Базилик трава. Выращивание базилика. Уход за базиликом

 

Соус «Песто» из какого теста? Основной ингредиент итальянской подливы – базилик. Выращивание его как культурной травы начали в Европе, но родиной зелени является Азия. Оттуда пряность и привезли.

Сделали сие армейцы Александра Македонского, возвращаясь из азиатских походов. Так что, итальянская пряность вовсе не итальянская, как и картофель не русский. Ну, да суть не в этом. Главное, народная любовь. Сделаем и азиатское русским. Учимся выращивать базилик.

Как и когда сажать базилик?

Вегетационный период героя статьи составляет 140-160- дней. Культура теплолюбива. Ранняя высадка в открытый грунт, как и поздний сбор, невозможны. Соответственно, можно сразу поместить семена на грядку в середине мая и наслаждаться летом зеленью, но не собрать семена на следующий год.

Урожаев же зелени будет два. Это норма для средней полосы России. Если хочется вместо покупных запасти собственные семена, нужна рассада базилика. Выращивание ее начинают ранней весной. На всходы уходит неделя, а на развитие кустиков до состояния пригодного к открытому грунту – еще 7.

Вот и высчитываем сроки посева исходя из особенностей климата региона. К высадке в открытый грунт верх грядок должен прогреться до +15-ти градусов Цельсия.

Температурные условия выращивания базилика на рассаду – +20-27 градусов. При опускании столбика термометра ниже +16-ти трава начинает вытягиваться, увеличивается расстояние меж листьями. Долговязые растения слабы и уязвимы для болезней.

Придать рассаде сил можно и грамотно составленным субстратом. Семена помещают в смесь песка, торфа и перегноя. Последний можно заменить на старый компост. Преобладает в грунте торф. Его 4 доли.

Перегноя берем 2-е, а песка – 1-у. Как видно, смесь питательна. Именно такую любит базилик. Его семена сажают в заранее обработанный субстрат. Составленный самостоятельно просеивают и пропаривают в течение часа на водяной бани. Грунт из магазина проливают раствором марганцовки. Это обеззараживающие процедуры, убивающие споры грибов и семена сорных трав.

Подготовленный субстрат засыпают в емкости глубиной около 6-ти сантиметров. На дне горшочков должны быть отверстия для оттока воды. Землю слегка уплотняют встряхиваниями. В итоге, до краев емкостей остается сантиметр.

Его заполним после высыпания на землю семян. При садоводческом дебюте часто сажают сразу несколько сортов, дабы выбрать лучший. В этом случае имеет смысл взять в качестве горшков кассеты и проставлять в их отсеках метки с указанием вида базилика.

Выращивание базилика из семян

При посадке семена культуры должны оказаться на сантиметр под землей. Поливают осторожно, лучше обильно опрыскать из пульверизатора. После, посевы накрывают. Подойдут прозрачные пленка, стекло или отрезы пластиковых бутылок.

Они создадут условия парника. Горшки ставят на свет, в тепло. Учитывая любовь растения к последнему, полив осуществляют слегка нагретой водой. Почва должна постоянно быть чуть влажной.

Если вода уходит в поддоны, сливают. Застой влаги внизу горшка провоцирует развитие черной ножки. Это гниль шейки корня базилика, выращиваемого из семян.

Когда сажать рассаду в отдельные горшки? После появления 2-ух настоящих листочков. Процесс именуют пикировкой, хотя, изначально так называли подрезание кончика стержневого корня.

Это приводит к ветвлению основы растения. Чем обширнее корневая система, тем проще зелени добывать себе питание. Так что, можно провести и пикировку в классическом понимании, но уже после развития 6-го листа.

Пересаживают базилик в грунт первоначального состава с добавлением пары столовых ложек древесной золы и одной ложки минеральной подкормки. Это из расчета на 5 литров земли. Важно, чтобы удобрение в ней распределилось равномерно. Нужно тщательно перемешать.

Сеянцы помещают на ту же глубину, на которой находились зерна. Повторяют уплотнение грунта и осторожный полив теплой водой. При капризах погоды побеги прищипывают над 8-ым листом и повторно удобряют жидкой подкормкой минерального состава. По идее, высадка в грунт должна состояться на стадии 6-7-го листьев.

Выращивание базилика в открытом грунте

Базилик любит свет. Начинающие садоводы редко решаются сажать растение под молодыми деревцами. Меж тем, шаг выигрышный. Юные яблоньки да груши почти не дают тени. Базилику хватает света, а плодовым саженцам защиты. Пряный запах травы отпугивает от деревьев вредителей.

