Grow basil seed
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:
- 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.
- 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. - 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.
- 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.
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.
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!
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.
Do you want to learn more about growing basil from seed? Watch this video:
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.
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:
- Types of basil to grow
- The secrets of growing great basil
- How to grow basil from cuttings
- How to trim basil for bushy plants
- 7 reasons for basil leaves turning yellow
Are you growing basil from seed this spring?
How to grow basil: successfully indoors and outside
It is definitely worth your while learning how to grow basil as this popular herb is wonderfully versatile, adding its its unique flavor to many dishes, or its aroma filling the air.
With many different varieties of basil, you could choose a few different types to grow as part of your herb garden ideas. If you know how to grow basil at home, this crucial ingredient will always be there to add to your culinary creations – from salads and sandwiches, to many Italian dishes or Thai recipes.
Basil is an excellent choice if you're growing herbs indoors in a sunny spot, but you can also grow basil outdoors in a pot on the patio as a herb planter idea, where you can enjoy its lovely aroma as you brush past it, or among the vegetables in a vegetable patch.
If you get to grips with how to grow basil then you can experiment with the many different varieties available, which you often can't find in grocery stores. The different types have varied flavors and aromas, from the large-leaved Italian basil varieties known for adding to pasta and pizza dishes or salads, to purple or lemon basil, tiny-leaved Greek basil, or even Thai basil with its mild liquorice notes.
If you sow basil seeds successionally from spring as part of your vegetable garden ideas, you can enjoy a continuous supply of different leaves for use in cooking for much of the year.
How to grow basil indoors
(Image credit: Getty Images)
A true sun lover, basil can be grown indoors as long as you make sure it has about six hours of sunlight every day.
In fact, given the right conditions it is one of the easiest herbs to grow indoors.
'Basil likes it hot so will thrive in a greenhouse and is even said to enhance the flavor of tomatoes when grown alongside them as a companion plant,' says Lucy Hutchings of She Grows Veg and author of Get Up and Grow .
If you don't have a greenhouse or conservatory, choose a sunny windowsill to grow basil plants, such as a south or south-west facing one, but protect the plant from the hot midday sun.
The plants will need regular watering, although will not like to sit in water or wet compost.
Barbara Segall is editor of the Herb Society magazine and she advises to 'be regular and diligent with water. Don’t let herbs stand in saucers of water, but equally don’t let them go without water in a sunny season.'
How to grow basil from seed
(Image credit: Monika Grabkowska / Unsplash)
If you're looking for the most cost effective way of how to grow basil, then you can start it off from seed.
It is ridiculously easy to grow basil from seed. It's important to know when to plant herbs, and you can start to grow basil indoors from seed anytime from March to mid-summer.
- Start your basil seeds off in small pots or seed trays of moist, peat-free multi-purpose compost.
- Only sow a few more basil seeds than you need as most will germinate. 'I sow several seeds per pot and thin them out as they grow until there are three to four strong stems,' says Barbara Segall.
- Cover the seeds with a thin layer of vermiculite.
- Water lightly.
- Use a propagator or cover the pot with a freezer bag secured with an elastic band to increase the temperature.
- Once the basil seeds have germinated, remove the covering, but keep the compost damp.
- Thin out basil seedlings so that each one has the space and share of water and nutrients to grow into a healthy plant.
- When the basil seedlings have developed their first true leaves and are large enough to handle, plant them on into 3.
5 inch pots. - Pot them on into larger pots as they grow and their roots start coming through the drainage holes at the bottom of the plant pot.
'Water the compost (not the leaves) regularly, in the morning: basil hates having wet feet overnight,' advises food writer Mark Diacono in his new book Herb: A Cook's Companion .
'Cut back to encourage new leaves to form, or enjoy the delicious flowers,' Mark adds.
How to grow basil from cuttings
(Image credit: Cassidy Phillips / Unsplash)
An alternative to growing from seed, if you know how to grow basil from cuttings then you can grow basil plants year round. You can then swap cuttings of different varieties with friends and neighbors, and it is a great way to make garden ready plants from supermarket herb plants or garden centers.
You can quickly learn how to take plant cuttings. 'It is really easy to make a seemingly endless supply of basil plants from just one,' says Lucy Hutchings.
'Take cuttings of around 6-8 inches long, remove the lower leaves and place in water. Within around a week you will see new roots growing from the submerged stem.
