How to grow basil outdoors from seeds?

A herbaceous annual plant, sweet basil (Ocimum basillicum), also called garden, or camphor, or ordinary, is a representative of the species Basil of the subfamily Cattle family of the Yasnotkovye family. In the wild, such a plant can be found in Iran, Africa, the tropical regions of the American continent, the Caucasus, China, India, southern Asia and Central Asia. There is an opinion that the birthplace of the basilica is Africa, and it came to the territory of Europe thanks to the soldiers of the army of A. Macedonian. Previously, such a culture was usually used as a medicinal plant. Today it is cultivated in almost all countries as a food spice.

Basil features

Basil has a branching and superficial root system. The straight tetrahedral stem reaches 0.5–0.7 m in height, it is leafy and branched. Sparsely toothed oblong-ovate leaf plates are short-petiolate. There are villi on the surface of foliage and shoots. Irregular whorls consist of white, pinkish or purple axillary flowers. The fruit contains nuts, which, after full ripening, are easily separated from each other. The seeds remain viable for 5 years.

The violet varieties of this plant have the strongest smell; they are very popular in the Caucasus and Asia. Green basil is most in demand in Europe, and this plant is also considered the most popular spice in Mediterranean cuisine. Before the bush begins to bloom, it begins to exude the most pungent odor.

Planting basil seedlings

What time to sow

Basil can be grown both through seedlings and sown directly in open ground. However, most gardeners choose the first method, as it is the most reliable.

Sowing seeds for seedlings is carried out in spring, it is recommended to do this from early to mid-April. For sowing, you will need a special soil mixture. To prepare it, it is necessary to combine humus, rotted compost and washed river sand, which should be taken in a ratio of 2: 4: 1. This substrate must be sieved, and then it is subjected to steaming in a water bath for 60 minutes. If you use ready-made soil mixture for sowing, which is sold in a store, then it will also need to be disinfected. To do this, it is spilled with a strong solution of potassium manganese or Fitosporin. For sowing basil, you can choose boxes, but in this case you need to be prepared for the fact that the plants will need picking according to individual containers. Therefore, experts advise using cassettes for growing such seedlings, the depth of which should be 50–70 mm.

Sowing seeds is carried out in a moist substrate, while they are buried by only 10 mm. The row spacing when sowing in a common box should be about 50 centimeters. The crops from above must be covered with polyethylene or glass, after which they are removed to a well-lit and warm (from 20 to 25 degrees) place. The first seedlings can be seen 7-15 days after sowing.

Growing basil from seeds

As soon as the first seedlings appear, the shelter is removed from the container, and the plants themselves are rearranged to a cooler place (from 15 to 20 degrees). It is very simple to care for such seedlings. Watering should be carried out as needed, while it must be remembered that the substrate should not dry out, however, it is necessary to ensure that it is not waterlogged, since in this case such a fungal disease as black leg may develop, due to which all seedlings perish. At the first signs of this disease, the plants will need treatment with a solution of copper sulfate (for 2 liters of water 1 tsp), or you can spill the earth with a strong solution of manganese potassium.

If the basil was sown in a box, then during the growth of the first pair of true leaf plates, it will need to be dived. For this, a larger container is taken, which is filled with the same soil mixture, but only it will need to be fertilized. To do this, pour 2 tbsp into 5 liters of substrate. l. wood ash and 1 tbsp. l. complex mineral fertilizer. You need to plant the plants in a new container at the same depth that they grew before. After the seedlings take root and begin to grow, they should be pinched over a 6–8 leaf plate to stimulate the growth of lateral shoots. Plants begin to harden about 15 days before transplanting them into open soil. To do this, they must be taken out to fresh air every day. The duration of such a procedure should be increased gradually, so, you need to start from one hour, and at the end the seedlings will have to be outside around the clock. Planting in open soil is carried out from mid to late May, but it should be borne in mind that return spring frosts should be left behind.

Growing basil on a windowsill

Growing rules at home

If you decide to grow basil on your windowsill, then it should be sown in the last days of February or the first days of March. For sowing, you need to use peat tablets or peat pots. It should also be noted that several seeds must be sown in 1 tablet or pot at once.

In this case, the seeds should be pre-sowed. To do this, they are immersed in a solution of potassium manganese of dark pink color, where they must stay for 2 hours. Crops should be covered with a material that should be transparent and breathable. They need to be kept in the same conditions as basil grown for seedlings (see above). It should be noted that such a plant needs sunlight for at least 3-4 hours a day.After the plants develop the first pair of true leaf plates, they must be transplanted. To do this, take a pot with a volume of 1 liter, on its bottom lay a layer of drainage from broken brick, expanded clay or small pieces of foam, its thickness should be from 20 to 30 mm. Basil should be planted with a pot or tablet. The soil mixture for planting is nutritious, it should also be water-permeable and light. For example, you can use this composition: combine coconut fiber and humus (2: 1). You can start picking the first leaves after 6 weeks.

