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grew bland herbs. Solutions ?

Posts: 31

Location: coastal oregon

posted 15 years ago

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Hello-

This year many of my herbs (cilantro, basil, shiso, oregano) are appearing healthy but tasting very very "flat". The shiso is especially disappointing. It tasted great as tiny seedlings but now are lacking and almost inedible. Very little of the citrus/spicy flavors and more of the bitter or green. I have heard that in general herbs will grow better in "poor" soil. Does this sound like my soil is too rich for them? The very strange thing is that these are in 2 different locations in different soils. The seeds are from reputable organic vendors. Anyone heard of this?

Thanks for any pointers

Leah Sattler

Posts: 2603

posted 15 years ago

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how hot is it? heat does terrible things to most leafy edibles around here.

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Brenda Groth

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Location: North Central Michigan

posted 15 years ago

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haven't noticed any problems..but don't have any heat here..we'll be lucky to be in the 70's all week..40 when i got up

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Leah Sattler

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posted 15 years ago

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forgot to mention that the newest leaves always seem to be the best. I would do some experimenting but I don't have any herbs planted this year

ops:

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Jim Porter

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Location: USA, West central Florida

posted 15 years ago

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Another possibility...I've heard that "too much" moisture could have that effect on herbs.

Jim

Leah Sattler

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interesting! I hadnt' heard that before about the water! my experience in my climate with any leafy edibles is that they are very persnickety about things as far as getting a good taste out of them. but weather tends towards extremes here. very wet or very dry. very hot or too cold for growth. I had good luck with cabbage. lettuce was almost always a dissapointment. new place might reveal new luck though!

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robert campbell

Posts: 31

Location: coastal oregon

posted 15 years ago

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It has been hot... gets near 100 in the greenhouse some afternoons despite a fan. I guess I need shadecloth. I've sucessfully grown herbs before, so this was a surprise. I suppose I will just have to find the right microclimates for them to thrive.

paul wheaton

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posted 15 years ago

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Are you growing you herbs in bunches/rows or are you growing them in a polyculture?

I have heard that exceptionally rich soil improves the flavor. Excess water reduces the flavor.

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Leah Sattler

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posted 15 years ago

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somewhere in my foggy mind I remember that certain nutrients or mineral have a great role in the taste of tomatoes. I can't imagine that it is any different for other plants....

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Jocelyn Campbell

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Location: Everett, WA (Western Washington State / Cascadia / Pacific NW)

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posted 15 years ago

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When I first started growing herbs, something I read said the essential oils that make the flavor and any medicinal value dissipate each day with sun and heat, but re-accumulate each night. This means it's best to harvest in the morning. It also said that generally, harvesting just before the plant blooms is when the plant is most potent. I've definitely noticed herb flavor going flat after blooming.

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