Организовать симбиоз базилика с плодовой молодью, или высадить траву отдельно, получается во второй половине мая. Должны пройти возвратные заморозки. Пока они свирепствуют, садоводы подготавливают грядки. Под базилик их перекапывают за месяц, добавляя на квадратный метр пару килограммов гумуса, торфа, в общем, органики.

Через месяц к грядке приносят сеянцы. Меж их рядами оставляют 30 сантиметров, а меж кустиками около 20-ти. Предпочтительно вечернее время или пасмурная погода. В первые часы после посадки сеянцы активно теряют влагу, уязвимы. Иссушающее действие солнца лишнее.

Поливают перемещенный на огород базилик теплой, отстоянной водой. Помня о нетерпимости травы к холоду, первые пару недель посадки накрывают на ночь. После, трава пойдет в рост, уже не нуждаясь в дополнительной защите, но требуя частого рыхления.

 

За сезон его осуществляют примерно 8 раз. Рыхлят перед поливом. Впрочем, это общая рекомендация, как и выламывание цветоносов. Их удаляю у всех культур, выращиваемых ради зелени.

Вместо траты энергии на формирование бутонов и семян базилик тратит ее на наращивание листовой массы. Она нуждается в обилии влаги. Поливают посадки сразу после подсыхания почвы.

Выращивание базилика на подоконнике

Выращивание базилика в домашних условиях идет по схеме работы с семенами на рассаду. Разница лишь в том, что сеянцы с 2-мя листами переносят в постоянный горшок. Выбираем привлекательный внешне вазон объемом около литра.

Для одного куста базилика достаточно. Желание посадить в один горшок несколько ростков требует большей емкости. На ее дно насыпают дренаж. Это могут быть керамзит, осколки керамических вазонов или измельченная яичная скорлупа.

Кстати, до всходов посадки держат на свету лишь 3-4 часа в день. Обилие солнца нужно уже проклюнувшимся росткам. Если они появились на свет зимой, задействуют лампы. Ими световой день доводят минимум до 15-ти часов.

Это требование и молоди, и взрослых кустов базилика. Полив же в зависимости от возраста варьируется. До месяца горшечное растение орошают каждое утро. С появлением боковых побегов базилик поливают раз в 2-3 дня.

Развитие боковой поросли – сигнал к внесению органического удобрение. С ним сформируется объемный и здоровый куст. Правда, нюансы его внешности зависят от сорта растения.

Есть, к примеру, базилик фиолетовый. Выращивание его активно практикуют на Кавказе. В местной кухне базилик – король. Кстати, с греческого название травы так и переводится – «королевский». Впрочем, о видах растения поговорим отдельно.

Виды и сорта базилика

У базилика 150 видов. На каждый из них приходится минимум пара сортов. Есть из чего выбрать. Практикующие садоводы выбор уже сделали и готовы давать рекомендации.

Учтем их. Так, фиолетовый базилик – сосредоточение аромата. Эфирных масел в сортах вида вдвое больше, чем в зеленой траве. Последняя и на вкус нежнее.

 

Из зеленых сортов популярны принадлежащие к «Душистому» виду. Его сорта именуют камфорными. Аромат травы напоминает камфару. А вот на вкус базилик «Душистый» схож с гвоздикой.

Вспомним сорта Magial Michael, Mammoth и Genovese Gidante. Последний дает тот самый вкус итальянских блюд, в частности, соуса «Песто». Mammoth – сорт, острый на вкус, с крупной листвой.

Она, к слову, у разных видов базилика бывает удлиненной и заостренной на концах или же почти круглой. Последний вариант применим к Magial Michael. Сорт мягок на вкус и отличается кустистостью.

 

От душистых сортов отделен «Лимонный» базилик. У него не только выраженный запах цитруса, но и вкус. К тому же, «Лимонный» базилик раскидист, словно деревце. С куста собирают до 300-от граммов листвы при стандартном росте в 50 сантиметров.

Особняком стоит «Коричный» базилик. У него зеленая листва, но фиолетовые цветы. Они у растения колосовидные. На вкус сорта вида отличаются нотками корицы. Отсюда и название базилика.

Уход за базиликом

Уход за базиликом осуществляют, как правило, ради его листвы. Она грубеет после выброса растением цветоносов. Поэтому, пряность срезают до завязи бутонов, либо срезают их сами.

Об этом говорилось выше, как и о любви культуры к свету, влаге, теплу. Остается упомянуть о необходимости регулярной прополки. Сорные травы легко блокируют развитие базилика. Он, вообще, неженка, по крайней мере, в российской действительности.

Важно! Диабет, тромбозы, беременность, детский возраст до 2-ух лет. Все это противопоказания к употреблению и вдыханию эфирного масла героя статьи. Следовательно, выращивать его стоит не всем и не всегда. Иначе, уход потребуется уже не за растением, а за человеком.