How to water

Basil is a moisture-loving plant. In this regard, it is necessary to ensure that the substrate is slightly damp all the time. Watering should be done almost every day. If you forget to water the bush in time, then its leaves will very quickly lose their turgor. But in watering, it is also very important not to overdo it, since due to stagnant liquid in the substrate, rot may appear on the root system. When the plant is watered, it is necessary to loosen the surface of the substrate in the container, do this with a frequency of 1 time in 2-3 days.

Fertilizer

If a substrate that is not very fertile was used for planting this plant, then in this case it will need to be systematically fed. For feeding, it is recommended to use universal fertilizers based on compost or humates; they must be added to the substrate in the concentration indicated in the instructions attached to the preparation. You need to feed the bush no more than 1 time in 4 weeks.

Growing basil outdoors

Landing in open ground

As mentioned above, it is imperative to plant basil seedlings in open ground from mid to late May, but you need to make sure that spring return frosts are left behind. For landing, you should choose an open, well-lit area, which must be reliably protected from cold, strong winds. Some gardeners are advised to plant basil in the near-stem circle of a young fruit tree, there is practically no shadow from it, so the plant receives a sufficient amount of light, while its powerful spicy aroma can scare off various pests from the seedling.

The soil on the site should be light and saturated with humus, and it should also allow water to pass through well. 4 weeks before planting, the site should be digged, while peat, humus or compost should be added to the soil (for 1 square meter of the site, 2 kilograms of organic fertilizer).

Disembarkation should be made in the evening or on a cloudy day. Prepare the holes, the distance between them should be from 15 to 20 centimeters. The grown seedlings should be planted in them. The planted plants need abundant watering, for this they use lukewarm, well-settled water.

Growing

Growing basil in open soil is easy enough. To do this, it must be watered, weeded, fed, loosened, and protected from pests and diseases in a timely manner. The planted plants that did not have time to take root should be covered with a film for the first 15 days at night in case of a sudden cold snap. Until the plant grows stronger and does not start growing, it is recommended to systematically weed. During the season, it will be necessary to loosen the soil surface 7 or 8 times before watering. To stimulate branching, it is necessary to carefully break out the newly appeared peduncles.

How to water

Watering basil frequently will cause new leaflets to grow much more intensively. Watering should be done immediately after the topsoil dries. However, it should be remembered that excessive watering is just as unacceptable as insufficient, as it causes severe damage to the plant. It should be watered with lukewarm water (about 25 degrees), while it should settle for 24 hours (as long as possible).To make it more convenient to prepare water for irrigation, it is necessary to install a large container on the site in a well-lit place, for example, an unnecessary bathtub or barrel.

Fertilizer

To stimulate the growth of the green mass of basil, you will need regular feeding, which is carried out 1 time in 4 weeks. The first feeding is arranged half a month after planting the seedlings on the site, for this they use a solution of Nitrofoski (a couple of large spoons of fertilizer for 12 liters of water). For 1 square meter of the plot, from 3 to 4 liters of the nutrient mixture should go.

What can you plant after basil

Experts advise against planting basil in the same area every year. It is necessary to alternate crops, which is the main principle of successful farming. If basil was grown on the same plot for 2 or 3 seasons in a row, then it will be possible to plant it in the same place only after 4 or 5 years. The area where basil was previously grown is suitable for planting plants that are resistant to diseases of this culture, for example, you can plant carrots, zucchini, pumpkins, tomatoes, legumes, cucumbers, squash and early potatoes. Basil is recommended to be planted after tomatoes, early and cauliflower cabbage, strawberries, siderates, onions, beets and herbs.

Basil pests and diseases

Diseases

Basil is highly resistant to various diseases. However, sometimes he still gets sick. Below will be described the diseases that this culture suffers most often.

Blackleg

Blackleg - basil seedlings are susceptible to this fungal disease. Its development is provoked by increased acidity, insufficient aeration of the substrate, as well as excessively frequent and abundant watering. The fungus affects the root neck of the seedlings, due to which the vessels that participate in the nutrition of the plant become clogged, the stem, as well as its base, soften, become black and thin, after which the bush begins to turn yellow and die.

