Basil is an annual with many varieties. It is a bit of a chameleon, coming in a range of sizes, leaf colors, leaf shapes, and aromas. A fast grower, basil is native to Asia and Africa, and has a solid, if not revered place in the kitchen.
Growing Basil
Cultivate basil in full sun and provide it with well-drained soil that has a layer of mulch to reduce moisture loss. An annual, basil can't tolerate frost, and doesn't like windy spots, so keep it in a sheltered area near a wall or fence. If providing consistent moisture is a problem, find a spot with afternoon shade, which basil will tolerate better than going dry between waterings. Plant seedlings eight inches apart, and avoid watering late in the afternoon or evening.
Growing Basil Indoors
Basil is an excellent choice for an indoor herb garden. It isn't fussy, and starting a fall crop will keep you in fresh basil year round. Be sure to provide well-drained soil and afternoon light. Since consistent watering is important, if you sometimes forget to water your houseplants, basil's an excellent candidate for a wicking system.
Propagating Basil
Propagate basil from seed. The seeds are easy to germinate and the seedlings develop quickly. Plant seeds directly in the garden after the threat of frost has passed for the season, or sow them in peat pots or coins that can be moved to the garden without disturbing the seedlings.
Harvesting Basil
You can use basil leaves and flowering tops. Pick leaves when they are young and tender. Tops should be harvested before the flowers completely open.
Storing Basil
Basil doesn't dry well, so freezing leaves in water and placing the mixture in an ice cube tray, or coating leaves with oil and then placing them in a freezer bag will work great.
5 comments:
How do you get seeds from a well developed
plant? Do you use the dry flowers? My
brother-in-law said the "seeds" are in the
stems? Any comments?
Hi,
I wait for the plant to flower and the flowering tops to dry out. Then I cut the tops about eight inches from the tip and upend them into a paper bag and shake vigorously. The seeds will fall into the bag.
I don't use the dried flowers unless I save a few sprigs for herb wreaths.
I have grown basil hydroponically and it does very well that way.
I have always found it easiest to take cuttings of the plant to then root in water. Like mint plants basil grows new roots very quickly from a cutting. Give it a try. Great for giving gifts of Basil.
If basil is an annual plant, if I do root in water from a cutting fromthis years plant will I actually get another year from the rooted cuttings?
I've never tried it, but if you have enough indoor light to overwinter your cuttings, you could start them in fall and they might grow well enough to set seed the following spring. That's my guess, anyway.
If anyone's tried this, chime in.
Post a Comment
Share some ideas.