Home » Misc » Grow basil from seed outdoors

Grow basil from seed outdoors


How to Grow Basil | West Coast Seeds

Basil is a very easy crop to grow from seed for summer harvests. Basil seeds germinate slowly, a bit faster when heated from below, and basil enjoys hot weather and full sun. Each variety has its own charms, but Sweet Basil and Genovese are the standard bearers. Continue reading below for our top tips on how to grow basil from seed.

Latin
Ocimum basilicum, Holy basil is O. tenuiflora.
Family: Lamiaceae

Difficulty
Easy

We Recommend: Certified Organic Genovese Basil (HR1019). This is the standard by which to compare all of the other fine basil varieties. Traditional, heirloom, Italian basil is the best choice for pesto.
For Urban Gardeners: Certified Organic Dolly Basil (HR1025) has all the aroma of Genovese, but with slightly larger leaves, faster growth, and a better tolerance of the cool nighttime temperatures that can occur on balconies and rooftop gardens. It’s also slightly better suited for container growing.

Season: Warm season
Exposure: Full sun

Timing
Basil grows well in containers indoors at any time of year provided you can supply enough light. For outdoor growing, sow basil seeds throughout late spring for transplanting to the garden after the summer solstice. Or direct sow in early summer, once the soil has warmed up. Basil requires warm soil and full sun. Optimal temperature for germination: 21°C (70°F). Seeds should sprout in 5-10 days.

Starting
Sow seeds 1cm (½”) deep in sterilized seed starting mix. Basil is prone to damping off, so once seeds sprout, make sure they are adequately ventilated, and kept under very bright light. Thin to 20-25cm (8-10″) apart. Using bottom heat speeds germination.

Growing
Use any rich, loose, well drained soil. Once plants are 15cm (6″) tall, pinch out the growing tips to encourage really bushy growth prior to harvest. Watch for signs of flower buds forming in mid-summer, and pinch these off to promote more foliage.

Harvest
Frequent harvesting will prolong the life of the plant. Basil leaves have the best flavour just before the plant flowers, and if you plan to preserve some of your basil or make a big batch of pesto, this is the best time to harvest. Flowering can be delayed by pinching or clipping off new flower buds.

Tear basil rather than chop with a knife because chopping tends to bruise the leaves. Add basil to food just before serving so as to get the full aroma and effect. Cooking for any length tends to make the minty side of basil come to the forefront.

Basil is best fresh, but can be preserved by drying or by freezing. To freeze, tear the leaves into small pieces and freeze small batches of them, with water, in ice cube trays. Once frozen, the cubes can be saved in zip-lock type bags and labeled for later use. This will preserve the fresh flavour of basil for up to four months.

Seed Info
Usual seed life: 3 years.

Companion Planting
Basil is said to improve vigour and flavour of tomatoes, planted side-by-side. It's also good with asparagus, oregano, and peppers. Basil helps repel flies, mosquitoes, and thrips.

More on Companion Planting.

Growing Basil From Seed: A Step-by-Step Guide

Growing basil from seed should be on every gardeners to-do list. Why? Basil is easy to grow from seed and when you buy seeds instead of transplants you can choose from dozens of types and varieties available through seed catalogs. There are two ways to start basil seeds: indoors in a window or beneath a growlight, or by direct seeding outdoors. Keep reading to learn more about the simple steps of growing basil from seed. 

Most gardeners start their basil seeds indoors to get a jump on the growing season. Sow seeds 6 to 8 weeks before the last expected spring frost.

What is basil?

Basil (Ocimum basilicum) is a tender annual herb grown for its aromatic leaves that are added to fresh and cooked dishes. Sweet basil, also called Genovese basil is the most widely grown due to its delicious anise clove flavor. There are many other types of basil available through seed catalogs including lemon basil, Greek basil, cinnamon basil, and Thai basil. Each one offers a variety of flavors, forms, leaf sizes, and even colors. Basil is often planted with tomatoes and peppers because they have similar growing conditions – well draining soil and 8 to 10 hours of sunlight. Basil is also used in companion planting as the mid to late summer flowers attract bees and beneficial insects to the garden.

Why you should be growing basil from seed

Wondering if it’s worth your time to grow basil from seed? It absolutely is! Here are my four reasons for starting basil from seeds:

  1. Basil is easy to grow from seed – It’s true! I’ve been growing basil from seed for over 25 years and it’s generally a fuss-free herb that goes from seed to garden in under two months. You don’t need special equipment either. I start my seeds under grow lights but you can also use a sunny windowsill. 
  2. Save money – I grow a lot of basil each summer so we have plenty of fresh basil and basil leaves for pesto, as well as for the freezer and to dry. With individual basil plants costing $3.00 to $4.00 each at my local nursery, growing basil from seed is a budget-friendly way to get a lot of basil plants for your garden.
  3. Variety – There are a lot of different types and varieties of basil available through seed catalogs. It’s fun to try new ones each year, but growing basil from seed was also a game changer in my garden when downy mildew wiped out almost all of my basil plants. The plants that weren’t affected? They were Rutgers Devotion DMR, a downy mildew-resistant variety I grew from seed. It can be hard to find disease-resistant basil transplants at garden centres, but they’re easy to source as seeds from seed catalogs. 
  4. Succession planting – I plant basil several times over the course of the growing season to ensure a non-stop supply of high quality leaves. It’s hard to find healthy basil seedlings in mid-summer but starting a few pots of seeds under my grow lights ensures I’ll have basil for successive crops.
There are many types and varieties of basil available through seed catalogs. This is Emerald Towers, a compact Genovese type that grows one foot wide but up to three feet tall.