'Once there are a few decent looking roots, pot up your cutting and enjoy your new basil baby,' adds Lucy.
- If you use tap water, leave it for about 24 hours before adding the basil cutting.
- Place on a sunny windowsill, although out of direct sunlight.
- Change the water every couple of days to prevent bacteria from growing.
- When the roots of the basil cuttings are an inch or two long, remove the cuttings from the water and pot them up into a container filled with pre-moistened potting mix.
Keep the planted basil cuttings in a humid environment – place them in a propagator, or cover with a clear freezer bag. Once they have started to develop new growth, pot them on into larger pots.
Growing basil from cuttings cuts growing time by about half, so you will soon have some delicious leaves to harvest.
This is a great project to try if you're gardening with children as they can produce their own crops for free.
How to grow basil outdoors
(Image credit: Leigh Clapp)
Depending on the hardiness zone where you live, even if you want to learn how to grow basil outdoors, you will probably still need to start the seeds off in pots inside from spring, either in a greenhouse or on a warm windowsill.
Sow the seeds in small pots of moist peat-free multi-purpose compost, cover with a thin layer of vermiculite, and place in a propagator or cover the pot with a freezer bag.
Once the seeds have germinated, remove the covering. When they have developed their first true leaves and are big enough to handle, plant into individual 3.5 inch pots.
When to plant basil outdoors
'Always wait for the air and soil to warm before moving basil into the garden,' advises author and gardening expert Melinda Myers .
Put your young basil plants that you have started off indoors, outside after the last frost, which in some areas will be early summer, or warmer regions could be in spring.
'Cold air and soil can stunt or damage the plants and increase the risk of downy mildew. You may even see blackened leaves and other damage,' Melinda adds.
For how to grow basil outdoors, acclimatize the basil plants to the conditions outdoors for about two weeks before planting them out. Do this by standing them outside in a sheltered, lightly shaded spot during the day, and bring them back in at night time.
'This plant is really not a fan of the cold, so wait until night time temperatures are up to around roughly 50ºF before you plant out basil it into its final position,' advises Lucy Hutchings.
Where to grow basil outdoors
(Image credit: Markus Spiske / Unsplash)
When you come to plant the basil plants in your garden, choose a sunny, sheltered spot with well-drained soil. As basil makes such a good companion, such as for tomato companion planting, and produces a prolific crop when well cared for, it is an excellent addition to small vegetable gardens.
Celebrity gardener Monty Don advises that basil needs generous space to grow well. He recommends a space of 9 inches between the plants when they are 4 inches tall, so that the basil will grow vigorously.
How to grow basil in a pot
(Image credit: Leigh Clapp)
Basil also grows well in containers outdoors, and the advantage of this is that you can move the plant around to give it pride of place in the sunniest, sheltered spot. It can then be close to hand for cooking, and if it is in pots by a seating area you will be able to enjoy the scent of this aromatic herb.
Experts at Dobbies recommend adding a layer of grit to the surface of the compost in each pot to keep weeds at bay and stop rain splash marking your herbs.
Basil will grow fast in pots, so you can expect to have to pot up the plants a few times during the growing season.
In fall, when temperatures start to dip, bring a few plants back indoors to provide a fresh supply of leaves in winter.
Caring for basil plants
(Image credit: Getty Images)
Basil plants do need a bit of care to keep them producing tasty leaves. Learn how to prune basil to keep plants healthy, and also follow these other care tips:
- Water basil plants sparingly as they do not like to sit in wet compost.
- Ideally water before midday, to avoid basil plants developing mould if they are damp at nighttime, and avoid splashing the leaves.
- Feed basil plants with liquid fertiliser every week to keep your herbs at their best.
- Pinch out the flowering tips to delay flowering and encourage bushiness.
Harvesting basil
If you have followed the advice on how to grow basil you should be able to regularly pick the leaves from the top of the basil plant to use fresh in cooking, and to encourage new growth and a bushier shape. You can be quite ruthless – so learn how to harvest basil and when to harvest basil to get the most from your plant.
Mark Diacono advises not to refrigerate harvested basil leaves as 'this accelerates their decline.
'
When cooking with basil 'its flavor floats away in the steam of any heat, so it’s almost always best added on serving. The exception is if using gently warmed in milk, cream or oil to extract the flavor,' says Mark.
