Basil planting and care in the open field in the Urals

Basil is an ornamental and medicinal plant

Basil is a perennial rhizome plant belonging to the buttercup family. In nature, it grows in southern Africa, in the mountains of tropical America and the temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere. It is often found in central Russia.

This flower is unpretentious, shade-tolerant and not afraid of severe frosts.

The plant has a creeping rhizome, stem basal leaves, which are similar in shape to a triangle. The flowers are purple, white, yellow, lilac or pale pink. Basil reaches a height of 2 meters or more.

Landing

It does not take much time and effort to plant this plant.

In order for the basil to grow quickly and please with bright and abundant flowering, you need to choose the right place and time of planting.

Seat selection

For planting a basil, it is better to choose partial shade, under the influence of direct sunlight, flowers and leaves turn pale and fade over time.

Planting timing

Seeds are planted in open ground in late autumn or early spring. Plants obtained by dividing the bush are planted in early spring.

To learn about the rules for planting and caring for phlox, click here.

How to plant and grow astilba, read the article

Soil preparation

This flower can grow in any soil, but will thrive better in fertile and moist soils. The soil should be free of weeds and loose. There are no special requirements for the composition of the soil, but deeply cultivated, moderately moist sandy loam and loamy soils with a neutral acidity level are preferred.

Landing features

At the planting site, holes are prepared at a distance of 40 cm from each other, the soil is well moistened. Then sprouts or bushes are planted, the root system is sprinkled with earth and tamped.

After planting, the basil must be tied up.

Reproduction

Basil reproduces in three ways: seed, vegetative and cuttings. These plants are prone to self-seeding.

Seed reproduction

Basil sprouts from seed

The seeds are harvested in the fall and immediately sown in open ground. They can be stored until spring, but then cold stratification will be required for 30 days.

The seeds have a high germination capacity, the sprouts are unpretentious and develop quickly, flowering occurs in the second year.

Vegetative propagation

This is the most common type of breeding. In the fall or spring, the bush is dug up, divided into several parts and planted in different places.

Propagation by cuttings

For this, young shoots are carefully cut off and placed in a container with water. To accelerate the formation of the root system, add "Kornevin" to the liquid. Then the cutting is planted in open ground.

Care

Basil is unpretentious and does not require careful maintenance; it can grow in one place for more than 10 years.

Watering

The flower is drought-resistant, needs watering only on dry and hot days. Excess moisture does not bring any harm to the plant. With insufficient watering, the flowering period decreases.

Basil is unpretentious and does not require constant care

Top dressing

Basil is fed in spring with complex mineral fertilizers. Before wintering, the land around the plant is mulched with peat or humus.

Pruning

When the basil has faded, it is cut off at the root. Pruning is not necessary for undersized varieties. If self-seeding is to be avoided, the inflorescences are removed immediately after flowering.

Preparing for winter

Most types of basil do not need special preparation for winter. Many varieties can withstand temperatures down to -30 ° C. However, some species need shelter, such as the Delaway Basil.

Read about planting barberry and caring for it here.

You will find information on how to plant and care for rhododendron in the article

You can also learn about caring for Kalina Buldenezh.

Disease and pest control

Pests and diseases rarely bother the basil, but aphids can appear in dry times. To get rid of it, gardeners spray the plant with insecticidal preparations (Karbofos, Aktellik, Bankol, Akarin, Aktara, Tanrek, Biotlin).

Varieties

The variety of species and varieties of basil is striking. In the garden, you can grow both giant varieties, which reach a height of 2 meters or more, and miniature bushes adjacent to the ground.

