Aromatic plants can be defined as plant substances, generally aromatic plants or fresh or dried herbs, which Their leaves give off pleasant, soft, sweet and sometimes perfumed aromas.
Their aromas predominate over flavours and colour. They are used to add flavour to dishes and enhance the taste of many culinary preparations.
Also They are used for medicinal purposes or as essential oils because they have health benefits and are very easy to grow. whether in pots to be placed indoors or in gardens.
However, you may be wondering where to place these plants, which ones are best, or whether they require specific care. In this article, we will discuss the ideal places for aromatic plants, the best types for indoors, for the garden, and how to care for them.
Where to place aromatic plants?
There are many different places you can put your greenery, however, there are some that are better than others. The best places for aromatic plants are windows, near the kitchen, dining room or main room of the house.
Placing aromatic plants in these places can help create a comfortable and welcoming atmosphere. If you have a small garden or a balcony, you can also place aromatic plants here.
For example, you can use rosemary, thyme and lavender to give your kitchen a fresh and warm aroma. Mint, chamomile and lemon balm are great for the living room, as they help create a calming and relaxing environment.
If you're looking to add an exotic touch, choose patchouli, jasmine, geranium or sandalwood, which can help create a sweet and sensual atmosphere.
The best aromatic plants
Aromatic plants come in all shapes and sizes, from small herbs like thyme and basil to large flowering plants like roses.
There are varieties of aromatic plants for every situation and taste. Below, we show you the best types of aromatic plants that you can use to create a pleasant atmosphere in your home.
Rosemary
Rosemary is a beautiful wild plant native to the coastal mountains of the Mediterranean. It is a strong and resistant plant, ideal for a small garden.
Rosemary can survive in a pot for up to 10 years and grows 1,5 to 2 metres tall. This perennial herb has small, pale blue flowers that bloom in spring and summer, and its aromatic, spiny leaves give off a fresh, pine scent.
Lavender
Lavender It is one of the most popular and fragrant aromatic plants, with beautiful purple flowers. This perennial plant is native to the Mediterranean region and the Canary Islands.
Lavender is grown for its beautiful scent, which It has been used in aromatherapy, perfumery and crafts for centuries.It prefers dry conditions and requires full sun to thrive. Lavender can grow up to three feet tall and six feet wide.
JazmÃn
Jasmine is a beautiful and very fragrant flowering plant, native to tropical and subtropical regions of Asia and Africa. It is a perennial plant with sweet-smelling flowers in shades of white, yellow, pink and red.
Jasmine needs full sun to flower and should be watered regularly. You can grow it in a hanging basket and it can grow up to 1,5 metres tall.
Menta
It is a common herb, easy to grow and very useful. It can be used fresh in cooking to make tea or salads. It prefers full sun to partial shade and should be watered frequently. Mint grows up to 1,5 metres tall and can easily be grown in pots.
Parsley
It is one of the easiest aromatic plants to grow. You need to place it in a place with some shade, and the soil has to be well moistened. It is important to water it frequently and ensure that it has good drainage so that the roots do not become waterlogged.
You have to check it and remove any trace of flowers that you find on the plant, because if you let it grow it will mature very quickly, stop producing leaves and die. You should cut them as soon as they appear to have fresh parsley all year round.
Cilantro
It is a plant that loves light., but do not receive it directly in summer, excessive heat is not good for it, you have to place it in tall pots because it likes deep and well-drained soil.
As for watering, it should be moderate but frequent, because If the roots become waterlogged, it can die quickly. It is an annual plant, so in the summer it starts to bloom. You can wait for the seeds to sprout and scatter them or save them. You should cut the flowers so that it continues to grow a little more, and keep the plant healthy and beautiful.
Basil
It is a very versatile plant for the kitchen, but it is very important to know how to take care of it otherwise it will die quickly. The secret of the basil plant hides in the irrigation. It needs frequent watering, but the soil must have space to drain very well.
You can give twice a day in small amounts, You have to know the plant very well because if you don't water it as it needs it becomes very ugly, And even though many people think it is dead, they throw it away. But don't give up, because if you water it again and wait a few hours you will see that it recovers.
Do not place it in direct sunlight but in a semi-shaded location. It is important to prune the stems to prevent flowers from growing; if you let it flower it will die.
Oregano
It is another very easy plant to care for, it needs a lot of sun and space. When watering, avoid letting the water touch the leaves because they will turn yellow.
Also try to cut the flowers when they start to grow to keep the bush bushy and that way you avoid it becoming bitter. It is a plant that needs space because it grows approximately 170 cm high.
Geraniums
They are very popular as indoor aromatic plants, it is very easy to care for them. and they have a wide range of aromas from lemon, mint, chocolate, lavender, orange, and even pineapple.
The fragrance of the geraniums It does not come from the flowers but from their leaves. For this reason it is quite weak. Scented geraniums need well-drained soil and cool temperatures between 13 and 20 °C to grow.
You should allow the plant to dry out between waterings and fertilize once a month during the winter months. You can place the plant outside when temperatures rise so that it can flower.
How to care for aromatic plants
Aromatic plants are generally easy to grow and care for; however, Some specific considerations must be taken into account when caring for each plant. Here are some tips for caring for aromatic plants.
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The most important thing to keep in mind when growing aromatic plants is to ensure that they receive enough sunlight.Most aromatic plants require full sun to ensure healthy growth and to release their full aroma.
For best results, place your plants near a window that receives plenty of sunlight.
Irrigation
The next most important thing to remember is proper watering. Most aromatic plants do not require much water, only water them when the top layer of soil is dry.
Overwatering can cause root rot and kill the plant, so it's best to err on the side of caution and water plants only when absolutely necessary.
Fertilizer
It is important to know that aromatic plants can thrive in poor soils, but If you are going to grow them in pots, it is very important to fertilize and feed them properly so that they grow healthy. and strong.
The best way to fertilize them is during the warm season from March to October and avoid over-fertilizing, as this will cause them to lose their flavor and aroma.
The best product to use as fertilizer is organic fertilizer, such as manure, guano or similar.
Guano – It is a natural fertilizer made from the remains of excrement of seabirds such as seagulls, penguins, bats or seals. It is used as a good natural fertilizer.
Another good technique is to replace the first four centimetres of the substrate with peat-enriched soil once a year.
Pests
Finally, it is important to note that some aromatic plants may be infested with pests. If you notice any pests, such as aphids, scale insects or spiders, It is best to treat them as soon as possible to prevent an infestation from developing.
Aromatic plants can be a beautiful and very useful addition to have in your home. They can give off a pleasant aroma, as well as providing a touch of nature to spaces.
They can be placed in various places, the best being those near a window, in the kitchen, dining room or main room of the house. The best and most popular aromatic plants are: rosemary, lavender, jasmine and mint.
Finally, caring for aromatic plants involves a few very important precautions, such as ensuring they receive the right amount of sunlight, proper watering and pest control if necessary.
Taking these details into account, you can enjoy all the benefits that your aromatic plants provide, in addition to the wonderful perfume that will spread throughout your home.