June in Portugal is synonymous with popular festivities, grilled sardines and, of course, bush basil. This small aromatic plant, with its green, rounded leaves, is one of the most beloved symbols of the celebrations of St Anthony (Lisbon), St John (Porto) and St Peter. But in order for your bush basil to remain lush and fragrant throughout the festive season, it’s essential to know how to care for it properly.

  • Light: The bush basil likes places with lots of light, but protected from direct sunlight, especially during the hottest hours of the day. The ideal is to place it in a spot where it receives indirect sunlight, with direct sun only in the early hours of the morning or late afternoon.
  • Temperature: This plant prefers mild climates and does not tolerate extreme temperatures well. Avoid exposing it to temperatures below 12°C or above 30°C. Place a dish of water under the pot on hot days to maintain humidity.
  • Watering: The bush basil likes slightly damp soil, but not soggy. Water it regularly, checking the soil moisture with your finger: if the top layer is dry, it’s time to water. Avoid wetting the leaves and prefer to water from the base of the pot.
  • Wind: Avoid draughts or direct exposure to the wind. The leaves are sensitive.
  • Pot: Opt for clay pots with good drainage, allowing the roots to breathe and preventing water from accumulating. Use a light, well-drained substrate rich in organic matter.
  • Pruning: To stimulate growth and keep the plant compact, prune regularly, removing the flowers as soon as they appear and cutting off the tips of the branches. This will encourage new shoots to appear and keep the bush basil looking healthy.
  • Watch out for touching: Don’t touch the leaves too often so as not to weaken them.
  • Life cycle: The bush basil is a seasonal plant, usually sown at the end of winter and flowering in summer. After the festive period, it often begins to wither and dry out. In this case, you can use the seeds to plant new bush basil next year.
Basil in terracotta vase
Basil without vase

© Companhia das Cores for Horto do Campo Grande