More than 150 species of basil grow in nature, but the following are considered popular in gardening:

1. Alpine basil... It is a small perennial plant up to 20 cm high. Flowering occurs at the end of June and lasts about a month.
2. Delaway Basil... The plant, reaching a height of 150 cm, has small purple-pink flowers. It begins to bloom at the end of July and continues until the end of August. Lilac-pink flowers are collected in paniculate inflorescences. This variety is winter-hardy and can tolerate temperatures down to -30 ° C under cover.
3. Basil watery... It is a compact shrub up to 120 cm high. It has large triangular leaves with a crenate edge and a bluish tint. Lavender or white flowers are collected in a corymbose panicle, its length reaches 20 cm.The plant begins to bloom in June and blooms for 35 days.
4. Basil filamentous... A miniature shrub that grows up to 25 cm high. The plant has pinnately-divided green leaves. Openwork inflorescences are composed of white flowers. Flowering begins in mid-May and lasts up to 25 days.
5. Twisted basil... A perennial shrub that grows up to 20 cm in height. The plant blooms in June, has white or purple flowers.
6. False-petal basil... Perennial with straight and strong stems up to 50 cm high. The leaves are wide, triangular, gray-green or blue-green. Dense inflorescences are pinkish and white flowers, flowering begins in May and lasts 30-35 days.
7. Basil narrow-leaved... A large plant, reaching a height of 150 cm. The underside of the leaf has a bluish-green plate.
8. Basil sultanabad... Rocky perennial up to 35 cm high. The plant is an openwork, loose and spherical bushes.

Several varieties of this plant are often found in gardens: "Dwarf Purl", "Album", "Heavits Double" and "Thundercloud".

Basilists of the Purpureum variety are especially beautiful. They are vigorous plants with black stems and bright purple buds. In landscape compositions, the varieties Thundercloude, Athropurpureum, Dwarf Purple are used.

Look at the photos of the basil species:

Use in landscape design

This plant is often used to create landscape designs: herbaceous and artisanal borders, large tracts, exquisite garden compositions. Basil is used as specimen plants.

It looks great next to shrubs with dark foliage: magnolia, purple-leaved euonymus, brilliant cotoneaster. Basil is often found in compositions with castor oil plant, buzulnik, rhubarb, Asian swimsuit, phlox, Siberian iris, catchment.

Healing properties of basil

The plant has medicinal properties, it is used in official and folk medicine. Basil contains saponins, alkaloids (thalmidine and malmin), resins, vitamin C and tannins. The flower has diuretic, antibacterial and laxative medicinal properties.

Basil is used in pharmacology - anti-inflammatory drugs are made on its basis. It has a positive effect on the human body with ulcers, nervous disorders, malaria and cardiovascular diseases.

Many gardeners prefer to decorate their plots with a basil, because it is an unpretentious and shade-tolerant plant. So that it grows quickly and pleases with abundant flowering, it is enough to provide it with partial shade and abundant watering in dry times.

Jul 14, 2015Elena Tymoshchuk

In this article, we will look at how planting and caring for the Basil is carried out, when to plant seeds. We will take a closer look at the features of reproduction and cultivation in different conditions.

Reproduction of the basil in the garden

Basil is a large to medium-sized perennial plant often found in the wild. In horticulture, three types are used - water-collecting, yellow, Delawaya.

It is important to remember that the airy flowers of the basil are poisonous, like all parts of the plant.

The varieties bred on their basis are popular because of their simplicity in cultivation and reproduction. Basil is sown with seeds, the processes are separated, the cuttings are removed.

Sowing seeds in open ground spend before winter, as it happens in nature with wild species. It is possible in early spring after seed stratification. Plants grown in this way bloom the next year.

By dividing the bush basil is propagated in April or September. The root system is divided so that a sufficient number of ground shoots are preserved in the planting material. Delenki are immediately planted in a permanent place with an interval of 40 - 50 cm.

For grafting choose shoots with two internodes. When harvesting, the stem is torn off so that the "heel" is preserved. For rooting, a sandy-earthy substrate 1: 1 is used. Before placing the cutting in the soil, it is dusted with a rooting agent, for example, "Kornevin". With this method of propagation, all the qualities of the variety are guaranteed to be preserved. Usually work is carried out at the end of May, beginning of June.