Также у базилика и плюсов масса. Стоматологи, к примеру, советуют ополаскиватели на основе сока пряности. Он убивает 90% бактерий ротовой полости. Долой стоматиты, кариес, налет и гингивиты.

Косметологи поют базилику оды, как средству успокаивающему чувствительную кожу. Диетологи замечают, что соки героя статьи расщепляют жиры, а значит, способствуют похудению. Аромат травы успокаивает. Так что, в отсутствии противопоказаний базилик – желанный гость и в доме, и на огороде.

 

 

90000 The Complete Guide to Plant, Care, and Harvest Basil 90001 90002 Basil is one of the herbs I’m obsessed with growing well. It has a unique aroma that fills the garden with a fresh, spicy scent that I can not get enough of, and it lends dishes a subtle peppery flavor in all kinds of cuisines, from Italian to Thai. Like most herbs, it’s also healthy for you. 90003 90002 As if that was not enough to recommend it, growing basil is not as challenging as some edible plants. This tropical native is happy to grow outside, inside, in the ground, in pots or even in a hydroponic system.Harvesting is simple, too. You can pluck the leaves when you want to use them, and it will keep sprouting new ones. 90003 90002 In fact, basil is so easy to grow and so useful around the house, I think it’s an essential plant for any garden (or windowsill) to have. 90003 90002 There are dozens of varieties to choose from, each with unique flavors and uses. This guide will help you pick the best for your home and make it thrive. 90003 90002 90011 90011 90003 90014 Basil Varieties 90015 90002 There are numerous types of basil and choosing one comes down to what you’re going to use it for and what your taste preference is.Some varieties are stronger tasting than others, and some are sweeter. Some are better for medicine, while others are perfect in pesto. 90003 90018 Sweet Basil 90019 90002 90021 90021 90003 90002 Sweet basil is probably the type most people associate with basil. It has large, smooth leaves that are bright green. 90003 90002 90027 Genovese 90028 is one of the most common sweet basil varieties, and it’s often the one you see in the grocery store. As you’d expect from the quintessential Italian basil, it’s lovely in pesto and with tomato.This variety is ideal if you are new to growing basil because it’s not fussy. It has good leaf production and a robust clove-like flavor. It takes 60 to 90 days to mature and reaches about 24-inches tall. 90003 90002 90027 Lettuce 90028 basil grows large leaves that can get as big as your hand. It takes about 75 days to mature and reaches 2-feet tall. It has a mild, sweet flavor. 90003 90018 Thai Basil 90019 90002 90037 90037 90003 90002 As the name suggests, this is the type often found in Thai cooking.It has a distinct licorice aroma and adds aniseed and clove flavor to dishes. Its leaves are more robust than Genovese basil so it can stand up to cooking in things like soup. 90003 90002 There are many different varieties of Thai basil, including 90027 Persian 90028, which has a spicy lemon flavor. 90027 Siam queen 90028 is another variety featuring huge purple blossoms. Both mature in 60-90 days and reach 18-24 inches tall. 90003 90018 Purple Basil 90019 90002 90051 90051 90003 90002 There are several types of purple basil, all featuring beautiful dark purple leaves and lilac flowers.The leaves smell sweet and lend nicely to vinaigrettes and salads. 90003 90002 90027 Purple ruffles 90028 is a purple variety with a stronger flavor than you’ll find in sweet basil. As the name implies, it has serrated, rippling leaves that make a pretty addition to the garden. 90027 ‘Round midnight 90028 grows in a dense mound of fragrant, dark violet foliage. It grows 12-inches tall and 10-inches wide. 90027 Dark opal 90028 basil features dark red stems and lilac flowers. It grows about a foot tall.90003 90018 Holy Basil 90019 90002 90067 90067 90003 90002 Also known as tulsi or sacred basil, holy basil is a versatile Southeast Asian variety can be used in various cooking styles, as a tea, in potpourri, and in medicine. Studies show that it may have numerous health benefits. 90003 90002 It has a strong camphor scent and matte leaves with a red undertone. It gets about 12-inches tall. 90003 90018 Lemon Basil 90019 90002 90077 90077 90003 90002 Lemon basil is an old fashioned heirloom variety that has an intense lemon flavor that goes nicely with fish or chicken.The plant features narrow, elongated leaves and lemon-scented white flowers. Grows to 18-inches tall and matures in 60-90 days. 90003 90018 Greek Basil 90019 90002 90085 90085 90003 90002 Also known as globe basil, this is an heirloom variety native to Southeast Asia. It has small leaves on compact, dome-shaped plants. It only gets about 8-inches tall, making it ideal for container growing. 90003 90018 African Blue Basil 90019 90002 90093 90093 90003 90002 This hybrid stands out from other varieties because it can get huge for basil — up to 4-feet tall.It’s also a perennial in some areas. It produces sterile pink flowers and has a unique flavor. 