Ocimum basilcum
History
While India is believed to the native home to Basil. The ancient Greeks were the first to use basil both medicinally and for culinary purposes. Other cultures have used basil to ward off spirits, stimulate appetite, and to don pasta combined with olive oil and parmesan cheese.
Seeding
Basil can be direct seeded or transplanted into the garden.
Seed at a depth of ¼”. Seeds need a warm soil to germinate – 70+ degrees. Germination occurs in 7-14 days. Seed 6-8 weeks before the last frost and plant out after threat of frost has passed.
Direct seed outdoors ¼” deep after soil has warmed.
Spacing
10”
Cultivation
Basil prefers full sun and average water. Plants will “bolt”, or go to seed, as they mature and temperatures rise. Cut off all flowers to prevent the plant from sending its energy to the seeds and not the leaves. Once the plant reaches 18”, pinch off the top of the plant to encourage shoot growth.
Re-seed directly into the garden mid-summer to keep a fresh supply of basil going deep into summer and fall.
Pests
Fusarium wilt is a common disease. Plant multiple plants and multiple times to keep producing throughout the season.
Harvest
Harvest basil leaves as needed. Don’t remove too many leaves at a time to prevent stunting the plants.