Growing basil from seed

There are two ways to grow basil from seed. First, you can start the seeds indoors on a sunny windowsill or beneath grow lights. Eventually the young plants are transplanted into the garden. The second method is to direct sow basil seeds in garden beds or containers. Let’s look closer at each method so you can figure out which one is right for you. 

Growing basil from seed indoors

Most gardeners start their basil seeds indoors to get a jump on the growing season. Success begins with sowing the seeds at the right time, 6 to 8 weeks before the last frost date. In my zone 5 garden that’s late May so I start my basil seeds indoors in late March.  Sowing the seeds indoors even earlier doesn’t necessarily give you a head start on the basil harvest. It just means you’ll have bigger plants that need to be re-potted into larger containers. And they’ll take up a lot of space on a windowsill or beneath grow lights. Plus, transplanting mature basil plants into the garden often results in bolted plants that begin to flower instead of pushing out lots of fresh leaves. This reduces the overall harvest. Younger seedlings adapt better to transplanting and should be moved to the garden when they’re 6 to 8 weeks old. 

Sow tiny basil seeds just 1/4 inch deep in a high quality potting mix. Place containers beneath grow lights or in a sunny windowsill.

The best containers for growing basil from seed

Now that we know when to sow basil seeds indoors, we can consider containers. I typically use 10 by 20 trays with cell pack inserts to start most of my vegetable, flower, and herb seeds. They offer an efficient use of space under my grow lights and I re-use them from year to year. However, you can start basil seeds in pretty much any type of container as long as it’s clean and offers good drainage. If you’re up-cycling items like salad containers for seed starting be sure to pole holes in the bottom for excess water to drain away. 

To cut down on plastic use I’ve recently bought a soil blocker for seed starting. A soil blocker forms lightly compressed cubes of soil – no container needed. I have several sizes and look forward to experimenting with starting basil seeds this way. 

The best soil for growing basil from seed

When starting seeds indoors a lightweight seed starting or potting mix is essential. These mixes are typically made up of materials like peat moss, coconut coir, compost, vermiculite, perlite, and fertilizers. The ideal growing medium for seed starting is one that retains water, but is also quick draining to promote healthy root growth. You can make your own (check out our DIY potting mix recipes here) or buy a bag online or from your local garden centre.  

You can use a variety of containers to start basil seeds including soil blocks. Soil blockers form loosely compacted cubes of soil ideal for seed starting.

Starting basil seeds indoors

Once you’ve gathered your supplies, it’s time to get planting. Fill your containers with the pre-moistened potting mix. When sowing basil seeds in cell packs, plant 2 to 3 seeds per cell. If starting basil seeds in 4 inch pots, plant 6 to 8 seeds per pot. Whatever type of container you are using for the basil seeds, sow each seed about an inch apart. Plant the seeds a quarter of an inch deep. The exception to this is holy basil whose seeds need light to germinate. Instead of covering holy basil seeds, gently press them into the moist potting mix to ensure good soil-seed contact. 

After the seeds have been planted place a clear dome or a piece of plastic wrap on top of the trays or pots. This keeps humidity high to promote good germination. Once the seeds sprout, remove any plastic coverings so air can circulate.  

When the young plants have developed two sets of true leaves, thin them to one plant per cell, or three to four plants per 4 inch pot. You can carefully prick the surplus seedlings from their containers and transplant them into more pots. Let’s be honest, you can never have too much basil! 

There are many advantages of growing basil from seed versus buying transplants.

How much light do basil seedlings need?

Providing sufficient light is perhaps the biggest challenge when starting seeds indoors. Most types of vegetables, flowers, and herbs need plenty of light to form strong, stocky seedlings. Relying on natural sunlight from a window can be a challenge, especially for those who live in Northern climates. Seedlings grown in insufficient light are tall, leggy, and tend to flop over. The solution is to use a grow light to start seeds like basil. 

I have two types of grow lights: LED grow lights and fluorescent grow lights. I leave my grow lights on for 16 hours each day using an inexpensive timer to turn them on and off. You can DIY a grow light set up or buy one from a garden supply store. When I’m not starting seeds I use my grow lights to provide light to succulents, culinary herbs, and other indoor plants. 

The ideal temperature for basil

Basil is a heat-loving herb and the seeds germinate best in warm soil. The ideal temperature for basil seed germination is 70 to 75F (21 to 24C) with the seeds emerging in about 5 to 10 days. If you have a seedling heat mat you can use it provide bottom heat to both speed up germination and increase germination rates. 