90003 90018 Cardinal 90019 90002 90101 90101 90003 90002 Growing basil does not have to be just about producing food. Cardinal basil has beautiful red flowers that add color to the herb garden. You can eat the huge blossoms, but the leaves also have a delicious, spicy flavor. It grows up to 30-inches tall and matures in 60 days. 90003 90014 How to Plant Basil 90015 90018 Zones 90019 90002 Basil thrives in zones 4-10.90003 90018 When to Plant Basil 90019 90002 When growing basil indoors for transplant, start them 4 to 6 weeks before the last frost date. 90003 90002 Plant outdoors in early spring as long as temperatures do not drop below 50 ° F. If in doubt, plant in a greenhouse, tunnel house or inside. If the temperature drops below 39 ° F, basil will turn up its toes and die. 90003 90002 In most areas, you can plant in a pot on the windowsill any time for a year-round supply. 90003 90002 90121 90121 90003 90018 Direct Sowing 90019 90002 Sprinkle seeds outdoors in a prepared bed after the danger of frost has passed and soil is 50 ° F.Cover with soil 1/4-inch deep. 90003 90018 Growing Basil in Pots 90019 90002 90131 90131 90003 90002 Fill pots with a good quality potting seed mix. Sprinkle liberally with basil seeds and cover with a thin layer of soil. Spritz soil with a spray bottle every day to keep moist. 90003 90018 Sun Requirements 90019 90002 Growing basil needs plenty of sunlight — about 6-8 hours per day. But while basil loves the sun, the leaves can scorch in intense light. If temperatures regularly rise above 86 ° F, give plants partial shade during the mid-day.90003 90018 Soil Requirements 90019 90002 Basil prefers soil pH between 6-7. Ensure the soil is free draining and compost-enriched. 90003 90018 Spacing 90019 90002 Leave 12-inches between plants and 16-24 inches between rows. Remember that some basil can get tall, so do not plant it next to low-growing veggies that may end up getting shaded. 90003 90018 Transplanting 90019 90002 Once the seedlings sprout and grow to at least 1.5 inches, transplant to your garden. 90003 90014 How to Care for Basil 90015 90018 Water Wel 90019.90000 How To Grow Basil In Your Permaculture Garden 90001 90002 How To Grow Basil In Different Climates 90003 90004 90005 Thankfully growing basil is super easy in warm climates. 90006 At least that’s my experience. It’s not what I expected since all other Mediterranean herbs struggle with our humid, tropical wet seasons (summers), but basil does not care. 90007 90004 Back in the days when I did not have a clue about how to grow ANYTHING, basil was the one thing that did grow. Without fail.All year round. Like a weed. 90007 90010 90011 90011 90004 Once I learned more about growing different food plants, herbs and spices, I learned that basil is not strictly a Mediterranean herb. Most of us know and grow 90014 sweet basil 90015 as an essential ingredient for Italian dishes. However, many other basil varieties exist (cinnamon basil, lemon basil, Thai basil, purple ruffles, holy basil …) and they are just as essential in Asian cooking. 90011 90007 90004 Well, and Asian climates with their steamy monsoonal summers are similar to my climate in northern Australia.That’s why basil is so happy in my garden. 90007 90020 Purple basil 90004 90011 Not everybody lives in a tropical climate, so on this page we will look at what it takes to grow basil, no matter what your climate. 90011 90007 90004 90005 Growing basil at home has many benefits. 90006 90007 90029 90030 Basil is a wonderful culinary herb. Tomatoes and sweet basil are made for each other, pesto is something I could eat every day, and a green curry without Thai basil just would not be a green curry, would it? 90031 90030 Basil is also used as a medicinal herb.(The different types of basil have different traditional uses.) 90031 90030 Basil supposedly repels flies. (In my experience that is a lie.) 90031 90030 Basil repels fruit fly. (It’s not a fail proof solution but it definitely helps.) 90031 90030 Basil does have a strong scent. It is pleasant to grow just for the scent it emits when you brush it as you walk through your garden. But even better, the scent also confuses bugs that find their favourite plants by smell. 90031 90030 Sweet basil and tomatoes are perfect companion plants, in the garden AND in the kitchen.90031 90030 Bees love the flowers and the flowers look pretty in the garden, too. 90031 90030 Basil itself looks pretty, too. The mauve flower spikes of cinnamon basil, the deep purple leaves of opal basil, the compact purple balls of flowers on my Thai basil … 90031 90046 90047 90011 90002 Where Can You Grow Basil? 90003 90004 90005 You can grow basil just about anywhere 90006, though not necessarily all year round. 90007 90004 Basil loves hot weather, lots of sunlight, lots of nutrients i.e. rich soil, lots of water and lots of space for its roots. 