Fusarium

Fusarium is also a fungal disease. Toxins are released into the nutritious juice of the diseased bush, as a result of which its vessels are affected. If a young bush is affected, then its shoots turn brown and gradually become thinner. In diseased adult plants, the top dries up, after which they wither and die. The disease develops actively at high temperatures, while the air humidity should be increased.

Gray rot

Gray rot - it most often affects plants grown in greenhouses or greenhouses. However, bushes grown in open soil can also be affected by this disease. At first, the disease manifests itself on the leaf plates located below, which have already begun to die off. After that, the disease gradually takes over the entire bush. Dry brownish specks appear on the infected parts of the plant, eventually becoming watery and covered with gray fluff.

If the bush is affected by gray rot or fusarium, then at the initial stage of the development of such a disease, it should be sprayed with onion husk infusion. For its preparation, it is necessary to combine the husk with water in a ratio of 1: 4, the mixture should be infused for 24 hours. Before processing, the infusion should be filtered. If the seedlings are affected by a black leg, then the substrate in which it grows must be shed with a solution of potassium permanganate. In this case, diseased plants must be removed from the container along with a lump of earth and destroyed, and the resulting hole must be shed with a strong solution of manganese potassium. If the disease has already gained strength, then in this case, treatment with fungicidal preparations will be required, for example: Fitosporin, Toivita Jet, Fuedazol, Topaz and other similar actions.

To prevent basil from getting sick, certain preventive measures should be taken:

• you cannot grow this crop in the same area for more than three years;
• crops should not be too thick;
• Once every 7 days, dusting the surface of the site with wood ash should be carried out;
• water the plant on time, without flooding it or letting the soil dry out;
• loosen the surface of the site regularly;
• remove weeds when they appear.

Pests

This plant is also very resistant to pests, but field bugs and aphids can settle on it.

Aphid

Aphids are a very dangerous pest that can greatly harm the basil. It sucks out the juice from the shoots and foliage, which is why the leaf plates are curtailed, the development of the shoots stops, and the bush itself begins to dry out. Such a pest leaves sugary secretions on the surface of the plant, on which a sooty fungus prefers to settle, due to which the bush becomes covered with a bloom of a dark color. In addition, this pest is considered the main vector of viral diseases, which are currently not treated. You should start fighting aphids immediately after detecting it. It can be fought with folk remedies, for example, decoctions of wormwood, tansy, hot pepper, dandelion, yarrow, onion, garlic, tomato or potato tops, mustard. It will take 2-3 treatments with an interval of 1-1.5 weeks if the crop is grown outdoors. A tool made from 100 grams of tar soap, crushed with a grater, and 1 bucket of water is considered quite effective. The ash solution also shows good results, for its preparation it is necessary to mix 300 grams of wood ash with freshly boiled water, the mixture should boil for 30 minutes. When it has settled, it is filtered, then so much water is added to the solution so that its volume becomes equal to 10 liters. If there are a lot of pests, then folk remedies may be powerless, in this case, the bushes are treated with Karbofos, while the solution must be done in accordance with the instructions. It should be noted that this insecticidal preparation is odorless and tasteless. So, Bankcol, Akarin and Aktellik are best suited for processing.

Meadow, or field bug

The field or meadow bug is also a sucking insect that feeds on the plant sap of this culture. As a result of its vital activity, the deformation of the leaf plates occurs, specks of a whitish color are formed on their surface, then they become brown and gradually die off. Both larvae and adults of this insect can harm the basil. For wintering, such a bug settles in the upper layer of the soil or in loose leaves. To deal with bedbugs should be the same methods as with aphids.

Types and varieties of basil

The most commonly cultivated varieties of basil are camphor (or scented), Mexican (or cinnamon), purple (common or regan), and lemon (Thai). There are many varieties of this plant, which are distinguished according to the following characteristics:

1. Shades of smell... The aroma is tart, sweet, cold and warm. The main aromas of this culture are: cinnamon, anise, pepper, lemon, vanilla, caramel, clove and menthol. For the preparation of drinks, as well as desserts, those varieties are used that have a lemon, cinnamon, caramel and vanilla smell. Anise flavored varieties are good for fish dishes, while basil with pepper and clove aromas is suitable for meat dishes.
2. Colour... There are green basil and purple basil. Purple varieties have a stronger aroma and are most commonly used in Central Asian and Caucasian cuisine. And green varieties are most popular in Europe, and in particular in the Mediterranean.
3. The size and shape of the bush... Basil is divided into sprawling, compact, erect and semi-spreading. In this case, there are also intermediate forms. In height, tall (0.6-0.85 m), medium-sized (0.3-0.6 m), as well as low-growing (0.18-0.3 m) varieties are distinguished.For indoor cultivation, it is recommended to choose undersized varieties.
4. Ripening terms... The varieties are divided into late, medium and early.