The modern gardening industry allows you to adjust the "biological program" of plants. The seedling basil blooms this year. Step-by-step instructions for preparing seedlings:

Step 1.	1. Preparing the potting mix. Garden land is combined with coarse sand 1: 1. 2. Planting containers are filled: boxes, cassettes, pots. 3. Water until wet.
Step 2.	1. In the boxes, grooves are formed at a distance of 5 cm and a depth of 1 cm. Seeds are placed at intervals of 3 - 5 cm. 2. Place 2 - 3 grains in a pot or a cassette cell with a diameter of 8 cm.
Step 3.	The sowing is covered with plastic wrap and placed in a well-lit place with a temperature – + 20 – 250.
Step 4.	With the emergence of seedlings, the sowing is fed with growth stimulants.
Step 5.	Seedlings grown in boxes dive at the stage of 2 - 3 true leaves. The same is done with seedlings, of which there are several in a pot (or cassette).
Step 6.	2 weeks after the dive, the senses are fed. You can use a diluted 1:10 mullein solution, 1 cup per 10 plants.

Cassettes replace planting pots and boxes

Basilisk seedlings, which are planted in peat tablets, do not require picks, since they are sown one piece in each nutrient substrate.

Tip # 1. Note! When planting in open ground, seedlings in peat tablets from the nutrient medium do not need to be removed, the plant is placed in the ground along with the tablet.

To increase the germination of seeds, stimulants and fertilizers are also used for the active growth of seedlings. See also the article: → "Reproduction of Kalanchoe by cuttings: process features"

5 best seedling preparations, advantages and disadvantages

1. "Epin - extra" - awakens latent plant reserves during seed germination and strengthens plant tissues during growth. It is used for soaking the grains before planting and feeding the seedlings.
2. "Mira Life" - biologically active drug of protective action. Promotes regrowth of roots, protects seedlings from diseases.
3. "Albit" - complex bioregulator of growth with a protective fungicidal effect. It is used for seed treatment before sowing.
4. "Zerebra Agro" is a silver-based growth stimulator with a disinfecting effect, intended for active germination of seeds and strengthening of seedlings.
5. "Lignohumat" - extraction of humic acids to regulate the growth of seedlings, with an anti-stress effect on plant development.

Lignohumate is an environmentally friendly preparation intended for various plants. For flowering plants, use - universal garden

Flaw of the above drugs I will concludehIt works in the opposite direction in case of overdose. Excess substance causes inhibition of sap flow, up to the death of plants.

Planting and caring for the Basil in the open field

Basil is an extremely unpretentious plant, survives in the sun, partial shade, on poor sandy and clay soils. But lush growth and abundant flowering occurs on rich, fertile soils with good watering.

Planting sequence:

1. Seedlings are planted in open ground in the middle, end of May.... The place is selected light, with light shading. The soil is prepared loamy, neutral or slightly acidic reaction. Soil optimization is deep enough up to 40 cm. Basil is a large plant and grows in one area for up to 10 years, which is why the preparation of the planting site must be deep.
2. Seedlings are placed at a distance of 40-50 cm.
3. After landing, carefully watered at the rate of 10 l / m2.

Features of care during flowering and after

Various varieties of Basil bloom from late June to mid-August. The flowering time depends on good watering. In dry summers, flowering without irrigation occurs too quickly, even rapidly. You can prolong the decorative effect with the help of phosphorus-potassium fertilizers, at the rate of 200 g per 1 m2.

Advice # 2. Note! Good results are obtained by timely cutting off wilted flowers and careful weeding. Basil is powerless against powerful weeds.

At the end of flowering, dried peduncles are completely removed if seed collection is not planned.Preparing for winter consists in cutting dry leaves and mulching. For shelter, mowed grass, fallen leaves of healthy plants, bark and chips are used. Usually young plants are sheltered, an adult basil hibernates well without shelter.

Daily care and planting plan

The basil care work plan consists of:

Type of work	Deadline
Soil preparation for planting seedlings	May 15 - 30
Planting a basil	May 15 - 30
Watering	After landing. Thereafter, weekly.
Top dressing planting with complex fertilizer "Fertika - universal" gardeners' reviews about Fertika	June 1 - 15 (the first feeding 2 weeks after planting, each subsequent with an interval of 15 - 20 days)
Top dressing with phosphorus-potassium fertilizers	2 weeks before flowering, depending on the variety.
Removing wilted buds	As it blooms
Weeding Basil	The first, 2 - 3 weeks after planting, each subsequent, if necessary.
Cutting dry peduncles	At the end of flowering. (Depends on the variety - from late July to September).
Mulching young plants	October 20 - 30, but no later than a week before frost.

