Once the burnet has been sown, the herb needs little care. However, you can accelerate growth if you keep a few things in mind.
For a rich harvest you have to take care of the plant properly. The herbaceous perennial loves a loose, nutrient-rich soil, which may well be calcareous. It feels really good in a sunny or semi-shady spot.
To ensure that you regularly have fresh leaves for cooking and seasoning in summer, you need good care.
3 care tips for the burnet
Location and Ground
The undemanding plant grows well in a sunny or partially shaded place. Depending on whether you want to use the leaves in the kitchen or not, a dry or rather moist floor makes sense. If you want to use the burnet, also known as the small burnet, as a kitchen plant, make sure that the soil is moist. Then the aroma develops best.
Be sure to work in compost or horn shavings before sowing, so that the burnet has enough nutrients available.
Casting and Cutting
The burnet belongs to the types of herbs that need a relatively large amount of water. Especially if you grow the plant in a bucket or the location is very sunny. Therefore, water your plants regularly in the morning and evening in very hot and dry weather. Tap water is well suited. Make sure the planter has good drainage.
The taste of the leaves is more intense if you always pinch off the buds. Also cut back branches that are too long or overgrown plant parts. In addition, with the flower cut you prevent the burnet from spreading too much. The pruning ensures that the plant sprout again. This means that you have fresh leaves available for longer for use in the kitchen. Older burnet leaves become hard and no longer taste good.
Protection against diseases and pests
» Downy mildew
The burnet is very hardy. Diseasesonly rarely occur. Downy mildew can spread to the leaves if there is frequent overhead watering and the leaves are not allowed to dry properly.
Prevention: Always water from below and ensure good ventilation by removing some branches.
» Aphids
Aphids also sometimes cause problems for the plant. Fight the annoying little animals with the garden hose. On a sunny day, spray the plant vigorously, allowing the leaves to dry well afterwards. A self-made nettle manure also helps. You simply spray the plant with it and repeat the process after a few days.
You should not use chemical pesticides if you want to use the leaves for seasoning and cooking.