So, armed with all the tips you need on how to grow basil, you can add wonderful depth and flavor to a multitude of dishes with this versatile herb.
(Image credit: Getty Images/ Elva Etienne)
What is the best way to grow basil?
The best way to grow basil depends on the time of year that you are growing it, and also the climate in the region where you live.
For many people, growing basil indoors is a favorable option as it can thrive on a warm, sunny windowsill, and the flavorsome leaves then then be close at hand for adding to cooking. But basil can be successfully grown outdoors, too, whether in a herb garden or pots and containers, so choose the option that is best for you.
Should I let basil flower?
If you are growing basil for its leaves to use in cooking and salads, then you don't want to let it flower – known as bolting – as then the plant will put its energy into the flower production and as a result the leaves will not have a good flavor.
That said, flowers on basil are attractive as plants for pollinators, so particularly if you are growing basil in a vegetable patch, it can help with the health and pollination of other plants and crops, as well as helping to nuture a wildlife garden.
An idea would be to allow some of your basil plants to flower, to help promote a sustainable garden, while keeping the majority producing healthy and tasty leaves by harvesting them regularly.
growing from seeds in the open field, seedlings on the windowsill, photo
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Content
- Planting and Basil care
- Basille - Description
- Planting Basil
- 0007
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: when 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: seeds.
- Pests: aphids, field bugs, spider mites.
- Diseases: blackleg, gray mold, fusariosis.
Read more about growing 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.
- Hyssop: growing in the garden from seeds, properties
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 harmful 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 5-7 cm deep cassettes.
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. - Marjoram: growing in the garden, properties, varieties
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 the 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 a few seeds in a peat humus 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.
- Mint: growing from seeds at home and in the garden
Growing basil outdoors
Planting basil outdoors
Planting basil outdoors is carried out only in the second half of May, when the return frosts have passed.
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
Growing basil is a series of routine activities for 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, so moisten the area as the soil dries. 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. - Fennel: growing in the garden, types, properties
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 - 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 mold 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.
- Broccoli: growing in the garden, varieties
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, or field bug 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
In cultivation, the most commonly grown types 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 is a productive fragrant mid-season 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 leaves, fragrant and pleasant to the taste. Genoese basil leaves are consumed fresh and dried, sometimes it is put in soft drinks instead of mint;
- Carnation Gourmet is a productive variety with a medium height, massive upright shrub with green elliptical leaves of medium size. 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 customary to add 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 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.
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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 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 .
Basil contains a small amount of mercury, so it is better not to consume it in large quantities, even for absolutely healthy people.
- Rosemary: growing in the garden and at home, varieties
Literature
- Read related topics on Wikipedia
- Peculiarities and other plants of the Lamiaceae family
- List of all species on The Plant List
- More information on World Flora Online
Basil: 15 wonders
Eggplant: growing from seeds in the gardenSections: Lamiaceae (Lamiaceae) Spicy plants Plants on B Leafy Garden plants
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growing from seeds, planting in open ground, properties of basil
Herbaceous annual plant fragrant basil (Ocimum basillicum), also called garden, or camphor, or ordinary, is a member of the Basil species of the subfamily Kotovnikovye of the Lamiaceae family. In the wild, such a plant can be found in Iran, Africa, the tropical regions of the American continent, the Caucasus, China, India, southern Asia and Central Asia. There is an opinion that Africa is the birthplace of the basilica, and it came to Europe thanks to the soldiers of the army of A. Macedonian. Previously, such a culture, as a rule, was used as a medicinal plant. To date, it is cultivated in almost all countries as a food spice.
9Ol000 How to water - 3.3 Fertilizer
- 0007
- 4 Growing basil outdoors
- 4.1 Planting outdoors
- 4.2 Growing
- 4.3 How to Water
- 4.4 Fertilizer
- 4.5 What can be planted after the basil
- 5 Basilica
- 5.1 Diseases
- 7.1 Useful properties of basil
- 7.2 Contraindications
Features of basil
Basil has a branching and superficial root system. The straight tetrahedral stem reaches a height of 0.5–0.7 m, it is leafy and branched. Rarely toothed, oblong-ovate leaf blades are short-petiolate. On the surface of foliage and shoots there are villi. Irregular whorls consist of axillary flowers of white, pinkish or purple color. The composition of the fruit includes nuts, which, after full ripening, are easily separated from each other. Seeds remain viable for 5 years.
