From my perspective, a suitable container is my entire world. I require a pot that is at least 6-8 inches deep to allow my roots to stretch out and establish a strong foundation. Most critically, this pot must have excellent drainage holes at its base. I despise having my roots sit in stagnant water; it causes them to rot, which is a death sentence for me. The soil you provide is my sustenance. I crave a light, well-draining potting mix. A standard potting soil amended with a handful of perlite or coarse sand is perfect. This mixture ensures my roots get the oxygen they need and that excess water flows away freely, keeping me healthy and happy.
My watering needs are simple: I prefer to be on the drier side. Please check the soil before giving me a drink. Insert your finger about an inch into the soil; if it feels dry, it is time for a thorough watering. Soak the soil until water runs out of the drainage holes, then let me be until the soil dries out again. Overwatering is the most common mistake and my greatest nemesis. As for food, I am not a heavy feeder. A light feeding with a diluted, balanced organic fertilizer once at the beginning of the growing season in spring is ample. Too much fertilizer will encourage excessive leaf growth at the expense of the potent essential oils that give me my wonderful flavor and aroma.
I am a child of the Mediterranean sun, and I crave abundant light to thrive. To produce the best flavor and maintain a compact, bushy form, I need a minimum of 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. A south-facing windowsill is my ideal spot. If your window does not provide enough light, I will become leggy, stretching out weakly with sparse leaves. My growth will be stunted, and my flavor will be lackluster. If natural light is insufficient, please consider supplementing with a grow light placed a few inches above my foliage for 12-14 hours a day. This artificial sun will keep me robust and flavorful.
As I mature, pinching me back is beneficial for us both. Regularly snipping the tips of my stems encourages me to branch out, becoming bushier and fuller instead of tall and spindly. The best way to harvest my leaves is to cut stems just above a pair of leaves. This method promotes new growth from that point. Always harvest from the top of my stems. For the most intense flavor and aroma, harvest my leaves just before I flower, as this is when my essential oil concentration is at its peak. Your regular harvesting is a form of pruning that stimulates my growth and provides you with the freshest seasoning possible.