90007 90004 Basil has a very vigorous root system. If you grow basil in the garden then the basil roots will go and find what the plant needs. So even if the soil is not so great, you can still grow basil. It also copes with little water and even grows in partial shade. It will however have more flavour if grown in full sun. 90007 90004 90005 Basil does not like water logging and will not survive frost. 90006 Established plants can handle cool spells, but to get basil seeds started it needs to be hot.90007 90004 In the tropics, sweet basil grows best during the dry season. It also likes Mediterranean climates. 90011 90007 90004 If you live in a temperate climate, you can germinate and grow basil seeds indoors, even in winter. But because of the lack of sunlight during winter they will not grow into big, healthy plants. You best harvest them very early and germinate more. Or move to a warmer climate. 90007 90004 90005 In a warm climate you can grow basil all year round 90006, in any type of soil.It may not grow equally well in all soils, but it should grow. 90007 90002 Get Started With Growing Basil 90003 90004 There are two ways to 90005 grow basil: from seed or from cuttings 90006. Both work well and I use both all the time. 90007 90004 It’s best to 90005 grow sweet basil from seed as an annual 90006. 90007 90004 All other basil types are perennials. They are also called bush basil. 90005 Perennial basil is easier to grow from cuttings. 90006 90007 90004 All the perennial basils do great in the true tropics all year round.In cooler climates you will need to treat them as annual plants and grow them during summer. 90007 90088 90005 Growing basil from seed: 90006 90011 90092 90004 Basil seed is very fine and can take weeks to germinate. If you throw it straight on the ground in your garden the weeds may smother it before it has a chance to grow, so you may want to start it in punnets or pots. 90011 Punnets will make the transplanting easier but require more faffing around in the beginning, filling all the individual slots with soil and counting out the tiny seeds.That’s why I use pots and start enough seeds to allow for some losses. 90007 90004 Spread some seed 90005 very thinly 90006 and only cover it with soil 90005 very lightly 90006. 90007 90004 Start out with moist soil, so you do not have to add a lot of water afterwards. Watering your pots or punnets can make the light soil covering and the seeds float around and you end up with all your seeds in one spot at the side … If you need to add some moisture you can use a spray bottle. 90007 90004 Once you are done, keep the pot in a sunny, warm place and do not let it dry out.A plastic cover can help. 90007 90004 How long it takes for your seeds to germinate depends on the soil temperature. It could be 3-5 days or a couple of weeks. 90007 90004 If you used a cover over your pot or punnet, remove it immediately as soon as you see the first seedling emerge. Basil seedlings are very vulnerable to fungal diseases at that stage, so you want to make sure the air can circulate and the soil surface retains an even moisture, not too wet but also never dry. 90007 90004 (A good way to avoid problems is to water from the bottom, by placing the pot in a bowl with some water for a few minutes.) 90007 90004 Initially your basil will grow very slowly. It will take about 4-6 weeks (depends on the temperature and the amount of sunlight it gets) until it is big enough to plant it out, about 15 cm / 6 inches tall. 90007 90004 Do not wait with the transplanting. Basil grows much better and faster in the ground, so the sooner it goes outside, the sooner you will be harvesting. 90007 90116 A Word Of Warning 90117 90004 I do not recommend buying basil seedlings in pots. As I already mentioned above, young basil plants are very vulnerable to fungal diseases, particularly a process called «damping off», where the little plants wilt and rot from the bottom.90007 90004 Most of the pots of little basil plants that you see for sale have way too many seedlings crowded together to allow the air to circulate freely between them. 90007 90122 You do not want your seedlings to grow like this! 90004 Unless it is a quality nursery, the plants will also be watered irregularly, something that encourages damping off. 90007 90004 Those herbs in pots that you get at many supermarkets or grocery stores are really only meant to be cut and eaten fairly quickly, not to be grown for an extended time.90007 90004 You can grow your own seed the same way if you plan to eat it as soon as the plants are 15-20 cm (6-8 inches) tall, for example when growing it indoors during the cooler time of the year. But if you start seedlings that you want to grow into big plants in the garden, then give them enough space right from the start. 90007 90088 Growing basil from cuttings: 90011 90092 90004 If you live in a warm climate, just take a tip cutting off any plant at any time of the year. Cut off all the leaves except for the tiny ones that are emerging at the top and stick the thing in a pot.Keep it in partial shade and keep it moist. Basil cuttings root very quickly. Once the little basil plant is actively growing again you can plant it out. 90007 90004 Cuttings are not so susceptible to fungal problems, so you do not need all the precautions that you need to take with seedlings in the early stages. 