Earth Fair Plants

HOW TO GROW BASIL

Basil has one key requirement—sunshine!! Position it in a protected full-sun position, and if this is not possible, grow in a moveable container. Soil should be well-dug and well-drained.

PROPAGATION OF BASIL

In April, sow three seeds to a small pot in normal moist potting compost. Lightly cover with compost and place in a warm 60F degrees dark position – try to keep the temperature as consistent as possible, never letting it drop below 48F degrees. The seedlings will emerge in 2 weeks’ time and the plant should be placed in a sunny warm position. Basil hates water on its leaves and stem, so water from below.

PLANTING AND CARE OF BASIL

Other than sun, basil has a few requirements and can be planted outside as soon as the temperature is 50F degrees or more – mid-May time normally.

VARIETIES OF BASIL

There are many varieties of basil; the readily available ones are described below,

Your plant is Sweet Basil (Ocimum basilcum) – the most popular variety, used in Italian style dishes and salads. It grows to a height of 2 feet 6 inches.

Cinnamon Basil (Ocimum basilcum( - from Mexico, with a cinnamon flavor. Grows to a height of 18 inches.

Lemon Basil (Ocimum citriodorum) – mild lemon flavor, commonly used with fish. Grows to a height of 12 inches.

Purple Basil (Ocimum basilcum) – similar to sweet basil but with purple leaves. One of the more tender varieties. Grows to a height of 2 feet 6 inches.

Red Rubin Basil (Ocimum basilcum) – similar to sweet basil but very dark colored leves. A much deeper color than purple basil. Grows to a height of 2 feet 6 inches.

Thai Basil (Ocimum sp.) – very spicy, used in Indian cooking. Grows to a height of 3 feet.

HOW TO HARVEST BASIL

Pinch or cut the leaves off as required but always from the top. When the plants begin to produce flowers, pinch those out as soon as possible to encourage more leafy growth.

Fresh basil is by far the best for flavor. However, it can be dried by tying the leafy stems into bunches and hanging them upside down in a dry, warm and dark place until dry. Then crumble leaves into small particles and store in an airtight jar. Basil will retain almost all its flavor if placed in small plastic bags and put in the freezer.

A more traditional method of preserving all the flavor of basil is to layer the leaves in a jar, and lightly salt them. Cover the leaves with a layer of olive oil. Seal the lid tightly and place in a cool, dark spot or refrigerate. Use the leaves as needed and reseal each time. This will keep up to 6 months. The oil soon becomes infused with the essence of the basil, making it ideal for use in dressings or in pastas.

CONTAINER GROWING BASIL

Basil is ideally suited to container growing in normal potting compost. Water regularly (from the base if possible) and feed twice a month with liquid plant food. As the season progresses, move them around the garden to the sunniest and most protected position. Basil will grow well indoors on a sunny windowsill.