Fertilizing Basil, Oregano

[shel]

I've got a couple of pots going with basil and Greek oregano. What do they need in the way of fertilizer? Thanks,

Shel

[cookie jim]

Hi Shell. Why for Greek oreagano,fish of course...lol. Seriously I only use uncented fish fertilzer. It's organic and will not burn the plant or herb...good cookin...cookie

[phatch]

Wouldn't fertilizing basil cause it to bolt?

[shel]

Originally Posted by cookie jim

Hi Shell. Why for Greek oreagano,fish of course...lol. Seriously I only use uncented fish fertilzer. It's organic and will not burn the plant or herb...good cookin...cookie

Do you mean fish emulsion?

Shel

[shel]

Originally Posted by phatch

Wouldn't fertilizing basil cause it to bolt?

What's "bolt?"

Shel

[phatch]

To quickly flower and set seed. Coriander is notorious for bolting when it gets hot.

Leaf herbs are at their best while still producing lots of leaves rather than sending the energy and food to developing flowers and seed.

But it seems I read somewhere that fertiziling basil triggers bolting.

Phil

[KYHeirloomer]

I don't think so, Phil. Bolting is caused by a number of factors, but eating well usually isn't one of them.

Most herbs do not need a lot in the way of fertilizer. In Shel's case, because they are potted, an occasional feeding wouldn't hurt.

Fish emulsion or other high N organic fertilizer should be more than sufficient. Nitrogen promotes leaf growth, which is what he's looking for in both cases. An application every two weeks, at most, should take care of things.

With a commercial fertilizer, I would dilute the mix to about 25% recommended strength, and only apply it once a month or every six weeks.

Shel: Basil will bolt when it starts getting real warm. Keep the flower heads cliped back and you'll be fine. If the plant goes to seed the leaves develop a bitter taste.

[allie]

I fertilized my Sweet Basil, Greek Oregano, and Cinnamon Basil with Miracle Grow a few weeks ago. They are in a planter. The Cinnamon Basil started trying to produce flowers within a couple of days after that. The temperatures shot up at the same time so that may have caused it. I just keep pinching the flowers off when they start to bud out. Hopefully, that's the right thing to do. This is my first time growing herbs.

[cookie jim]

Hi Shel. Fish emultion is what I have been using for 30 yrs. I guess some people know how to use different fertilizers for individual plants and herbsl,I do'nt. Fish emulition is available in most department stores and hardware stores. I also used a fertlizer for plants that was made from human waste, It's called millorganite. I have 2 planters now with cherry tomatoes and habaeneros. I miss the gardening which is why I started checking out this thread. Thanks to all...cookie

[shel]

Originally Posted by cookie jim

Hi Shel. Fish emultion is what I have been using for 30 yrs. I guess some people know how to use different fertilizers for individual plants and herbsl,I do'nt.

Yep, I'm quite familiar with fish emulsion. Started using it back in the summer of 1969 or 70. Used to know a lot more about gardening and plants in those days, but I've forgotten so much now, having been a "city boy" for quite some time.

Shel