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Basil

Ocimum basilicum

INTRODUCTION

Basil is one of the kitchen's most versatile and invaluable herbs, especially for many Mediterranean dishes such as pizza or pasta sauce.

Basil is available in several types and flavours from sweet, aromatic Italian varieties to spicy Thai basils, and this kitchen staple should be present on your window sill.

One of the most popular herbs from the supermarket, but so easy to grow your own, go get some seed today...

Soil Preparation

Although basil can be grown directly in the soil during the summer, a better method is to sow and produce in pots.

This will allow you to move your crop from the propagator or greenhouse to the windowsill in your kitchen.

The pot can be placed outside when the weather permits. Remember, basil is not frost hardy, always protect from inclement weather.

Sowing & Planting

Sow basil seed thinly into a 1 ltr pot filled with peat-free multi-purpose compost.

Cover the seed very lightly with a thin layer of compost or vermiculite.

Water sparingly, just enough to moisten the compost, basil does not appreciate being too wet.

Place the pot into a propagator or warm greenhouse/polytunnel. The seed will germinate after about 10 days.

Sow little and often to ensure a succession of harvests.

Growing & General Cultivation

After the seed has germinated, remove from the propagator and gradually acclimatise/harden the seedlings.

Keep the young basil seedlings in a warm spot, but out of direct sunlight.

Keep well-watered but not over-watered.

Pests & Diseases

Aphids will be inevitable at some stage of growth. These sap-sucking insects will secrete sticky honeydew, distort foliage and potentially spread viruses. Use an Organic Insecticide or consider Biological control. See Product Directory for details.

Slugs and Snails can be a problem for seedlings and young plants that are placed outside - for remedies - see product directory.