The best varieties of Basil

The best varieties of basil are represented by the following varieties:
Read also the article: → "The best varieties of eggplants for growing in the Moscow region"

View	Variety	Features of the variety
Basil drainage or drainage	"Black Stockings"	The color of the flowers is lilac - pink. The height during flowering is 1.5 m.
	"Thundercloud"	The flowers are bright lilac. Height, up to 80 cm.
	Album	Flowers are white.
Basil yellow	Illuminator	Height - 1.3 m, flowers are bright yellow.
	"True Blue"	Leaves with a bluish tint, flowers - yellow.
Basil Delaway	"Hewlett's Doublе"	Large double flowers of deep purple color.

Delaway Basil is a tall shade-tolerant plant for planting under the crown of trees

Prevention and control of diseases and pests

Basil is one of the most resistant plants. Never again under favorable conditions. In dry weather or from lack of watering, it suffers from the attack of aphids.

The best drugs to protect the basil

To prevent a pest attack for prevention, drugs are used against ants - carriers of aphids:

1. Muratsid,
2. Antimuravyin,
3. Ant-eater.

If the plant is still affected by aphids, you can treat the planting with insecticides:

1. "Aktofit" is a biological synthesis preparation, the use of which does not harm plants and humans.
2. "Envidor" is a broad-spectrum chemical that is not addictive to insects.

Disease and Pest Resistant Basil Varieties

Gardeners have noticed that most of the popular types of basil do not suffer from adverse conditions. The most resistant varieties are:

1. Medium-sized - 1.2 m, (Delaway view):

• "Hewlett's Doublе",
• "Hinckley",
• Album.

Variety "Album" has a white color of flowers, uncharacteristic for a basil.

2. Large - 1.5 m (type Vodosborolistny):

• "Black Stockings",
• "Purpureum"
• "Thundercloud"

3. Undersized up to 50 cm - type Small or Ordinary.

Best and Worst Regions to Grow Basil

The biological origin of the plant affects the development of artificially bred varieties. Just like wild species, ornamental basil grows well in moderately humid climates. Such conditions are typical for the Middle zone, the Volga region, the southern belt of the Urals and Siberia. In the hot, arid regions of the Kuban and Krasnodar Territory, the cultivation of basil is not popular due to the high costs of watering the plants.

Use in landscape design

Basil is popular in private gardens and park compositions. Large varieties are successfully used in large-scale mixborders in the vicinity of other perennials:

• hairy rudbeckia,
• catchment area,
• iris,
• daylily
• delphinium,
• buzulnik,
• doronicum.

Read also the article: → "Landscaping of the suburban area"

Basil (lilac) goes well with white lyatrix

Basilist looks spectacular against the background of ornamental shrubs:

• Mahonia holly,
• shining cotoneaster,
• barberry Thunberg,
• deren white,
• juniper Cossack.

Category: "Questions and Answers"

Question number 1... Is it possible to grow a basil in a greenhouse, what is the difference from outdoor care?

In greenhouses, seedlings are grown in order to get strong and large seedlings by the time of planting in the garden. This method ensures the flowering of the plant in the year of planting. The difference from sowing in open ground is that the flowering of seedlings occurs next year. Further care for plants propagated in different ways is identical, there are no differences.

Question number 2... Why do basil leaves turn yellow?

Most often this happens in the open sun, in dry weather. Better to transplant the plant in partial shade, where there is enough moisture.

Question number 3. What if the basil is not blooming?

Most likely, the soil lacks nutrients, you can apply organic fertilizers, for example, humus 2 - 3 kg with the addition of 1 glass of ash, evenly loosen with the soil. (norm for 1 m2). You can apply mineral phosphorus-potassium fertilizers - 300 g / m2.

Question number 4... How to grow a basil at home?