As basil seedlings grow thin them to one plant per cell pack. Also keep an eye on soil moisture aiming to maintain a lightly moist, but not wet soil.

Watering and fertilizing basil seedlings

Basil seedlings can be prone to damping off, a soil-borne fungal disease that affects the stems and roots of young seedlings. I’ve found the two best ways to reduce damping off is to water the seedlings properly and provide good air circulation. First, let’s talk watering. Basil seedlings grow best in lightly moist, not wet soil. Water when the soil is dry to the touch, checking seedlings every day to gauge soil moisture. The other consideration for preventing damping off is air movement. I keep a small oscillating fan in the room near my grow lights. Good air circulation helps strengthen the seedlings, reduces mold growth on the soil surface (a sign of overwatering), and dries the leaves after watering.

When basil seedlings have developed their first set of true leaves I begin to fertilize. I use a liquid organic fertilizer diluted to half strength every 14 days. This promotes healthy growth and plenty of bright green leaves.

These basil seedlings are ready to be hardened off and moved to the garden.

Hardening off basil seedlings

Hardening off seedlings is the final step when growing basil from seed. This is a step you don’t want to skip. The hardening off process acclimatizes seedlings to the sun, wind, and weather of the outdoor garden. Because basil is sensitive to heat don’t move the plants outside while there is still a risk of cold weather. I begin the hardening off process, which takes about five days, after the last expected date has passed.

Start by moving the seedlings outside on a mild day, placing the trays or containers in a shady spot. Cover them with row cover that night or bring them back indoors. On day two, give the plants some early morning or late afternoon sun, but shade during from mid-morning to mid-afternoon when the sun is most intense. Again, cover them up at night or bring them back inside the house. On days three to five continue to gradually introduce the plants to more light until by day five they are ready for full sun.

How and when to transplant basil

Hardened off basil seedlings can be moved into garden beds or containers once the risk of frost has passed and the weather has warmed. Don’t rush basil outside, however, as cold damage can occur when the day or night temperatures fall below 50F (10C). Once the conditions are right, transplant seedlings into a site with direct sunlight and well-draining fertile soil. I add all purpose compost to my beds or containers before transplanting. Space basil plants 8 to 10 inches apart. When the plants have five to six sets of true leaves you can start to harvest basil.

Once your basil seedlings are hardened off they can be moved to garden beds or containers. This Greek basil seedling already has its classic round shape.

Growing basil from seed outdoors

The other technique for growing basil from seed is to direct sow seeds outdoors. Because I live in a cold climate, I start my basil seeds indoors to give the plants a head start. Gardeners who live in zones 6 and above, however, can direct sow basil seeds outdoors in a garden bed or container. Choose a sunny site and amend the soil with a thin layer of compost. Plant the seeds in late spring or early summer, about a week or two after the last spring frost. The soil temperature should be at least 70F (21C). Sow the seeds a quarter of an inch deep and one inch apart.

Once the seeds are planted, water the seedbed often with a hose nozzle on a gentle setting. You don’t want a hard jet of water which could dislodge or wash away the seeds or young seedlings. Don’t let the soil dry out as the seeds are germinating. Once the basil seedlings have developed two to three sets of true leaves, thin them 8 to 10 inches apart.

For further reading on growing basil, be sure to check out these articles:

Are you growing basil from seed this spring? 

 

Basil: planting and care in the open field

Gardeners and growers often have a question about how to plant basil. And it is not surprising, because this plant came to our region relatively recently. Basil is native to the Middle East and Asia. But we also loved him. After all, there is a reason. Although basil contains a small amount of vitamins, it is rich in macronutrients (calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, sulfur, and others).

How to properly plant basil in open ground and how to care for it, we will tell you in our article.

General information about planting basil

Plot. Basil does not grow well in shady, cold areas. It can be planted near a residential building that will protect it from the wind. But plant from such a side that the building does not cast a shadow on the landings.

Do not plant basil in lowlands, where the temperature is lower than on flat ground. But areas on a hill, on the contrary, warm up best.

Do not select wetlands or areas where the water table is close to the surface.

Primer. Basil needs light soil - sandy and sandy loam. The soil should be loose and contain nutrients. On poor soil, you will not get a good harvest of basil.

Basil will grow stunted and sickly in dense soil. In such conditions, it is difficult for him to develop. If you do not have the opportunity to plant this crop in suitable soil, then pay attention to careful soil preparation. Namely: the application of fertilizers (organic and mineral), digging and loosening the soil.

Crop rotation. Do not grow basil in the same place for more than one year. Otherwise, the risk that this crop will be affected by a disease characteristic of it (for example, Fusarium) increases. Basil takes from the soil the nutrients necessary for its growth, which means that the next time it is planted in this place, it will not have enough of them. Return this culture to its previous place only after 5-6 years.

Deadlines. You can grow basil in a seedless way, directly in open ground. But remember that this culture is thermophilic, for this reason, in countries with cold springs, it is planted in unprotected soil no earlier than June.

If you want to get fragrant basil greens ahead of time, then grow it in advance with seedlings. And seedlings are planted in the ground at the right time. This is how basil is usually grown.

