium	177 mg
Magnesium	64 mg\t

Can you still eat blooming basil? Tips for gardening fans

First of all, it should be said: Yes, even blooming basil is quite edible. As Ökotest also emphasizes, the basil leaves in a flowering plant are neither poisonous nor otherwise harmful. The problem lies in a completely different place.

This is because the large leaves of basil in particular lose a lot of their flavour when they flower. Is the dream of a fruity caprese salad over? Not quite, because while the large leaves can even become bitter and slightly pungent during flowering, the small basil leaves are less affected, 24.garten.de reveals. Another problem: the plant stops growing when it blooms. Basil lovers should therefore act quickly in case of doubt.

What to do if the basil blooms? (Symbolic photo) © imagebroker/Imago

Basil blooms in the garden: this is what to do now

If you don't want to do without the juicy, large basil leaves, you have to stop the flowering as soon as possible. What you should pay attention to, according to Gartenjournal, is:

Letting basil bloom in the garden: why it can be useful

However, flowering has not only disadvantages. As already mentioned, the small basil leaves still taste good. In addition, the flowers are not only great decoration on the plate, because they are also edible, they also offer insects a valuable source of food. The last, but equally important point: the flowers can save you money. Because, through you, they can collect seeds for the coming year. This saves a trip to the supermarket or garden centre and the purchase of new seeds or even expensive plants. (slo)

From the garden to the apartment

If you prefer to have basil in your home than in your garden, you need a pot for it. Flowerpots with a self-watering system are ideal (promotional link). With it, you only need to water once a week.

Source: merkur

All life articles on 2023-09-21