Purple varieties of this plant have the strongest odor and are very popular in the Caucasus and Asia. Green basil is the most sought after in Europe, and this plant is also considered the most popular spice in Mediterranean cuisine. Before the bush begins to bloom, it begins to exude the most pungent smell.
Basil. A new effective way of planting. (02/19/2016)
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Planting basil seedlings
When to sow
Basil can be grown from seedlings or sown directly into open ground. However, most gardeners choose the first method, as it is the most reliable.
Seeds for seedlings are sown in spring, it is recommended to do this from early to mid-April. For sowing, you will need a special soil mixture. To prepare it, you need to combine humus, rotted compost and washed river sand, which should be taken in a ratio of 2: 4: 1. This substrate must be sieved, and then it is subjected to steaming in a water bath for 60 minutes. If you use a ready-made soil mixture for sowing, which is sold in a store, then it will also need to be disinfected. To do this, it is shed with a strong solution of potassium permanganate or Fitosporin. For sowing basil, you can choose boxes, but in this case you need to be prepared for the fact that the plants will need a pick in individual containers. Therefore, experts advise using cassettes for growing such seedlings, the depth of which should be 50–70 mm.
Sowing seeds is carried out in a moist substrate, while deepening them by only 10 mm. The row spacing when sowing in a common box should be about 50 centimeters. Crops from above must be covered with polyethylene or glass, after which they are removed to a well-lit and warm (from 20 to 25 degrees) place. The first seedlings can be seen 7-15 days after sowing.
Growing basil from seeds
As soon as the first seedlings appear, the cover is removed from the container, and the plants themselves are moved to a cooler place (from 15 to 20 degrees). It is very easy to care for such seedlings. Watering should be carried out as needed, while remembering that the substrate should not dry out, however, it is necessary to ensure that it is not waterlogged, as in this case a fungal disease such as a black leg may develop, due to which all seedlings die. At the first signs of this disease, the plants will need treatment with a solution of copper sulphate (1 tsp per 2 liters of water) or you can shed the earth with a strong solution of potassium manganese.
If the basil was planted in a box, then during the growth of the first pair of true leaf blades, it will need to be dived. For this, a larger container is taken, which is filled with the same soil mixture, but only it will need to be fertilized. To do this, pour 2 tbsp into 5 liters of substrate. l. wood ash and 1 tbsp. l. complex mineral fertilizer. Planting seedlings in a new container should be at the same depth that they grew before. After the seedlings take root and begin to grow, they should be pinched over a 6–8 leaf plate to stimulate the growth of side shoots. Plants begin to harden off about 15 days before transplanting them into open soil. To do this, they must be taken out to fresh air every day. The duration of such a procedure should be increased gradually, so you need to start from one hour, and at the end, the seedlings will have to be on the street around the clock. Landing in open soil is carried out from mid to late May, but it should be noted that return spring frosts should be left behind.
Growing basil on a windowsill
Rules for growing at home
If you decide to grow basil on your windowsill, then it should be sown in the last days of February or the first - March. For sowing, you need to use peat tablets or peat pots. It should also be noted that several seeds must be sown at once in 1 tablet or pot.
In this case, the seeds should be subjected to pre-sowing preparation. To do this, they are immersed in a solution of potassium manganese of a dark pink color, where they must stay for 2 hours. Crops should be covered with a material that should be transparent and breathable. They need to be kept in the same conditions as basil grown for seedlings (see above). It should be noted that such a plant needs sunlight for at least 3-4 hours a day. After the plants develop their first pair of true leaf blades, they must be transplanted. To do this, a 1 liter pot is taken, at its bottom a layer of drainage is laid out from broken brick, expanded clay or small pieces of foam, its thickness should be from 20 to 30 mm. Basil should be planted together with a pot or a tablet. The soil mixture for planting is used nutritious, it should also pass water well and be light. For example, you can use this composition: combine coconut fiber and humus (2: 1). It will be possible to start picking the first leaves after 6 weeks.
How to water
Basil belongs to moisture-loving plants. In this regard, it is necessary to ensure that the substrate is always slightly moist. Watering should be arranged almost every day. If you forget to water the bush in time, then its leaves will very quickly lose their turgor. But in watering it is also very important not to overdo it, because due to the stagnation of liquid in the substrate, rot can appear on the root system. When the plant is watered, it is necessary to loosen the surface of the substrate in the container, do this with a frequency of 1 time in 2-3 days.