Note!

If you see that the time for sowing seeds or planting seedlings is right, but the weather outside is cold, windy, and the temperature is not high enough, it is better to postpone this event. Wait out the bad weather and only then sow the seeds and plant basil seedlings in open ground.

In the southern regions, the deadlines may be earlier. However, remember that it is necessary to navigate not by the timing, but by the temperature established on the street. The reason is that the weather in different regions varies to a greater or lesser extent, it is impossible to deduce suitable dates for all. In addition, the temperature regime and weather conditions can change from year to year.

Temperature. As already mentioned, basil loves warmth. The higher the temperature, the faster the seeds will germinate. For seed germination, the best temperature regime is from + 25ºС to + 28ºС. For the growth and development of an adult plant, a temperature of + 16ºС to + 20ºС is required (its excess will cause the basil to stretch, weaken, become stunted).

Soil preparation. Prepare the soil for growing this crop in advance in autumn. Because basil loves loose soil, dig the beds to a depth of 25 cm. Apply at the rate of 2-3 kg per 1 sq. m. Also, for the rapid growth and good health of future seedlings, add mineral supplements: 20 g of superphosphate, 15 g of potassium salt. In spring you only need to loosen the beds

If you haven't had time to prepare the soil since autumn, then don't be discouraged. Do all these procedures a month before planting basil.

If your site does not have suitable soil, then its preparation requires more attention and effort. The least suitable soil for basil is heavy soil. In this case, to make the earth light, well aerated and permeable, add sand per square meter. If the site has an excessive level of acidity, then lime the soil, add lime to it for digging, in addition to organic and mineral fertilizers. Lime can be replaced with chalk or dolomite flour. The introduction of ash has a positive effect on heavy soil. specteh reviews However, please note that such processing must be repeated every one to two years to maintain its properties.

Cultivation of basil by seedling and non-seedling methods

Sowing in the ground. If climatic conditions allow you to grow basil in your garden from seed, then make your life difficult by growing seedlings.

Basil can be sown in furrows or planting holes. Their depth is 1-2 cm. Pre-spill the grooves (pits) with water and compact their bottom so that the seeds do not go below the required depth. Place the seeds in a continuous strip or at a distance of 5 cm. Seal the grooves with loose soil. Spill it. Distance between rows - 30 cm.

Note!

When sowing seeds in furrows, do not forget about thinning the seedlings. First, when the plants hatch and grow a little, leave 5-10 cm between the seedlings. Second, when the plants have 3-4 true leaves, leave 20 cm between the seedlings. to another bed for growing.

If planting basil in planting holes, space them 20 cm apart. Row spacing is 30 cm. Place one seed at a time in the planting hole. Seal them with loose soil. Seal it. Spill with water.

When growing basil in a seedless way in open ground, it is recommended to shed the soil with a growth stimulator (Epin or others). Such a drug will accelerate the germination of the seed and the formation of roots in seedlings. This means that you will harvest spicy grass earlier than when growing without a growth stimulator.

Sowing seedlings. Calculate the sowing time for seedlings of this crop based on the weather conditions of your region. After all, in order to plant seedlings in the ground as soon as the weather is right, the basil must reach a certain age. The growing season of this crop, depending on the variety, lasts from 120 to 160 days. And seedlings are transplanted into the ground at the age of 30 to 50 days (one to two months), it also depends on the specific variety and the duration of its ripening.

Soil for sowing seedlings should also be light and fertile. If desired, make up the substrate for sowing the seeds yourself. It is done like this: combine 4 parts of peat, 2 parts of rotted compost, 1 part of sand (pre-wash it). Mix all ingredients thoroughly.

If you do not trust the place where you purchased the soil, then disinfect it with a solution of potassium permanganate (use 5%, that is, dark). Not long before sowing, pre-spill the soil on them.

Basil can be sown in one container (wooden box or long pot) or in separate containers (cups, peat pots, cassettes, etc.).

With the resulting substrate, fill the selected container so that 3-4 cm remain to the edge. Lightly moisten it. Place basil seeds in containers. Cover them with soil. Seeds should be at a depth of 1 cm. If you sow in separate containers, then place one seed in each. If you sow in a box or a long flowerpot, then the planting material can be placed in a continuous groove or with an interval of 1-2 cm. When sowing in the grooves, remember that the seedlings will either have to be planted in separate containers or thinned out twice. The first time they are thinned out when the seedlings grow up a little, the second time - when 2-3 true leaves appear on them.

After you have sown the seeds, cover the container with glass or foil to help create the right microclimate for faster germination. Put the basil in a warm place, the required temperature is + 25ºС. Air the seedlings every day (bend the film or move the glass back for 20 minutes). If necessary, gently moisten the soil with a spray bottle so as not to wash the seeds. After the first sprouts hatch, remove the glass (film) completely and rearrange the seedlings in a bright place. If there is not enough light in the room, then turn on additional lighting for the basil - it needs a lot of light. If you have a south window, then place the seedlings there. Periodically turn it to the sun in different directions. Otherwise, the light will fall unevenly, some plants will not have enough of it and they will stretch out, but become weak. With uniform lighting, all seedlings will receive the necessary amount of light and grow strong.