Basil fans grow it on windowsills and balconies. The northwest, north and northeast sides are best suited for this purpose. It is this arrangement that gives the greatest shading. The soil is chosen universal for indoor plants, pH - 6.5. The difference from growing in the garden is more frequent watering and less fertilization.

Question number 5... How many plants can you plant in one pot?

All varieties of basil, even undersized varieties, have a powerful root system. This is why you only need to plant one plant per pot.

Serious mistakes when growing a basil

1. Planting in an open, sunny location leads to yellowing and drying of leaves in the heat. If the temperature is too high, the plant dies.
2. When planting seedlings, gardeners are confused by the small size of the plants, therefore they are placed densely... With the growth of a powerful root system, the bushes crowd out each other, up to death.
3. Lack of watering negatively affects the decorative qualities of plants, they are depleted and do not bloom.

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Oriental and Asian, curly and tubular lilies in the number of varieties and species boldly compete with gladioli and tulips. But it is not enough for a summer resident to choose the lily bulb he likes, planting and care in the open field - this is the groundwork for future flowering.

Due to its magnificent forms, the lily is called the royal flower. Such a plant will adorn any garden, but many beginners treat lilies with trepidation and apprehension, fearing that they will not cope with caring for the regal plant. In fact, taking care of most types of garden lilies is not at all laborious, and planting flowers is within the power of novice summer residents.

The growing season of the lily begins in early spring, when a powerful sprout is shown above the ground. Then it turns into a leafy erect stem, crowned with one or more large flowers of various shapes and colors. In autumn, the aboveground part withers, and a loose one, consisting of modified leaves, remains underground.

In most regions, popular varieties of lilies winter well, so it is possible to plant lilies in open ground in both spring and autumn. If there is no danger of deep freezing of the soil, the bulbs are planted in early autumn.

After flowering, the plants enter a dormant period, during which the growing season does not stop, but freezes. This moment is perfect for boarding or transplanting. Before the onset of cold weather, the bulbs are acclimatized and rooted so that with the onset of spring they immediately start growing.

Planting lilies in April and May is no less popular. It is practiced in regions with harsh winters, as well as for varieties with low frost resistance. In a spring flower bed, properly overwintered bulbs will not get wet and rot. Getting into the thawed and warmed up loose soil, they keep up with the lilies planted in the fall. Planting in April is preferred for oriental hybrids. But this method has its drawbacks. The most delicate plants may not form daughter bulbs and bloom less luxuriantly than desired.

When are lilies planted outdoors in spring? In the middle lane, the optimal moment comes in April or early May. By this time, the soil is warm enough, and the threat of frost to the appearance of the first shoots has already passed.

The timing of planting bulbs in different regions can vary significantly. For example, in late summer or early September, planting lilies in open ground in the Urals will give better results than in spring.

The bulb will have time to ripen and will delight you with flowers in the summer. In the spring in the southern regions, lilies are planted earlier. In the fall, the opposite is true. It is not worth tightening with the landing in either case. For example, already in March it is better to bring the bulbs of tiger and Tibetan lilies to the garden; immediately after the bliss melts, many Asian and Oriental hybrids, as well as the most beautiful pipe lilies, endure planting.

Terry varieties are planted when the air and soil warm up to +10 degrees. But the Canadian, curly lily and a number of other varieties are best transplanted only in the fall.

In order not to be mistaken with the time of planting in open ground and caring for lilies, at the time of buying the bulbs, it is important to know what type they belong to.

Suitable for planting healthy bulbs with dense scales without signs of rust, damage or mold.

Before the planting material enters the flower bed:

• bulbs are sorted by type and size;
• weak specimens affected by diseases and soil pests are rejected;
• clean the bulbs suitable for planting from dried roots and scales;
• washed, kept in a solution of potassium permanganate and treated with a fungicide, for example, phytosporin or basezol.

The place for planting lilies in the open field is chosen according to the preferences of the plants themselves. Most lilies feel best in the sun or partial shade. Large peduncles can be affected by the wind, therefore, a site with natural protection in the form of shrubs, trees, tall grassy crops is selected in advance.