90007 90002 Growing And Using Basil. 90003 90004 Whether you use cuttings or seedlings, plant them out as soon as they are big enough to handle. (If you want to grow basil in containers, use the biggest container possible!) 90007 90004 Select a sunny position.Ideally you put basil together with plants that have similar requirements, i.e. that need a lot of water and nutrients. And then give your plants a lot of water an nutrients. Make sure they are always well watered and well fed, and your basil plants will grow into huge bushes in no time! 90007 90004 You can start harvesting basil very early. In fact, you should. 90005 Basil should be picked constantly. 90006 90007 90004 You can harvest individual leaves, but the best way to harvest basil is to take off all the tips.Start doing this when your basil is about 15 cm high. It encourages more branching and more growth, but most importantly it prevents flowering. 90007 90004 That’s right. Unfortunately, if you have only a few plants, 90005 you should prevent your basil plants from flowering 90006 for as long as possible. Once a basil plant goes to flower it puts all its energy into the blooms and seeds and does not produce any more leaves. And then it dies. 90007 90004 So, do not let basil flower. 90007 90154 Too late! 90004 90011 If you need a lot of basil, for example for making pesto, you can just go at your bushes with a big pair of scissors and give them a good hair cut.That’s the easiest way. If you need just a few shoots to flavour a curry you can pull off the tips with your fingers or any cutters. If there are some young flower buds in your harvest that’s not a problem. They are edible and taste no different. 90011 90007 90002 Basil Growing Tips 90003 90004 Most of our culinary herbs taste best when you treat them harshly. They lose flavour if you pamper them. Not basil. 90007 90004 You can not feed basil too much. It will use everything you can throw at it and then ask for more.(Compost, compost tea, chook poo, fish fertiliser, mulch, anything …) Basil tastes best if well fed. 90005 If you want your basil to keep growing and producing leaves, keep feeding it. 90006 90007 90004 That also means that the best place to grow your basil is NOT together with herbs like rosemary, oregano, thyme etc. Those herbs need drier conditions and do not like a lot of nitrogen. Yes, they go well together with basil in the kitchen but not in the garden. 90007 90004 As I already mentioned, basil is very aggressive about getting what it wants.It is also fast growing, so only plant it together with other vigorous plants that can hold their own against it. A well fed, mature sweet basil bush can easily measure three feet high and across. And the bush basils are not far behind. 90007 90004 90005 Basil is indeed a good companion plant for tomatoes. 90006 The two have the same growing requirements, are both vigorous plants, and grow to about the same size. Plant seeds at the same time and the two should get along splendidly. 90007 90004 Also 90005 try growing basil under other fruiting plants that are prone to bug damage 90006.It seems the strong scent either confuses the bugs or repels them. 90007 90004 If you have a reasonably sized garden in a warm climate, then growing basil requires hardly any work at all once you get a few plants going. Yes, 90005 basil plants die once they flower, but they also produce seed which falls to the ground and germinates again 90006. There is always some basil somewhere. 90007 90004 The only problem with the self seeding is that the 90005 different basil varieties cross breed 90006.To keep some pure plants just take cuttings every now and then. 90007 90002 Growing Basil In My Permaculture Garden 90003 90004 I have several bushes of basil just outside my kitchen door. (As in any good permaculture design the herbs and spices that I use on a regular basis grow right at my kitchen door.) When I cook I only need to take a few steps to get fresh basil. 90007 90004 I regularly take one or two cuttings of the mature basil plants and plant them right there. It’s not a scientific operation.I just pinch off a tip, pull off the leaves and stick it in the ground. I may throw some very loose, light mulch over it to protect it a bit. 90005 Most of those basil cuttings grow 90006 despite the rough treatment. 90007 90004 Once the old basil plant looks a bit sickly, and eventually it will, I cut it and mulch it in place. This way I always have a few young and productive plants of each basil species right there. 90007 90004 In the rest of my permaculture garden the basil roams wild. It cross breeds and self seeds and comes up everywhere, and it flowers and is full of bees and butterflies and is absolutely beautiful.90007 90199 Basil flower spikes everywhere. 90004 90011 Oh, and I get carried away and use basil flowers as cut flowers. The white and purple spikes are gorgeous and I love the scent. 