When 3-4 true leaves appear on the basil seedlings, they can be planted in the garden in open ground. Pre-harden them, otherwise, when transplanting, they will get used to a new place for a long time. First, take the seedlings outside in warm weather for 1 hour, put them in shady places. Each day, increase the amount of time the basil is outdoors by an hour until it stays there for the whole day.

Planting seedlings. Basil, grown in seedlings, is planted in the ground at the age of 30-60 days (the exact date depends on the variety chosen). By that time, 3-4 leaves will appear on the plants.

Plant seedlings in open ground according to this scheme. Keep the distance between plants at 20 cm. The distance between the beds is 30 cm.

Pre-make planting holes. Correlate their depth with the size of the basil seedling root. In order for the plant to easily endure the transplant, plant it together with an earthen clod, that is, by transferring the roots. In this case, the roots of the plants will not be affected at all, and the basil will not hurt. Before transplanting seedlings, moisten the earthen ball.

Transplant basil seedlings outdoors in the evening. Cloudy weather will be an advantage. The fact is that plants, until they take root, do not tolerate direct sunlight, they can suffer from burns.

Fill the planting holes with soil. Make it so that there are no air voids left in it: when closing the hole, periodically shake the plant. Once the hole is filled, compress and compact the soil. Spill it with water.

Care. Water the basil regularly. Do not let the soil dry out, but do not flood the plants. After watering, loosen the soil so that the roots breathe and have access to nutrients and water. If a crust forms on the surface of the soil, then all substances and moisture will remain on it, take measures in time. Loosen the soil and whatever watering.

Remove weeds. Keep a close eye on weeds during germination - they will crowd out weaker seedlings. As the basil matures, continue removing weeds. Their presence can adversely affect the taste of this culture.

If you are not sure about the weather conditions after sowing seeds or planting seedlings, protect the basil. Cover it with covering material or a greenhouse. The second option is more convenient to use.

Feed the basil periodically. For this culture, the presence of nutrients is necessary. The first top dressing is carried out in the first month after transplantation. Second - spend 30 days after the first.

If you want to get seeds from the plantings for sowing next year, then leave 3-4 bushes specifically for this. On other plants, in order to get more spicy leaves from them, cut off the flowers. In this case, the basil will branch.

Greenhouses and greenhouses. Growing basil outdoors is not possible in all regions. For this reason, its cultivation is practiced in protected soil. For this purpose, I use greenhouses and greenhouses. The first option allows you to grow basil all year round. However, the maintenance of the greenhouse requires money, which is why it is used only for growing for sale. The second option does not require capital investment. But the greenhouse will protect the plants only from a slight cold snap. Basil is covered with a hotbed for harvesting 5-7 days earlier.

growing from seeds in the open field, seedlings on the windowsill, photo

Author: Elena N. https://floristics.info/en/index.php?option=com_contact&view=contact&id=19 Category: garden plants reprinted: Last amendments:

Content

  • Planting and care for Basilicom
  • Plant Basil
  • Planting Basil
                    0003

                    Our ancestors used basil primarily as a medicinal plant. Today, this herb is grown all over the world as a food spice.

                    Planting and caring for basil

                    • Flowering: late July or early August.
                    • Planting: sowing seeds for seedlings - at the end of March or in the first half of April, transplanting seedlings into open ground - in the second half of May. Sowing seeds in the ground - not earlier than the beginning of June.
                    • Lighting: bright sunlight.
                    • Soil: light, fertile, rich in humus, well-drained, breathable.
                    • Water: as the topsoil dries.
                    • Top dressing: once a month. The first time - 2 weeks after planting the seedlings in the ground with a solution of 2 tablespoons of Nitrophoska in 12 liters of water, spending 3-4 liters of solution for each m².
                    • Propagation: by seeds.
                    • Pests: aphids, field bugs, spider mites.
                    • Diseases: black leg, gray mold, fusariosis.

                    Read more about the cultivation of basil below

                    Basil plant - description petioles.

                    Both stems and leaves are covered with hairs. Axillary pale pink or white, and sometimes purple flowers are collected in irregular whorls. The fruit of the plant consists of nuts that separate from each other after ripening. Basil seeds remain viable for about five years.

                    Purple varieties of basil have a sharper aroma and are popular in Asia and the Caucasus, while green basil is preferred in Europe - it is one of the most sought-after spices in Mediterranean cuisine. The strongest aroma of basil exudes before flowering.

                    In our article we will tell you how to grow basil from seeds, when to sow basil for seedlings, how to grow basil at home, how to plant basil in open ground, what can be the benefits of basil, and what can be the harm of basil - in general, everything that may be needed for those who decide to grow basil at home or in the garden.

                    Planting basil for seedlings

                    When to sow basil for seedlings

                    Basil can be grown both in seedlings and without seedlings, but it will be more reliable to grow seedlings from seeds first, and then transplant seedlings into open ground. In the article "Planting vegetables for seedlings in April" we described in detail how this process is carried out. For those who have not had time to read the article, we will tell you about it right now.

