Basil (Ocimum basilicum)is a member of themint family.
It is closely identified with Italian cooking, although it is originally from India.
Leaf colors span from rich green to deep purple, with smooth or crinkled leaves.
The Spruce / Lacey Johnson
The flowers are insignificant but very popular with bees.
All types of basil grow easily in warm, sunny weather.
The leaves are commonly used in cooking, but the flower buds are also edible.
The Spruce / Lacey Johnson
This fast-growing herb thrives equally well in gardens and containers.
Basil is ready to start harvesting in about 60 to 90 days from seeding.
Continually pinching and using your basil will coax it into becoming bushy, with more leaves.
The Spruce / Lacey Johnson
There are also short, 6-inch dwarf varieties, which work especially well in pots.
Ample sun also means fewer disease problems and sturdier plants.
This is the case except in the hottest climates, where basil prefers part shade.
The Spruce / Lacey Johnson
Soil
Basil does best in moist, rich, well-draining soil.
It’s a good idea to amend your soil with compost or other nutrient-rich mulch.
Water
Water basil deeplyon a regular basis, but be sure its soil is well-drained.
Use mulch to help keep moisture in.
Temperature and Humidity
Basil is a heat lover.
Not all varieties will do this successfully.
An all-purpose fertilizer works well and helps ensure that new leaves will grow continuously.
Basil leaves can bedriedor frozen for use after harvest.
Dried basil is convenient but at the cost of some flavor.
Frozen basil has a stronger basil flavor than dried but at the cost of texture.
Use frozen basil in cooked dishes.
Store the frozen cubes in an airtight container.
Propagating Basil
Basil can be propagated from seeds or cuttings.
Don’t take cuttings from a basil plant if it’s already begun to flower.
But there are two rules for success: keeping the soil moist andnot crowding the plants.
Overcrowded plants are vulnerable to fungal problems.
Use a quality potting soil that drains well so the roots do not sit in water.
Also, ensure the container has drainage holes.
Thereafter, feed the plants every two weeks with diluted liquid fertilizer.
Common Pests & Plant Diseases
Aphidsare the biggest basil pest, especially with plants grown indoors.
Beetles and slugs also can be a nuisance outdoors, creating holes in the leaves.
Severely affected leaves should be picked off and discarded.
If it is getting adequate light, it could be due to overwatering.
While this plant likes consistent moisture, it does not like to be overwatered.
Dial back watering until the problem resolves.
Brown Spots on Leaves
Brown spots can result when a basil plant is subjected to cold temperatures.
Even a beginner will have an easy time growing this aromatic herb.
From seed to harvest, basil is ready to pick in three to four weeks.
Basil is an annual, and needs to be replanted every spring.