WE GROW BASIL ON THE WINDOW SILL. Simply and easily.
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Fertilizer
If a medium that is not very fertile was used for planting this plant, then in this case it will need to be systematically fed. For top dressing, it is recommended to use universal fertilizers based on compost or humates, they must be applied to the substrate in the concentration indicated in the instructions attached to the preparation. You need to feed the bush no more than 1 time in 4 weeks.
Growing basil outdoors
Planting outdoors
As mentioned above, it is imperative to plant basil seedlings outdoors from mid to late May, but you need to make sure that spring return frosts are behind. For landing, you should choose an open, well-lit area, which should be reliably protected from cold, strong winds. Some gardeners advise planting basil in the trunk circle of a young fruit tree, there is practically no shade from it, so the plant receives a sufficient amount of light, while its powerful spicy aroma can scare away various pests from the seedling.
The soil on the site should be light and saturated with humus, and it should also pass water well. 4 weeks before planting, the site should be digged, while peat, humus or compost should be added to the soil (2 kilograms of organic fertilizer per 1 square meter of the site).
Landing should be done in the evening or on a cloudy day. Prepare the holes, the distance between them should be from 15 to 20 centimeters. In them, the grown seedlings should be planted. Planted plants need abundant watering, for this they use tepid, well-settled water.
Growing
Growing basil in open soil is relatively easy. To do this, it needs to be watered in a timely manner, weeded, fed, loosened the soil surface, and also protected from pests and diseases. Planted plants that did not have time to take root should be covered with a film for the first 15 days at night in case of a sudden cold snap. Until the plant gets stronger and starts to grow, it is recommended to systematically weed. During the season, it will be necessary to loosen the surface of the soil 7 or 8 times before watering. To stimulate branching, it is necessary to carefully break out the newly appeared peduncles.
How to water
Watering the basil frequently will cause new leaf blades to grow much faster. Watering should be done immediately after the topsoil dries out. However, it should be remembered that excessive watering is just as unacceptable as insufficient watering, as it causes severe damage to the plant. It should be watered with tepid water (about 25 degrees), while it should stand for 24 hours (longer possible). To make it more convenient to prepare water for irrigation, it is necessary to install a large container on the site in a well-lit place, for example, an unnecessary bath or barrel.
Fertilizer
To stimulate the growth of the green mass of basil, you need regular top dressing, which is carried out once every 4 weeks. The first top dressing is arranged half a month after planting the seedlings on the site, for this they use a solution of Nitrofoska (a couple of large spoons of fertilizer per 12 liters of water). On 1 square meter of the site should go from 3 to 4 liters of nutrient mixture.
Planting basil seedlings in a bed
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What can be planted after basil
Experts advise against planting basil in the same area every year. It is necessary to rotate crops, which is the main principle of successful farming. If the basil was grown in the same area for 2 or 3 seasons in a row, then it will be possible to plant it in the same place only after 4 or 5 years. The area where basil was previously grown is suitable for planting plants that are resistant to diseases of this crop, for example, you can plant carrots, zucchini, pumpkins, tomatoes, legumes, cucumbers, squash and early potatoes. Basil is recommended to be planted after tomatoes, early and cauliflower, strawberries, green manure, onions, beets and greens.
Pests and diseases of basil
Diseases
Basil is highly resistant to various diseases. However, sometimes he still gets sick. Below will be described those diseases that this culture suffers from most often.
Blackleg
Blackleg - Basil seedlings are susceptible to this fungal disease. Its development provokes increased acidity, insufficient aeration of the substrate, as well as excessively frequent and abundant watering. The root neck of the seedlings is affected by the fungus, due to which the vessels that are involved in the nutrition of the plant become clogged, the stem, as well as its base, soften, become black and thin, after which the bush begins to turn yellow and dies.
Fusarium
Fusarium is also a fungal disease. Toxins are released into the nutrient juice of a diseased bush, as a result of which its vessels are affected. If a young bush is affected, then its shoots turn brown and gradually become thinner. In diseased adult plants, the top dries up, after which they wither and die. The disease actively develops at high temperatures, while the humidity of the air should be increased.