                    So, when to sow basil seedlings? Best in the first half of April.

                    Planting basil for seedlings is carried out in a prepared soil mixture of four parts of rotted compost, two parts of humus and one part of washed river sand, which must be sifted and steamed for an hour in a water bath. Gardeners who prefer a mixture for seedlings sold in stores will need to shed the substrate with Fitosporin solution or a strong solution of potassium permanganate for disinfection.

                    You can grow basil seeds in a box, but then you will have to dive seedlings after some time, or you can sow basil in cassettes 5-7 cm deep. Sowing basil is carried out in well-moistened soil at a depth of about 1 cm. Distance between rows there should be about 5 cm in the box. After sowing, the container is covered with glass or plastic wrap and kept in a warm, bright place at a temperature of 20-25 ºC. After about a week or two, the first shoots of basil will appear.

                    • Greenery on the windowsill: growing on the windowsill

                    Growing basil from seeds

                    After the seeds have germinated, the transparent cover can be removed from the box and the temperature should be lowered to 15-20 ºC. Caring for basil seedlings does not require any extra effort: water the plants as needed, preventing the soil from drying out, however, waterlogging should not be allowed, otherwise the seedlings may be affected by the black leg, a fungal disease that can destroy all crops. If you notice the symptoms of this disease, treat the seedlings with a solution of a teaspoon of copper sulfate in 2 liters of water or spill the substrate with a strong solution of potassium permanganate.

                    Seedlings growing in a common container dive at the stage of development of the first pair of true leaves into a larger container with the same substrate, in which a spoonful of complex mineral fertilizer and a couple of spoons of wood ash are added to 5 liters of the mixture. The depth of planting seedlings in a new container should remain the same.

                    When the basil seedlings are established and growing, pinch them over the 6-8th leaf to stimulate the growth of side shoots. Two weeks before planting the seedlings in the ground, they begin to harden them, taking them out onto the balcony or into the yard, first for an hour, the next day for two, and so on, until the seedlings can be in the fresh air for a whole day. Planting basil in open ground is carried out when the return frosts have passed - in the second half of May.

                    Growing basil on a windowsill

                    How to grow basil at home

                    Growing basil from seeds at home starts in late February or early March in the same way as growing seeds for seedlings, only you need to sow several seeds in a peat pot or peat tablet. Before planting basil, the seeds are poured for a couple of hours with a dark pink solution of potassium permanganate. The crops are covered with a transparent airtight material and kept under the conditions described in the previous section. Keep in mind that basil should be in the sun for at least 3-4 hours a day.

                    When the seedlings develop the first pair of leaves, they are transplanted together with a tablet or a pot into a large container - a liter pot, on the bottom of which a drainage layer 2-3 cm high is placed from expanded clay, broken brick or pieces of foam. The substrate for home basil should be fertile, but light and permeable. For example, a soil mixture of one part humus and two parts coconut fiber. You can cut off the first fragrant leaves for salads in a month and a half.

                    Watering basil

                    Basil loves moisture, so the soil in the pot should always be slightly damp. You will have to water the basil almost daily, and you yourself will understand this when one day, due to your forgetfulness, its leaves will hang like sails in calm weather. However, make sure that waterlogging of the soil does not occur, which can result in root rot. After watering once every 2-3 days, carefully loosen the soil in the pot.

                    Basil dressing

                    If you have planted basil in not very fertile soil, you will need to correct this with regular feeding. The plant responds well to universal fertilizers based on humates or compost, which are applied to the soil at a concentration indicated by manufacturers, no more than once a month.

                    • Do not throw away rotten potatoes - we will get elite tubers from it!

                    Growing basil outdoors

                    Planting basil outdoors

                    Planting basil in open ground is carried out only in the second half of May, when the return frosts pass.

                    Basil loves open sunny areas, protected from strong cold winds. Some gardeners successfully grow basil in the near-stem circles of young fruit trees, which give almost no shade, which does not prevent the basil from absorbing the sun's rays, and its strong spicy smell repels harmful insects from seedlings. Here is such a successful symbiosis.

                    The soil for Basil should be light and rich in humus, and most importantly - permeable. The site is dug up with humus, peat or compost a month before planting at the rate of 2 kg of organic matter per m² of area. For planting, choose an evening or a cloudy day, dig holes at a distance of 15-20 cm from one another and plant basil seedlings in them. The interval between rows should be at least 30 cm. Water the planted seedlings well with warm settled water.

                    Growing basil in the ground

                    Cultivation of basil is a series of activities familiar to every gardener: watering, weeding, loosening the plot, top dressing, protection from insects and diseases. Freshly planted, still weak basil seedlings cover the first two weeks with a film at night in case it gets colder at night. Until the basil begins to grow, weeds are regularly removed from the site. You will have to loosen the soil quite often - 7-8 times per season before watering. As soon as flower stalks begin to appear, carefully break them off to encourage branching in the basil.