90007 90004 If I see basil plants growing in an unsuitable place, I pull them up. If I want to grow a new patch of basil somewhere, be it for pest control purposes or to enjoy the scent or just for looks, then I cut some dry flower spikes of an old plant, rub them and crunch them up between my hands, and throw them over the soil where I want the basil to grow.That’s it. 90007 90004 Growing basil is not hard, is it? 90007 90002 You might also like these 90003 90011 90011 90004 90011 Return to top 90007 90004 Return to home page 90007 .90000 How To Grow Basil | Herb Gardening Guide 90001 90002 Ocimum basilicum 90003 90004 90005 Basil, the common name for 90006 Ocimum basilicum 90007, is a popular sweet herb of the Mint Family esteemed for flavoring and formerly used for medicinal purposes. An annual of the tropics, it is tender and should not be attempted outdoors until the weather is warm. 90008 90005 Basil grows easily from seed which may be sown in the garden or started indoors. Basil also grows well indoors under fluorescent and HID plant growing lights.90008 90005 The small flowers are white or purple, but the plant is grown for its sometimes purple tinged leaves, which are cut during the growing season and used fresh or dried in bundles. 90008 90002 Growing the Herb Basil 90003 90005 Plants should be transplanted or thinned to stand 6 to 10 inches apart; they prefer a quick draining, light soil in a warm location. 90008 90005 If the soil is rich, a plant cut back will develop successive crops of foliage until fall.At that time, roots of strong plants can be lifted and potted up to be moved indoors for a winter supply. 90008 90005 Although basil will grow best outdoors, it can be easily grown indoors in a container or hydroponic planter and, like most herbs, will do best on a south-facing windowsill (in the Northern Hemisphere). It should be kept away from any drafts, and must have plenty of sunlight, therefore a greenhouse or cold frame is ideal if available. 90008 90005 Basil plants whose leaves have wilted from lack of water will normally recover if they are watered thoroughly and immediately placed in a sunny location.90008 90005 Basil can also be propagated very quickly and reliably from cuttings. 90008 90005 Leaf production slows or stops on any stem which flowers, so you should pinch off any flower stems to keep the plant in production, or pinch off some stems while leaving others to bloom for decoration or seeds. Once you do let the plant flower, it will produce seed pods containing small black seeds which you can save and plant the following year. Picking the leaves off the plant helps promote continuouse growth, largely because the plant responds by converting pairs of leaflets next to the topmost leaves into new stems.90008 90027 90028 90005 90006 Basil plants are easily grown and trimmed to form protective hedges. 90007 90008 90033 Growing Cultures 90034 90005 Outdoors, containers (sow direct in final pots, or in plugs and later transplant to final pots), and hydroponics. Nighttime temperature must not go below 50 ° Fahrenheit or 10 ° Celsius. 90008 90033 Plant Height 90034 90005 Basil usually grows to a height of 12 to 18 inches (30 — 45cm). 90008 90033 Plant Spacing 90034 90005 Basil plants should be spaced between 9 and 12 inches (22 and 30 cm) apart.90008 90033 Preferred pH Range 90034 90005 Basil will grow in a very wide pH range between 5.1 (strongly acidic) and 8.5 (alkaline) with a preferred range of 5.5 (strongly acidic) to 6.5 (mildly acidic). 90008 90033 Propagation 90034 90005 Sow seed indoors before last frost or direct sow outdoors after last frost. Basil is easily propagated through herbaceous stem cuttings. 90008 90033 Seed Germination Period 90034 90005 Basil seeds will germinate in soil in approximately 5 to 10 days, but can germinate in as few as 2 or 3 days in dedicated propagation media such as Oasis Rootcubes, Rapid Rooters, or Grodan Stonewool.90008 90033 Number of Seeds per Gram 90034 90005 There are between approximately 500 and 1,000 basil seeds per gram, depending on variety. 90008 90033 Soil Requirements 90034 90005 Basil prefers soils that are well drained, and average to rich in composition. 90008 90033 Alternative Growing Media 90034 90005 Soilless potting mixes (Pro-Mix, Sunshine Mix, etc.), perlite, vermiculite, rockwool, coco peat, Oasis Rootcubes. 90008 90033 Time From Seed to Saleable Plant 90034 90005 Seeds to finished plugs in approximately 8 weeks.Plugs to saleable plants in approximately 5 weeks. 90008 90033 Sun & Lighting Requirements 90034 90005 Basil grown outdoors prefers full sun. 90008 90005 Basil will grow indoors satisfactorily under standard fluorescent lamps, and exceptionally well under high output fluorescent grow lights, compact fluorescent, or high intensity discharge (metal halide or high pressure sodium) plant growing lights. 