Gray mold
Gray rot - it most often affects plants grown in greenhouses or greenhouses. However, bushes grown in open soil can also be affected by this disease. At first, the disease manifests itself on the leaf plates located below, which have already begun to die. After that, the disease gradually captures the entire bush. Dry brownish spots appear on the infected parts of the plant, which eventually become watery and covered with a gray fluff.
If the bush is affected by gray rot or fusarium, then at the initial stage of development of such a disease, it should be sprayed with an infusion of onion peel. To prepare it, it is necessary to combine the husk with water in a ratio of 1: 4, the mixture must be infused for 24 hours. Before processing, the infusion should be filtered. If the seedlings are affected by the black leg, then the substrate in which it grows must be shed with a solution of potassium permanganate. At the same time, diseased plants must be removed from the container along with a clod of earth and destroyed, and the resulting hole must be shed with a strong solution of potassium permanganate. If the disease has already gained strength, then in this case treatment with fungicidal preparations will be required, for example: Fitosporin, Toivita Jet, Fuedazole, Topaz and others of similar action.
To prevent basil from getting sick, certain preventive measures should be taken:
- this crop should not be grown in the same area for more than three years;
- crops should not be too thick;
- Once every 7 days, the surface of the area should be dusted with wood ash;
- water the plant on time, without watering it or letting the soil dry out;
- Loosen the area regularly;
- Remove weeds as soon as they appear.
Pests
This plant is also very resistant to pests, however, field bugs and aphids can settle on it.
Aphids
Aphids are a very dangerous pest that can severely damage the basil. It sucks the juice from the shoots and foliage, due to which the folding of the leaf plates is observed, the development of the shoots stops, and the bush itself begins to dry out. Such a pest leaves sugary secretions on the surface of the plant, on which the sooty fungus prefers to settle, which is why the bush is covered with a touch of dark color. In addition, this pest is considered the main carrier of viral diseases that are not currently being treated. To start the fight against aphids should be immediately after its discovery. You can fight it with folk remedies, for example, decoctions of wormwood, tansy, hot pepper, dandelion, yarrow, onion, garlic, tomato or potato tops, mustard. It will take 2-3 treatments with an interval of 1-1.5 weeks if this crop is grown in open ground. A remedy prepared from 100 grams of tar soap, crushed with a grater, and 1 bucket of water is considered quite effective. Ash solution also shows good results, for its preparation it is necessary to mix 300 grams of wood ash with freshly boiled water, the mixture should boil for 30 minutes. When it settles, it is filtered, then so much water is added to the solution so that its volume becomes equal to 10 liters. If there are a lot of pests, then folk remedies may be powerless, in this case the bushes are treated with Karbofos, while the solution must be done in accordance with the instructions. It should be noted that this insecticidal preparation is odorless and also tasteless. So, Bankol, Akarin and Aktellik are best suited for processing.
Meadow or field bug
Field or meadow bug is also a sucking insect that feeds on plant sap of this crop. As a result of its vital activity, the leaf plates are deformed, whitish spots form on their surface, then they turn brown and gradually die off. Both larvae and adults of this insect can harm the basil. For wintering, such a bug settles in the upper layer of soil or in leaves that have flown around. Bedbugs should be dealt with in the same way as with aphids.
Types and varieties of basil
The following types of basil are most commonly cultivated: camphor (or fragrant), Mexican (or cinnamon), purple (common or regan) and lemon (Thai). There are many varieties of this plant, which are distinguished by the following features:
- Shades of smell . The aroma is tart, sweet, cold and warm. The main aromas of this culture are cinnamon, anise, pepper, lemon, vanilla, caramel, clove and menthol. For the preparation of drinks, as well as desserts, those varieties are used that have a lemon, cinnamon, caramel and vanilla smell. Varieties with anise flavor are good for fish dishes, and basil with peppery and clove flavors is suitable for meat dishes.
- Color .
There is green basil and purple basil. Varieties with a purple color have a stronger aroma and are most often used in Central Asian and Caucasian cuisine. And green varieties are most popular in Europe, and in particular in the Mediterranean.
- Size and shape of bush . Basil is divided into sprawling, compact, erect and semi-spreading. There are also intermediate forms. In terms of height, tall (0.6–0.85 m), medium-sized (0.3–0.6 m), as well as undersized (0.18–0.3 m) varieties are distinguished. For growing indoors, it is recommended to choose low-growing varieties.
- Maturity dates . Varieties are divided into late, middle and early.