                    Watering basil

                    Frequent watering of basil has a positive effect on the appearance of new leaves, therefore, moisten the area as the soil dries up. However, do not over-moisturize, as both under-watering and over-watering basil are harmful. Water for irrigation should be warm (about 25 ºC) and settled for at least a day. For settling and heating water, you can use a capacious dish (barrel, old bathtub), setting it in the garden in a sunny place.

                    Basil top dressing

                    Basil top dressing to stimulate the growth of green mass is carried out once a month. The first time fertilizers in the form of a solution of 2 tablespoons of Nitrophoska in 12 liters of water are applied two weeks after the seedlings are planted in open ground. Solution consumption - 3-4 liters per m².

                    What to plant after basil

                    It is undesirable to grow basil in one place for many years, you need to alternate different crops on the plot. Rotation of crops is one of the main principles of success in agriculture. It is possible to return the culture to the place where it grew for 2-3 years only after 4-5 years. After basil, the area should be planted with basil-resistant crops, such as legumes, carrots, cucumbers, zucchini, squash, pumpkins, early potatoes, and tomatoes. For the basil itself, siderats, tomatoes, onions, cauliflower and early white cabbage, beets, strawberries and green crops are good predecessors.

                    • Belotsvetnik: cultivation and care, types and varieties

                    Pests and diseases of basil

                    Diseases of basil

                    Basil plant is extremely resistant to pathogens, but sometimes health problems occur. Most often, basil is affected by:

                    Black leg is a fungal disease of basil seedlings that develops in conditions of high acidity, poor aeration of the soil and too frequent and abundant watering. The fungus infects the root neck of seedlings, as a result, the vessels that feed the plant become clogged, the stem and its base become soft, blacken, thinner, the plant turns yellow and dies;

                    Fusarium - this fungal disease also affects the vessels of the plant, releasing toxins into its nutrient juices. In young plants, the stem becomes brown and thin, in adults the top dries up, they gradually wither and die. Contribute to the development of the disease is too high temperature against the background of high humidity;

                    Gray rot is more likely to harm plants in greenhouses and greenhouses, but outdoor basil can also become sick. The disease manifests itself first on the lower, dying leaves, then covers the entire plant: dry spots of light brown color form on the affected areas, which gradually become watery and covered with a gray fluff.

                    As a treatment for gray mold and fusariosis, treat basil at the initial stage of the disease with an infusion of onion peel: pour one volume of the peel with four volumes of water and infuse for a day, then strain the infusion and spray it on the basil. The black leg is treated by spilling the soil in seedlings with a solution of potassium permanganate. Remove diseased plants together with an earthen clod, and pour the remaining hole after that with a strong solution of potassium permanganate. But if the disease has come into force, it is unlikely that you will be able to do without fungicides - Fundazol, Fitosporin, Topaz, Toivita Jet and others.

                    In order not to have to resort to pesticides, observe the agricultural practices of the crop: do not grow basil in one place for more than three years, do not sow it too thickly, dust the surface of the soil with wood ash once a week, observe the water balance of the soil in the area, loosen it and remove weeds from the garden in a timely manner.

                    Pests of basil

                    Aphids and field bugs are dangerous insects for basil.

                    Aphid is the most harmful of pests, sucking the juice from the leaves and stems of basil, as a result of which the leaves curl up, the stems stop developing, the plant dries out. The sugary secretions of aphids are a beneficial environment for the soot fungus that covers the plant with a dark coating. In addition, aphids carry viral diseases for which there is no cure. You need to get rid of aphids as soon as you discover their presence. To combat aphids, decoctions of wormwood, tansy, hot pepper, dandelion, yarrow, onion, garlic, tomato or potato tops, mustard are used. It is necessary to process basil in the ground two or three times with an interval of 7-10 days. A good remedy for aphids is a solution of 100 g of grated tar soap in 10 liters of water or an ash solution prepared according to this recipe: 300 g of ash is poured with boiling water and boiled for half an hour, after which it is settled, filtered and topped up with water to a volume of 10 liters. In especially severe cases, when natural formulations do not help, treat the basil with Karbofos solution in accordance with the instructions - this insecticide has no taste and smell. They cope well with the pest Akarin, Bankol, Aktellik.

                    Meadow bug, or field bug just like aphids, feeding on basil cell sap, deforms its leaves, they become covered with whitish spots, then turn brown and die. Damage to the plant is caused by both adults and bug larvae. These pests hibernate in fallen leaves and in the upper layer of soil. Ways to deal with field bugs are the same as aphids.

                    Types and varieties of basil

                    The most commonly cultivated varieties of basil are camphor (or fragrant), Mexican (or cinnamon), purple (common or regan), and lemon (Thai). Numerous varieties of basil vary:

                    • according to the shades of smell. They are cold, tart, warm or sweet. The main flavors of basil are: cinnamon, anise, pepper, lemon, vanilla, caramel, clove and menthol. Varieties with caramel, lemon, vanilla and cinnamon flavors are used to prepare dessert dishes and drinks. Those that have an anise smell are needed for cooking fish dishes, and clove and pepper flavors are needed for meat dishes;
                    • by color: basil purple and basil green. Purple varieties of basil have a more pungent odor and are more commonly used in Caucasian cuisine and in Central Asian dishes. Green varieties are more popular in Europe, in particular in the Mediterranean;
                    • according to the size and shape of the bush varieties of basil are erect, sprawling, semi-spreading, compact, although there are intermediate forms. By height, low-growing varieties are known from a height of 18 to 30 cm, varieties of medium height - from 30 to 60 cm and tall varieties - from 60 to 85 cm. At home, it is more convenient to grow low-growing varieties;
                    • by maturity – early, medium and late varieties.

