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Planting basil plants requires minimal effort; one may grow them inside or outside, but caring for one is difficult. But don’t worry; we are here to explain how to take care of the basil plant.
You can enjoy your homegrown Basil all year by following the tips in this article.
With 150 species, Basil is widely famous around the world. This aromatic herb is commonly found in Italian and Mediterranean dishes, such as pesto, pizza, and pasta.
Garnishing homemade pasta with Thai Basil leaves from my garden is something people enjoy doing. And let me tell you, there is no comparison between cooking with freshly picked Basil and supermarket basil.
Apart from cooking, in Ayurvedic treatment, Tulsi, a species of Basil, has proven effective in combating illnesses.
Enhancing the beauty and fragrance of your indoor or outdoor spaces, Basil’s combined culinary and medicinal features make it a preferred option for gardening.
There are different basil varieties based on their unique tastes and flavours. Here are our top picks:
With a fusion of sweetness, pepper, and cloves, this variety brings satisfying flavours to food. Its trademark round, curved, grass-green leaves and it’s a great pesto base.
This is our favourite basil variety with shiny green and narrow leaves. Its purple flowers and stems have an aroma similar to liquor rice or anise.
It is a blend of Basil with gentle citrus flavours to produce an appealing taste commonly used in teas, desserts, etc.
With large, dark green leaves, this delicious herb is very popular in Italian dishes.
Also known as Tulsi, this variety has significant value in Indian culture. It’s proven to cure many diseases such as cough and cold.
Please go through the guide to venture into the world of this plant and uncover its secrets together!
Basil thrives in the warm embrace of the sun. When grown indoors, it requires a sunny spot.
They crave six to eight hours of direct sunlight each day to thrive magnificently.
However, in regions with scorching summers, offering some respite from the hot midday sun is crucial as adorning your Basil with a touch of afternoon shade.
The best predicted day/night temperatures for basil were 26/20 °C.
However, cold regions require Basil to be grown indoors or in movable containers for protection from frost.
Did You Know? Temperature parameters for the Chinese Money Plant are the same as those for the Basil Plant.
Basil, like most herbs, hates standing water around its roots. Select well-drained soil, such as loamy soil, which ensures optimum growth.
This soil type allows the plants to flourish without the risk of developing root rot.
Basil thrives when grown in nutrient-rich soil. Compost or well-rotted manure addition helps enhance the soil, supporting plant growth.
Furthermore, organic fertilizer offers a constant source of nutrients.
Taking care of Basil also involves following the proper watering techniques.
Remember, whether you are underwatering or overwatering, both can lead to significant harm to your basil plants.
For optimal watering, mornings are best, as Basil hates having standing water around its roots.
Also, avoid splashing water onto the leaves while watering, as this could increase the possibility of powdery mildew, a fungal infection in basil plants.
If you’re using a larger pot, ensure they have proper drainage holes, as potted plants tend to dry out faster than those in herb gardens. Also, check the moisture levels to avoid issues like root rot.
If you live in areas of tropical regions or have raised bed gardens, consider using a drip irrigation system.
This method is very useful for growing Basil and even for other plants.
Maintaining healthy basil plants requires attention to pruning and pinching.
According to my advice, Basil requires pruning to reach a specific height and having multiple leaves.
During the growing season, pruning must be done every two to three weeks to ensure optimum plant growth.
Pinching is recommended when your Basil reaches an approximate height of 6-8 inches.
Excessively tall or leggy stems or branches should be removed when noticed. It’s a secret tip to make Basil more flavorful and to promote leafy growth.
Regular harvesting is necessary for basil plants to make them bushy and less prone to becoming leggy. The harvest of Basil can be done whenever you need it.
Analyze young plants to see if they grow at least 6 to 8 inches tall and have sets of leaves before you begin harvesting. Just pick a few leaves when you require them.
But wait, here’s a secret tip: to make your plant more enduring and productive, the correct way of harvesting basil is always to cut above the node, where the main stem meets the little branches.
The nodes will automatically grow new leaves, making your plant bushy.
For storage options, you can preserve dried Basil in an airtight container. If you prefer freezing, place the leaves in an ice cube tray, cover them with olive oil, and freeze the Basil leaves until solid.
Then, transfer the basil cubes into a clear plastic bag until you use them to make delicious recipes!
There are different ways to grow Basil. One popular way is to start with basil seeds and propagate them. To do this, sow Basil indoors in a well-draining pot. Make sure that wet soil is used during the germination process.
The basil seedlings can be transplanted outdoors in warm temperatures once they have developed a few inches.
Propagating basil plants also involves stem cuttings. Cut a 4-6 inch section from a basil stem below a leaf node. Then, after removing the leaves, you have two options. Either put the cutting in water or plant it directly in free-draining soil. Within a week, roots will begin to develop.
Afterward, you may plant the cutting in your garden or transfer it to a large container.
If you have already grown basil plants, you can divide the roots to propagate them. To do this, gently dig up the entire plant and separate the root ball into sections.
Make sure each section has some shots attached.
Then, you can plant these sections where you intend to cultivate young plants. This technique is very effective for growing the supermarket basil plant.
Many people found it difficult to grow Basil during winter. They complain about falling leaves, wilting, brittle stems, and many more.
Are you one of them? Well, your Basil needs extra care during fall temperatures. Basils thrive in warm weather and are prone to cold temperatures.
So, growing Basil indoors during the winter is beneficial. Try placing it on a sunny windowsill to get at least a little sunlight.
However, protect plants from cold drafts from windows or doors, as they may succumb to crisping the leaves.
Also, do not overwater Basil during the cold. The growing process slows down during this period, making root rot possible.
Basil thrives in humid environments. You can spray some water onto the leaves to balance the humidity around them.
Pruning is also necessary for Basil during the winter. This will give it a combat shape and also promote healthy growth.
Basil has been associated with several fitness advantages due to its rich nutritional profile and bioactive compounds. Here are some potential health advantages of basil:
Whether growing basil plants in a garden or a container or starting indoors, this guide will help you grow bushy and flavorfully. Happy Basil is growing!
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Very good article. I loved it. Easy to understand and has given a complete guide. Hope I'll get good result this time,
Thank you. It helped me a lot in taking care my basil in this winter.