How to choose a basil variety
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Best varieties
- Moorish . This medium ripening variety is distinguished by its productivity and aroma. The color of the sprawling upright bush is purple.
Plant height about 0.65 m.
- Table . The height of an upright bush is about 0.6 m. The ovoid large leaf plates are painted greenish in color and have a delicate texture. This productive variety is the most fragrant of all mid-late varieties.
- Dreamer . This variety is among the most productive. Spreading massive bush has a bright green color. The shoots are branched, and the shape of the leaf plates is oval-lanceolate.
- Balconstar . This variety is undersized. Small fragrant leaf plates have excellent taste, they are great for salads. It is often grown in pots on a windowsill.
- Genoese . This variety is distinguished by its productivity. Large shiny dark green leaf plates are quite fragrant and have a pleasant taste. Leaves are used both dried and fresh. In some cases, they replace mint, adding to soft drinks.
- Clove Gourmet . The variety is distinguished by its productivity.
The bush is medium tall, upright and massive. Green leaf plates are medium in size and elliptical in shape. This variety is recommended for use as a seasoning for meat, fish, cheese, rice and potatoes.
- Basilisk . This compact variety grows well both in open soil and indoors. It has a peppery-clove scent. The height of an upright densely leafy bush is about 0.2 m. Small leaf plates are green in color. The stems are semi-raised.
- Yerevan . This variety is one of the most popular fruit varieties. The smell of such a basil is clove-pepper. On a medium-sized bush there are medium-sized leaf plates of an ovoid shape and purple color.
- Troll . This mid-season small-leaved variety is compact and productive. Great for growing indoors. Such a plant is not afraid of sudden changes in temperature. The foliage has a dark purple color. The plant looks very impressive.
- Magic Mountain .
This Israeli variety is resistant to both low and high temperatures, and it is also drought tolerant. A neat bush has a round shape. Green leaf plates have a purple tint. Such a plant looks good in the garden as an ornamental.
- Red Ruby . The variety was created by American breeders. The color of the bush is mahogany-purple. These plants eat both foliage, which does not have the bitterness characteristic of green varieties, and buds (they are added to omelettes).
The following varieties of basil are also quite popular: Charm, Marquis, Ararat, Velvet, Violet, Greek, Robin Hood, Dragon, Gigolo, Fragrant green, Orion, Pepper aroma, Tempter, Baku, Wizard, Lemon, Dwarf, Curly, Philosopher, Shirokolistny, etc.
Properties of basil: harm and benefits
Useful properties of basil
Basil has a specific smell, which is due to the presence of essential oil in the aerial part of the bush, which has a complex composition and antibacterial properties. Basil contains vitamins C, B2, PP, provitamin A, carotene, sugar, phytoncides, rutin.
It helps to strengthen the immune system, thereby increasing the resistance of the human body to infections. This plant has been proven to be able to restrain the growth of HIV as well as cancer cells. It has an antibacterial, tonic, antipyretic, antioxidant and tonic effect. Basil is recommended to be included in your diet for bacterial, viral and fungal infections, as well as pulmonary and respiratory diseases.
This spicy herb will help get rid of excess gas in the rectum, excess mucus in the nose, and it also helps to strengthen the nervous tissue and improve memory. It shows high efficiency in the fight against inflammatory processes in the oral cavity: ulcers, plaque, caries, tartar and bad breath. Also, basil has an astringent effect, it strengthens the gums, which helps prevent tooth loss. It will help get rid of flatulence, as well as diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.
It contains enzymes that accelerate the breakdown and burning of fats in the human body. And the evengol and estragol contained in it contribute to the stimulation of mental activity. This culture contains an essential oil, which has a wound healing effect, it also eliminates spasms of a diverse nature and is used for inhalation of the upper respiratory tract. The juice obtained from the foliage is used to treat fungal skin lesions, and water extracts are used during the treatment of food poisoning and gastritis. Dried grass is used to make tea, as well as to make compresses that eliminate pain in the head and eczema. A tincture is prepared from this herb, which is used to treat colitis, pyelitis, whooping cough, neurosis, bronchial asthma, low blood pressure, inflammation of the kidneys and bladder, flatulence and colds.
Basil - useful properties
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Contraindications
This plant has a tonic effect on the body, so it should not be used by people with diseases of the cardiovascular system (hypertension and hypertension).