                    The best varieties of basil are:

                    • Mauritanian – a productive fragrant mid-ripening variety of purple color with an upright sprawling bush up to 65 cm high;
                    • Table is an upright shrub up to 60 cm high with large, light green, egg-shaped leaves with delicate texture. This is one of the most fragrant mid-late varieties, characterized by good productivity;
                    • Fantazer - one of the most productive varieties of rich green color with a massive sprawling bush, branched stem and lanceolate-oval leaves;
                    • Balconstar is a low growing variety with small fragrant leaves of excellent taste, suitable for salads. It grows well in pots on the windowsill;
                    • Genoa - This productive variety has large, glossy, dark green, fragrant and pleasant leaves. Genoese basil leaves are consumed fresh and dried, sometimes it is put in soft drinks instead of mint;
                    • Carnation Gourmand is a productive cultivar with a medium height, massive upright shrub with medium sized green elliptical leaves. This basil perfectly complements the taste of fish, meat, potato dishes, as well as rice and cheese dishes;
                    • Basilisk is a compact indoor and outdoor variety with a clove-pepper aroma. The bush is upright, up to 20 cm high, densely leafy with small, green leaves, the shoots are semi-raised;
                    • Yerevan is one of the most common productive varieties with a clove-pepper aroma. Bush of medium height, purple leaves, ovoid, medium size;
                    • Troll is a mid-season, high-yielding, small-leaved and compact variety for growing indoors, resistant to sudden changes in temperature. The leaves of the plants of this variety are dark purple. The bush looks very attractive;
                    • Magic Mountain is a variety of Israeli selection, characterized by endurance to high and low temperatures and lack of moisture. Its neat round bush with purple-green leaves looks great in the garden and as an ornamental plant;
                    • Red Ruby is an American variety of mahogany-purple color, in which not only the leaves, devoid of bitterness of green varieties, are edible, but also the buds, which in America are usually added to omelettes.

                    The following varieties of basil have also proved to be excellent: Charm, Marquis, Ararat, Velvet, Violet, Greek, Robin Hood, Dragon, Gigolo, Fragrant green, Orion, Pepper aroma, Tempter, Baku, Enchanter, Lemon, Dwarf, Curly, Philosopher , Broad-leaved and others.

                    Properties of basil - harm and benefits

                    Useful properties of basil

                    The aroma of basil is due to the presence in its ground part of an essential oil of complex composition, which has a bactericidal effect. Contains basil vitamins C, B2, PP, provitamin A, carotene, sugar, phytoncides, rutin. Basil protects the body from infections by stimulating the immune system. It even inhibits the growth of HIV and cancer cells. Basil has antipyretic, bactericidal, antioxidant, tonic and tonic effects.

                    The use of basil in food is indicated for viral, bacterial and fungal infections, respiratory and pulmonary diseases. It helps to get rid of excess mucus in the nasal passages, excess gases in the rectum, improves memory, strengthens the nervous tissue.

                    Basil easily copes with inflammation of the oral cavity - caries, ulcers, tartar, plaque and bad breath. Having an astringent effect, it strengthens the gums, preventing premature tooth loss.

                    Basil helps the body cope with flatulence and gastrointestinal problems. Enzymes contained in it accelerate the breakdown and burning of fats in the body, and estragole and evenol stimulate mental activity.

                    Basil essential oil successfully heals wounds, relieves spasms of various nature, is used for inhalation of the upper respiratory tract. Basil leaf juice is used in the fight against fungal infections of the skin, water extracts from the plant give good results in the treatment of gastritis and food poisoning.

                    Dried basil is used to make tea or make compresses to relieve headaches and eczema. Alcoholic infusion of basil treats colitis, pyelitis, whooping cough, neurosis, bronchial asthma, low blood pressure, inflammation of the kidneys and bladder, flatulence and the common cold.

                    Basil - contraindications

                    Since basil has a tonic effect, it is contraindicated for those suffering from diseases of the vascular-cardiac system - hypertension and hypertension, and especially for those who have suffered a myocardial infarction. Basil is also dangerous for patients with thrombosis of the veins of the lower extremities, thrombophlebitis, vegetative-vascular dystonia and diabetes mellitus. Hypotonic patients can use basil without fear.

                    Basil is not recommended in large quantities during pregnancy, especially for purple varieties of the plant, but it is indicated for nursing mothers as a good lactagon agent, and if your baby is not confused by the strange taste and aroma of your milk, you can not refuse basil during breastfeeding .

                    Learn more