90008 90005 Keep standard fluorescent lamps between 2 and 4 inches from the tops of the plants, high output and compact fluorescents approximately one foot above the plants, and HID lights between 2 and 4 feet above the plants, depending on wattage.90008 90005 Have an oscillating fan gently stir seedlings for at least 2 hours per day to stimulate a more compact, and sturdier plant habit. 90008 90033 USDA Hardiness 90034 90005 Annual. Not applicable. 90008 90033 Water Requirements 90034 90005 Water regularly, being careful not to overwater. Allow soil to go completely dry between watering, then soak thoroughly. 90008 90033 Potential Plant Pests and Diseases 90034 90005 Basil can be susceptible to whitefly, thrips, aphids, and Fusarium wilt.90008 90033 Companion Planting 90034 90005 Basil planted near tomatoes, peppers, oregano, asparagus, and petunias can help these plants repel or distract asparagus beetles, mosquitoes, thrips, and flies, and is said to make tomatoes taste better. 90008 90005 Planting chamomile or anise near basil is said to increase the essential oils of basil. 90008 90033 Special Notes 90034 90005 Basil is known to attract bees and butterflies and has very aromatic foliage. 90008 90033 Buy Basil Seeds by Botanical Interests 90034 90005 Heirloom Custom Blend Basil Seeds 90108 Includes: Lemon Basil, Anise Basil, Cinnamon Basil, Red Rubin Basil, Dark Opal Basil, Thai Basil, and Genovese Basil.90008 90005 Organic Dolce Vita Blend Basil Seeds 90108 Includes equal parts of Cinnamon, Genovese, Tall Lemon, Lime, Mammoth, and Purple Petra basils. 90008 90005 Organic Greek Yevani Basil Seeds 90108 Strong, spicy basil flavor. Mounding plant with small leaves is excellent for containers! 90008 90005 Organic Heirloom Italian Genovese Basil Seeds 90108 The aroma of basil is the essence of sumer, evoking mouth-watering images of flavorful salads and pasta dishes. 90008 90005 Heirloom Italian Large Leaf Basil Seeds 90108 Sweet basil particularly wonderful for pesto.90008 90005 Heirloom Lemon Mrs. Burns Basil Seeds 90108 Strong lemon fragrance makes this basil excellent for vinegars, salad dressings, fish and salads. 90008 90005 Heirloom Napoletano Basil Seeds 90108 Tender leaves, mellow, slight anise flavor. Wonderful added to salads and antipasto. 90008 90005 Organic Purple Petra Basil Seeds 90108 Perfect for pesto and for color in salads. A striking accent plant. 90008 90005 Siam Queen Basil Seeds 90108 Superior Thai basil, deliciously sweet and spicy with hints of anise and cloves.90008 90108 .90000 7 tips for growing mad giant basil plants 90001 By: Nate Steiner — CC BY 2.0 90002 A couple of weeks ago, we were freaking out over making homemade mozzarella, and I mentioned my basil plants. Sometimes they grow so quickly and so big that I fear they will become carnivorous like in Little Shop of Horrors. Side note: I wish Rick Moranis was still in movies. 90003 90002 The point is a commenter asked us how to grow basil: 90005 I would love the details on how you grow basil so successfully.Specifically, where you got the plant or seeds, the temp range, watering, and sun amounts? I grew it on a balcony seven years or so ago in full sun, but ever since, no matter where I try to grow it, it either wilts, rots, or burns up. 90006 90007 90007 90003 90002 The first thing to know is that I am 90011 not 90012 a pro when it comes to gardening … at all. So if I can do it, I feel like anyone can. Basil is pretty forgiving! Here are the tips I know for growing mad basil. Note that I do not actually remember to do a lot of these things and the darn plants grow beyond my control anyway.Maybe it’s the climate in the Midwest where I live? We sure have a lot of corn to prove it … 90003 90002 But these tips should help those without the perfect conditions: 90003 By: Alice Henneman — CC BY 2.0 90002 I grow from seeds and start a few months before it gets warmer in my area (around February or March). You can also buy a starter plant at a nursery or a grocery store. 90003 90002 If you grow yours in containers like I do, the container itself needs to have good drainage holes.For me, I found that a vertical grow bag situation like this kit worked great for me: 90003 Organic Hanging Basil Growing Kit $ 22 from Wayfair 90002 Basil likes warmer temperatures (over 50 ° F / 10 ° C) so I grow mine in the summer outside. If you’re growing it outside, a layer or mulch will help regulate temperature and prevent weeds from growing. 90003 90002 If there’s any hint of frost coming, protect the plants with a covering like sheets or blankets tied loosely around and held in place with rocks, stakes, or bricks.(PS: If you do not have any stakes, call Buffy.) 90003 90002 Organic or slow-release fertilizers (like compost tea) are best for basil. Just do not fertilize it below 60 ° F / 16 ° C. Also, I have these cute little pots for my indoor basil: 90003 90002 90003 90002 I watered once a day when the temperatures got really hot this summer. (I use this cute little watering can designed for children but beloved by me, a fullgrown adult.) But in more normal conditions, I water every other day or so. Check your soil to make sure it is not getting dry, either way.90003 .