Here are a few of our favorite pollinator-friendly herbs: Basil, Thai basil, marjoram, mint, oregano, and sage all produce flower spikes with dozens of blooms.
Is Thai basil good for bees?
*Basil-(Ocimum basilicum) Any variety of basil that blooms is a good source of pollen and nectar for the bees. I love them all. ‘Thai Basil’, with its purple stems and purple tinged leaves looks great in the garden. Grow basil in a sunny spot with well-drained soil.
Should Thai basil be allowed to flower?
Check your basil plants frequently for flowers, and if you see any, pinch them off right away. If the flower stems are too woody to pinch (often the case with Thai basil), cut them off with shears. A plant allowed to flower will soon go to seed, stop growing, and die, so be vigilant about removing flowers.
What are companion plants for Thai basil?
This herb grows well with tomatoes, parsley, cilantro, and chives. Don’t grow it with plants that prefer dry conditions like bay, rosemary, and sage. Thai basil is perfect as a container herb.
What plant attracts the most pollinators?
- Daisy.
- Dandelion.
- Goldenrod.
- Lavender.
- Marigold.
- Milkweed.
- Snapdragon. The snapdragon is the ultimate bumblebee attractor.
- Sunflower. The beautiful sunflower is perfect for attracting insects as well as birds, who adore their seeds.
Do bees like Thai basil flowers?
Basil is an amazing bee attractor, with a sweet smell they find irresistible.
Do bees like basil plants?
Bees love basil, too, and like to collect both pollen and nectar from its blooms. Did we mention that? Let your basil flower and you’ll keep your neighborhood bees happy. Bees love herbs, but you have to make sure there are flowers available for pollen and nectar.
How long does Thai basil plant live?
Basil may survive for two years before replanting in warm climates. An indoor basil plant with full sun and steady warm temperatures may last longer as well. Basil plants are sensitive to cold weather and frost.
Does Thai basil regrow after winter?
It won’t perk back up in spring after the winter freeze. It won’t come sprouting back up from the roots. Since basil plants do not survive winter, basil can only be a year round outdoor plant in warm climates where temperatures do not go below freezing.
Can you eat basil Once it has flowered?
Basil flowers are perfectly edible. In terms of fragrance and flavor, the flowers are similar, if milder, than the leaves. Sometimes, flowers can be somewhat bitter, so test them first. When sprinkled over a salad, basil flowers impart a mild basil flavor and add a decorative touch.
What should not be planted near basil?
Plants to Avoid Growing With Basil
- Cucumbers. Cucumbers are a bad basil plant companion because the two plants compete for resources, such as water and nutrients.
- Fennel. Fennel is another plant that you should avoid growing with your basil.
- Thyme.
- Common Rue.
- Sage.
Does Thai basil need full sun?
Thai basil prefers soil that is lightly moist, slightly acidic, well-drained and rich in organic matter, such as compost. It thrives in full sun but will tolerate part shade.
Why are my Thai basil leaves so small?
Lack of nutrients and improper soil
Basil needs fertile soil with the nutrients that are needed for it to grow well. Lack of nutrients may very well be the reason for small leaves on the plant. The three nutrients that basil absolutely needs are potassium, nitrogen, and phosphorus.
What is the most efficient pollinator?
The hoverfly is among the most efficient, but other top fly pollinators include some carrion and dung flies, tachinid flies, bee flies, small-headed flies, March flies, and blowflies.
What flowers do bees not like?
10 plants that repel bees and wasps
- Cucumber. This popular vegetable not only makes a great addition to summer salads, but also keeps bees and wasps away.
- Basil. Basil is another great choice for your garden that doubles as a kitchen resource and a pest repellent.
- Geraniums.
- Wormwood.
- Marigolds.
- Pitcher Plants.
What is the best plant for bees?
Which Flowers Are Best for Bees?
- Annuals have the advantage of blossoming all season long. Bees flock to alyssum, cleome, zinnias, sunflowers, salvia, calendula, and verbena.
- Your culinary herbs such as sage, thyme, borage, lavender, chives, dill, basil, oregano, rosemary, and mint can do double duty.
Is basil pollinator friendly?
Basil. Basil (Ocimum basilicum) is a tender annual that thrives outdoors in spring and summer, where the blooms will draw bees and other important pollinators.
Can bees make honey from basil?
Bees feed on different flowers, including almond and apricot. But basil flowers are known to give a six-time higher honey yield.
Is lavender toxic to bees?
Plants for Bees: Lavender
Lavender is one of the most versatile plants on our list, ideal for gardens, pots, flowerbeds and anywhere else you want to include it. If you’ve grown lavender outdoors before, you know that it is popular among bees.
What pollinates basil?
flying insects
Basil plants are pollinated by small flying insects. The different varieties will cross pollinate, so it is important to isolate a favorite cultivar by at least 150 feet (45.5 m.). This will prevent another variety from polluting your strain. The seeds are contained in the spent flower head.
What plant keeps wasps away?
However, naturally-repellent plants do exist and include mint, wormwood, lemongrass, citronella, clove, pennyroyal, sage, rosemary, geranium, chamomile, thyme, fennel, wintergreen, and sweet marjoram. Cucumber peels may also repel wasps. If you want to kill wasps naturally, insectivorous plants will do the trick.