Whether you place me indoors or out, my most fundamental need is well-draining soil. Soggy roots are my greatest enemy and will lead to my demise. Outdoors, please find me a spot with moist, rich soil and ample space. I must warn you, I am a vigorous grower and will happily claim territory if not contained. Many gardeners plant me in sunken pots or with root barriers to keep my adventurous tendencies in check. Indoors, I require a pot with excellent drainage holes and a quality potting mix. A sunny windowsill is ideal, as I thrive with at least four to six hours of sunlight daily. A south or west-facing window is my preferred indoor residence.
My relationship with water is one of consistent moisture. I do not enjoy drought, nor do I appreciate being waterlogged. The goal is to keep my soil damp like a well-wrung sponge. Outdoors, rainfall often provides for me, but during dry spells, I will need a deep drink. Indoors, check my topsoil regularly; when the top inch feels dry to your touch, it is time to water me thoroughly until it runs from the drainage holes. Regarding sunlight, I am adaptable. I prefer full sun to partial shade outdoors. Inside, the more bright, direct light you can provide, the stronger and more aromatic my leaves will become. If I become leggy and pale, I am desperately reaching for more sun.
To keep me bushy, healthy, and prevent me from flowering, you must prune me regularly. Flowering, or bolting, signals the end of my leafy growth phase and makes my leaves less tasty. Do not be afraid to cut me back! Pinching off the top sets of leaves just above a set of lower leaves encourages me to branch out and become fuller. Harvesting is simply a form of pruning. You may take sprigs from me as needed, but the most beneficial harvests are when you cut up to one-third of my height at once. This invigorates me to produce a fresh flush of vibrant growth.
If I live outdoors in a cold climate, my top growth will die back after the first hard frost. Do not be alarmed; this is my natural cycle. My energy has retreated to my roots below the soil line, where I will rest until the warmth of spring returns. A light layer of mulch can protect my slumbering root system. For my indoor companions, I may experience a period of slower growth during the shorter, darker winter days. You should reduce watering slightly during this time, allowing the soil to dry out a bit more between drinks, as my growth and thirst are diminished.
I am not a heavy feeder, but I appreciate nourishment for my dense growth. Feeding me monthly with a balanced, all-purpose liquid fertilizer diluted to half-strength during my active growing season (spring and summer) is sufficient. Please refrain from feeding me in the winter. Over time, I will outgrow my pot, becoming pot-bound. You will know this is happening if my growth seems stunted or my roots crowd the container's edges. Every few years, you can lift me, gently divide my root ball into several sections, and repot me into fresh soil. This rejuvenates me and gives you new plants to enjoy or share.