All lilies need a loose, light substrate in which the bulbs will easily take root, will not suffer from stagnant moisture, rot and soil pests. The basis for the nutrient soil will be a mixture of equal parts of sod land, peat, coarse sand and well-rotted humus.

Fresh manure or other organic matter cannot be applied under the lilies because of the risk of burning delicate scales, damage by insects and aggressive microflora.

Most cultivated varieties of lilies prefer neutral soil, but if American hybrids are to be planted, more sour peat or fallen needles are added to the soil to increase acidity. But under tubular lilies, the substrate is not only deoxidized, but also crushed chalk, dolomite flour or other components with an alkaline reaction are added.

Planting holes are made in advance, providing a drainage layer and a sand jacket at the bottom. The depth is determined based on the size of the plants and their bulbs:

• large bulbs are buried by 12–20 cm;
• small specimens - 7-10 cm.

The higher the stem, the deeper the lily is planted in open ground. The distance between individual plants can vary from 15 to 30 cm, depending on the diameter of the overgrown bush.

The bulbs are planted on a drainage layer of gravel or expanded clay, densely sprinkled with fertile soil, flavored with a complete nitrogen, potassium-phosphorus and mineral composition. A sand shirt is made around each bulb, and then sprinkled with soil again. Planting sites are compacted, watered and mulched.

Use the same method if you need to plant lilies in the fall. Digging is carried out one month after the end of flowering. All bulbs must be treated with a pink solution of potassium permanganate.

After planting in open ground, lilies need attention and competent care. If the bulbs hit the soil in the fall, they are only mulched. The main growing season begins with the melting of the snow, then the time comes for complex care of lilies in the open field in spring. Plant care includes:

• watering;
• dressings that stimulate the growth, flowering and ripening of bulbs;
• loosening and weeding;
• preventive treatment against pests, rot and other diseases.

Large plants need support and a garter. This measure, as well as regular loosening and weeding, will help maintain the strength and growth of the lilies.

Lilies love moderately moist soil, and drying out threatens a decrease in the number and size of flowers, and an excess of water is dangerous by rotting of the bulb. Watering is combined with top dressing and soil cultivation from harmful fungi. At the beginning of growth, lilies are more in need of nitrogen fertilizers, but the second feeding is carried out with superphosphate. Plants respond very well to watering with a solution of wood ash. It can also be mixed into mulch material.

In May, caring for planting lilies in the open field includes watering with a solution of Bordeaux liquid. After 2 months, the plants are sprayed with the same agent. During the summer, pests are closely monitored for the appearance of pests that affect the stems, leaves, and bulbs of lilies.

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Basil is a representative of the buttercup family, which is quite rare in modern gardens. How to plant it correctly and how to care for the plant? What varieties are there and how to grow them from seeds? The answers to these questions, as well as a photo of the basil among other plants in the garden, can be found in the article.

Description of the plant

Now about 150 species of basil are known, some of which can be found in natural conditions, for example, at the edge of a forest or by a lake. It is a tall, up to 1.5 m, herbaceous perennial with openwork leaves growing from the root. At the tops are delicate paniculate inflorescences. There are varieties with pink, white, purple, yellow and cream flowers.

A feature of the whole genus is the complete absence of petals, for which colored sepals are taken. The main decoration of the flower is the stamens, due to the length and plurality of which the inflorescences acquire a weightless appearance.

Basil flowers

The period of decorativeness in the basil lasts from spring to autumn: at the beginning and at the end of the season, the garden is decorated with its leaves, and in the summer - with flowers. Cut inflorescences are remarkably preserved. You can create original bouquets from them.

How and where to plant a basilist

• Landing place. The basil feels good both in the sun and in partial shade. In the second case, its erect stems stretch out and in some varieties reach 2 m in height. You can plant basilists near water bodies and under trees with a high crown. The plant looks good both in specimen plantings and large tracts, and next to other crops. Low-growing ground cover species will be a wonderful decoration for a shady rock garden.

Attention! Basilists do not like transplants. Therefore, it is necessary to plant herbaceous bushes with the expectation that the plant will stay in this place for at least 10 years.

• The best time to plant. It is better to plant a basil in spring or autumn, after cutting off the aerial part.

