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Growing Basil

Written by Peter Horn on .

Growing Basil 101: Quick Guide -Growing, Planting, Harvesting and Care-

The basil plant is the king of herbs. Basil plants are one of the most popular herbs to grow in the home garden. Basil is a member of the mint family that is native to Southern Asia. It is available in different varieties. It provides taste to dishes and contains nutrients that may be beneficial for your health. Fresh basil is high in vitamin K, which aids in blood clotting. It also contains vitamin A, manganese, and magnesium. Basil plants are one of the most famous and easiest herbs to grow both indoors and outdoors. Although it originated in India, it is closely associated with Italian cuisine. The leaves are highly fragrant and have a wide range of tastes.

How to Grow Basil

  • Basil should be planted around two weeks after the last frost when the soil temperature is between 50° and 70° F.
  • A warm temperature is ideal for growing basil. Give them as much sun as you can. Aim for 6–8 hours of direct sunlight every day.
  • Place the cutting in a transparent glass of water, cut side down, and place it where it can get the most sunlight.
  • Water your plants every other day, and you’ll see root development in no time.
  • The basil is ready to be planted in the ground once the roots have grown to a depth of 2 inches.
  • Basil prefers soil that is wet, rich, and well-drained.
  • The soil should have a pH of 6–7. Spacing is very important if you are planting more than one basil plant. The plant should have 12–18 inches of space between them to allow for growth.
  • Watering large beds or planting boxes may only be necessary every 3–4 days. Watering depends on extreme heat or summer rains.
  • Basil should be collected on a regular basis, which eliminates the need for fertilization.

Growing Basil Plant in Container

Basil grows well in any container or jar. Plant in large, deep pots, which provide more soil for water retention and more area for several plants to stretch out and provide appropriate airflow. Plant them 12 to 18 inches apart; it is best for airflow. If you want a full look in your pots, plant them as close together as 6 to 8 inches apart. Plants that are overcrowded are more susceptible to fungal infections. Check the soil regularly with your finger to ensure your container plants are properly hydrated—water when the soil feels dry to touch. Use good potting soil that drains properly to keep the roots from sitting in water. Moreover, check for drainage holes in the container; it is very important that water drains properly. When filling the container, if the soil isn’t already fertilized, add some organic plant food and thoroughly mix it together.

Growing Condition for Basil

  • Fertilization:Excessive fertilization can damage the taste of your plant. Due to its strong nature, it only requires a small number of fertilizations. While growing basil outdoors, Fertilize your plant twice a year.
  • Watering:These herbal herbs love damp soil so give your basil plant an inch of water every day. Suppose you can’t water your basil every day, water it once a week to keep its roots moist. To achieve the best results, water basil first thing in the morning; it will give the plant time to absorb it before the sun comes out.
  • Bolting:Instead of bolting, you should keep a watchful check on your basil. It grows really well on hot summer days. Just make sure that the plant-soil is wet or damp and out of direct sunlight. To keep the blooming stems from turning bitter, pinch them one inch below the surface.
  • Sunlight:When caring for basil plants, it’s easy to overlook the fact that your plant has to be introduced to sunlight for a certain amount of time. Basil plants require six to eight hours of direct sunlight to reach their full potential. To obtain the best scent from your herbal plant, make sure it gets enough sunshine.
  • Temperature:When growing basil outside, keep in mind that basil is extremely susceptible to cold, and even a little cold might destroy it. Plant seeds or basil plants after the threat of frost has passed.
  • Basil Flowers:Once a basil plant blooms, the flavor of the leaves fades away. If blossoms are removed, the leaves will regain their flavor in no time.
  • Mulch:Basil plants require regular soil moisture in order to develop successfully. 2 to 3 inches of straw, shredded leaves, pine straw, or untreated grass clippings can be used to mulch around plants. Mulch suppresses weeds and keeps the soil wet. It also helps reduce the need for watering the plant often.

Care for Basil

Water your plants on a regular basis. For best results, keep the soil wet. For maximum benefits, water first thing in the morning. Mulch around the plant might assist retain moisture if you live in a hotter climate or are experiencing a heatwave. Harvest frequently to promote fresh growth. When a basil plant begins to blossom, the basil leaves lose their taste, and the plant eventually dies. However, removing the blooms will solve the problem.

Harvesting

One of the best things about basil is that the harvest period isn’t fixed; you pick it whenever you like. The leaves of basil that have gone to seed have a harsh taste, so make sure to harvest before the plant goes to seed or bolts. Harvest when the basil plant is 6 – 8 inches tall. Snip as much basil off the joint of two larger leaves as you desire. Basil may be eaten directly from the plant. You can store their later use. You can store basil leaves in many different ways. Dry leaves are best to store for culinary purposes. You can freeze them or preserve them in a mixture of water and vinegar. Fresh basil leaves may be kept in water for a few days in the refrigerator.