The Magic of Basil
Basil, popularly known as sweet basil, is part of the mint family annual herb valued for its aromatic leaves. Basil is most likely an Indian native and is frequently grown as a kitchen herb. Basil tea is a stimulant, and the leaves are used fresh or dried to flavor meats, fish, salads, and sauces. In the medical aspect, basil is used to treat stomach spasms, lack of appetite, gas in the intestine, renal problems, fluid retention, head colds, warts, and worm infections. It is also employed in the treatment of snake and bug bites. Basil is occasionally used by women before and after childbirth to improve blood circulation and to initiate the flow of breast milk.
Furthermore, the flavor and aroma vary based on the variety’s unique chemical components and the amount of essential oils it contains. The following oils are present in variable amounts in all basil types: cinnamate, citronellol, geraniol, linalool, pinene, and terpineol. Basil oil is also used to make fragrances, home cleansers, and dental-care products since it is an antibacterial and antimicrobial agent that fights germs and bacteria. In terms of medical qualities, holy basil is the most studied. Exciting isn’t it? To successfully grow basil, follow the following steps.
Steps in Planting Basil
1. Select a variety.
Basil is a member of the mint family and comes in a variety of flavors. The leaves can be wrinkled or smooth and range in color from lush green to deep purple. The flavor varies according to the cultivar, with lovely hints of lemon, mint, cinnamon, and licorice. Although sweet basil is a popular choice, Thai basil, lemon basil, and cinnamon basil are also popular. Experiment with different varieties to discover your favorites.
2. Locate a Sunny Spot.
Basil grows best in full sun and on days with temperatures over 26°C. Choose a location that receives at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight per day. A little afternoon shade is typically good in very hot locations.
3. Sow Basil Seeds or Grow Basil Plants.
Growing basil from seeds or plants is simple. If you pick seeds, you can start them indoors four to six weeks before the last frost date, or you can sow them immediately in your vegetable garden once the soil warms and all danger of frost has passed. Scatter seeds over the soil’s surface, softly cover, and thoroughly water. Seedlings should be thinned according to package directions, typically at least 15cm apart.
4. Water on a regular basis.
Poor drainage can cause root rot, which is one of the most serious hazards to basil plants. To avoid this problem, choose a location with good drainage and avoid overwatering. Allowing the plants to dry out, on the other hand, might restrict their growth, so keep the soil moist but not excessively wet. Mulch keeps the soil evenly moist, which is especially important if you’re growing basil in containers.
5. Harvest Frequently.
Harvesting basil plants frequently throughout the growing season encourages them to grow bushier and with more leaves. When the plants reach around 15cm in height, begin harvesting by pinching off the top leaves. This fosters new growth, ensuring a steady supply of basil throughout the summer. Basil produces blossoms and goes to seed if not harvested on a regular basis. When this happens, the flavor of the leaves begins to fade, so utilize them as soon as possible. When blossom heads appear, pinch them off to maintain the plant producing delectable leaves.
Tips in Planting Basil
Fertilize sparingly.
Basil is a vigorous plant that requires little to no fertilization. In fact, overfertilization will ruin the flavor of the basil. If you prefer to fertilize, a small dose of a liquid fertilizer twice a season is all that is required for basil growing outdoors. If you wish to grow basil in a pot and add fertilizer, your plants will only need a very small amount. Every 3 to 4 weeks, apply a dilute liquid solution to compensate for nutrients washed away by regular watering.
Pinch back leaves.
As soon as your basil plant has two sets of genuine leaves, pinch leaves from the tips. This promotes the growth of full, bushy basil.
Avoid bolting.
It is also known as “going to seed,” you can avoid bolting by closely monitoring your plant. When the summer days are continuously hot, basil tends to bolt. Keep the soil moist and provide some shade during the hottest hours of the day to avoid this. Pinch off blooming stems 1 inch below the flower to prevent the plant from developing seeds and turning bitter.
To end, let me just give you awesome basil trivia! Did you know there are 35 distinct kinds of basil? The plant comes in a variety of sizes and variations, and there are some major botanical distinctions between them. Among the numerous species are: sweet basil, lemon basil, Italian or curly basil, holy basil, thai basil, lettuce-leaf basil, among others.
If you are looking to start your garden, check out the links in the description for our recommended books and audiobooks.
Don’t forget to download the free ebook too.
Backyard Gardening Book (paperback)
Backyard Gardening Book (audiobook)
Urban Gardening Book (paperback)
Urban Gardening Book (audiobook)