Young plants require regular watering

• The soil. The plant is not demanding to the soil composition. It is necessary to add humus and complex mineral fertilizer to the planting hole. After planting, the soil should be well watered and covered with mulch.

Advice. Before planting, it is better to soak the seedling for several hours in a growth stimulant solution.

Plant care

Basil plants can be safely attributed to the unpretentious inhabitants of the garden. However, you still have to allocate a little time for the main work.

• Watering. Regular watering is required for young plants and specimens growing in the sun. In other cases, moisture is sufficient during long dry periods.
• Fertilizers. During the first three years after planting, basilists do not need feeding. In the future, in the fall, organic matter and a special set of mineral fertilizers for flowering plants should be applied at the root.
• Pruning. This procedure is required only by some species, for example, basil water-collecting.
• Regular loosening of the soil and removal of weeds.

Basil seedlings

How to propagate a basil

There are three ways to propagate pretty bushes:

• sowing seeds;
• cuttings;
• dividing the bush.

Attention! When propagated with the help of seeds, the varietal characteristics of many species of basilists disappear.

In order to collect the seeds, the inflorescences are tied with gauze in the middle of summer. This prevents them from falling apart after ripening. The collected seeds are sown in the ground before winter. In the spring, seedlings are thinned out. Young plants are planted in a permanent place after a year.

In the second method of propagation, you can use cuttings harvested from shoots or rhizomes. They are planted in the ground and covered with a transparent container. Every day you need to arrange ventilation for half an hour and cover from the sun.

Divide the plant in early spring before growth begins. Each new bush should contain 2-3 buds. They are seated in a semi-shady place, watered well and cover the root zone with mulch.

Basil aquifer

The most popular species and varieties

Basil aquifer... A very decorative look, thanks to which it has long been used in gardens. In nature, it can be found on the damp edges of deciduous and mixed European forests. There are 3 varieties known:

• Album. Quite tall (up to 90 cm) bush with white panicle inflorescences.
• Thundercloud. The bush reaches 75 cm in height. The inflorescences are very bright, deep purple.
• Dwarf Purple. Low-growing variety (45 cm). The flowers are pink.

Basil yellow... Endowed with feathery, three-toothed leaves, painted in a light gray color. The height of the stem ranges from 1 m to 2. The yellow fluffy panicle inflorescences are very decorative. In the wild, it is found near swamps and lakes, in damp meadows and in ravines.

Breeders from this species have obtained cultural hybrid forms, for example, True Blue. The stems of this plant are very strong and do not fall to the ground even after heavy rain and wind.

Advice. It is better to tie tall varieties of basilists to a reliable support.

Basil light or narrow-leaved... The compound leaves of this species are composed of several very thin, dark green leaves.Inflorescences, which look like pyramidal dense panicles of golden color, are located at the top of a one and a half meter erect stem. Flowering lasts more than a month. In the wild, it grows almost throughout Europe. Popular culture in Turkey. Recently, it has been successfully grown in Russia.

Light basil

Basil simple... It can be found in meadows, in the steppes and woodlands of the European part of Russia, in Siberia, in the Caucasus and in the Far East. Gardeners are more attracted to the openwork foliage of this species than its nondescript pink flowers. Very unpretentious look.

Advice. It is better to limit the planting of a simple basil. Otherwise, its rhizome spreads quickly.

Alpine basil... This species can be found in the highlands of the northern hemisphere. Its height is only 5-20 cm, so it is great for planting in rock gardens. Inflorescences are dim, brown. The plant does not tolerate stagnant water - it needs to provide good drainage.

Alpine basil

Chinese basil... The group is completely different from their congeners. In nature, they grow in the region of southern China and the Himalayas. They are distinguished by the presence of unusual stamens and sepals, which are mistaken for petals. For example, the low (up to 1 m) variety Hewitt's Double is endowed with overgrown stamens, due to which the pink flowers have the shape of a pompom.

Representatives of various species and varieties of basilis are very interesting and unpretentious plants that can turn any corner of the garden into a wonderful fairy tale.

Vasilistnik: video