How to grow Basil?
- Latin Family: Lamiaceae
- Latin Genus: Ocimum
- Ease of Growing: Easy
- Growing Type: Annual
One of the most important culinary herbs, basil is a short-lived perennial in tropical climates, but anywhere the temperature drops below 60˚ F it has to be grown as an annual. It is very easy to grow if the weather is warm but not so easy if it is cold. Basil is an excellent plant for the beginning gardeners and kids to grow in the right conditions.
Videos
Basil History
Basil is a native of India and a variety of species are grown there. The Greek name for Basil is basileus, which means king.
Soil Preference
- PH (min/max): 5.0 - 8.0
- PH Ideal (min/max): 6.5 - 7.0
Basil prefers a rich, light, well-drained soil.
How to care for Basil?
The biggest problem with Basil is its dislike of cold weather. It just won't thrive if it isn't warm. Fortunately this isn't a problem in summer in most of North America.
Water
Basil likes evenly moist soil.
Fertilizer
Low nitrogen. Low potassium. Low phosphorous. Basil isn't a very hungry plant, but for maximum leaf production it should be given fertile soil.
Seeds
Seed Viability: 5 - 8 years
Germination Percentage: 75.0
Bees love Basil flowers and will cross-pollinate any plants within 150 feet of each other. For this reason you should only have one variety flowering at one time. Basil sets seed very readily; all you have to do is leave it alone. Don't collect seeds from the first plants to flower (remove them), as you don't want to select an early bolting strain.
Light
Sun: min. 6 hours daily
Full sun.
Conditions:Warm, Hot
Season:Short Season, Long Season
Storage
You can freeze the leaves whole in a plastic bag, but a better idea is to put the chopped leaves in ice cube trays and cover them with water. Once they are frozen you can transfer them to a plastic bag.
Storage Req: Freezer
Storage Temp: 32°F
Storage Length: 1-360 days
It is possible to store the fresh leaves by packing them in a jar and covering with olive oil.
Storage Req: Canning
Storage Temp: °F
Storage Length: 1-180 days
The easiest way to store Basil is to dry it in a warm shady place. This alters its flavor considerably, but it is still very good. It must be dried quickly though; if it takes too long it will deteriorate and turn black. Store in an airtight container in the pantry or on the spice rack.
Storage Req: Dry, Drying, Warm
Storage Temp: °F
Storage Length: 1-360 days
Basil has thin leaves and wilts quickly once cut. It will keep for a few days in a plastic bag in the fridge. You can also extend its life by keeping it in water like cut flowers (still store in fridge).
Storage Req: Refrigerator
Storage Temp: 35-40°F
Storage Length: 1-5 days
Problems
Fusarium
Fusarium can be a big problem for commercial growers with large areas of Basil, but isn't usually a problem in the garden.
Slugs
Basil isn’t much bothered by pests, though slugs may eat it when young.
Basil Types
Pests
- Aphids
- Nematodes
- Leafhoppers
- Slugs and snails
Diseases
- Fusarium Wilt
- Damping Off
Take a look at Maggies Smart Garden, its vegetable garden Layout, Plants in her Garden, Weekly To Dos and her Garden Journal.
Related Plants
Greens, Juicing
Sprouts
Seacale
Kohlrabi
Collards
Anise
Caraway
Cumin
Cauliflower
Culantro