The best varieties

1. Mauritanian... This medium-ripening variety is distinguished by its productivity and aroma. The color of the sprawling erect bush is purple. Plant height is about 0.65 m.
2. Table... The height of an erect bush is about 0.6 m. Large egg-shaped leaf plates are greenish and have a delicate texture. This productive variety is the most fragrant of all mid-late varieties.
3. Dreamer... This variety is among the most productive. Sprawling massive bush has a bright green color. The shoots are branched, and the shape of the leaf plates is oval-lanceolate.
4. Balconstar... This variety is undersized. Small fragrant leaf plates have excellent taste and are great for salads. It is often grown in pots on a windowsill.
5. Genoese... This variety is distinguished by its yield. Large shiny leaf plates of dark green color are quite fragrant and have a pleasant taste. The leaves are used both dried and fresh. In some cases, they are substituted for mint, added to soft drinks.
6. Gourmet clove... The variety is distinguished by its yield. The bush is medium-sized, erect and massive. Green leaf plates are of medium size and elliptical in shape. This variety is recommended to be used as a seasoning for meat, fish, cheese, rice and potato dishes.
7. Basilisk... This compact variety grows well both in open soil and indoors. Has a peppery-clove scent. The height of an erect, densely leafy bush is about 0.2 m. Small leaf plates are green in color. The stems are half-raised.
8. Yerevan... This variety is one of the most popular fruit varieties. This basil has a clove-peppery smell. On a medium-sized bush, there are medium-sized leaf plates of an egg-shaped and purple color.
9. Troll... This mid-ripening small-leaved variety is compact and productive. Great for indoor cultivation. Such a plant is not afraid of sudden changes in temperature. The foliage is dark purple in color. The plant looks very impressive.
10. Magic Mountain... This Israeli variety is resistant to both low and high temperatures, and it is also drought tolerant. The neat bush has a round shape. Green leaf plates have a purple tint. Such a plant looks good in a garden plot as an ornamental one.
11. Red Rubin... The variety was created by American breeders. The color of the bush is mahogany-purple. These plants eat both foliage, which does not have the bitterness characteristic of green varieties, and buds (they are added to omelets).

The following varieties of basil are also quite popular: Sharm, Marquis, Ararat, Velvet, Violet, Greek, Robin Hood, Dragon, Gigolo, Green fragrant, Orion, Pepper aroma, Tempter, Baku, Sorcerer, Lemon, Dwarf, Curly, Philosopher, Broadleaf and etc.

Basil properties: harm and benefit

Benefits of basil

Basil has a specific smell, which is due to the presence of essential oil in the aerial part of the bush, which has a complex composition and antibacterial properties. Basil contains vitamins C, B2, PP, provitamin A, carotene, sugar, phytoncides, rutin.

It helps to strengthen the immune system, thereby increasing the resistance of the human body to infections. This plant has been proven to be able to keep the growth of HIV as well as cancer cells. It has antibacterial, tonic, antipyretic, antioxidant and tonic effect. Basil is recommended to be included in your diet for bacterial, viral and fungal infections, as well as pulmonary and respiratory diseases.

Such a spicy herb will help get rid of excess gas in the rectum, from excess mucus in the nose, and it also helps to strengthen the nervous tissue and improve memory. It is highly effective against inflammatory processes in the oral cavity: ulcers, plaque, caries, tartar and bad breath. Basil also has an astringent effect, it strengthens the gums, which helps prevent tooth loss. It will help get rid of flatulence, as well as diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.

It contains enzymes that help accelerate the breakdown and burning of fats in the human body. And the evengol and estragole contained in it contribute to the stimulation of mental activity. This culture contains an essential oil that has a wound healing effect, it also eliminates spasms of a various nature and is used for inhalation of the upper respiratory tract. The juice obtained from the foliage is used to treat fungal skin lesions, and water extracts are used during the treatment of food poisoning and gastritis. Dried herb is used for making tea, as well as for making compresses, which eliminate painful sensations in the head area and manifestations of eczema. A tincture is prepared from this herb, which treats colitis, pyelitis, whooping cough, neurosis, bronchial asthma, low blood pressure, inflammation of the kidneys and bladder, flatulence and colds.

Contraindications

This plant has a tonic effect on the body, so it cannot be used by people with diseases of the cardiovascular system (hypertension and hypertension). This is especially true for people who have had myocardial infarction. Basil is also contraindicated in thrombophlebitis, diabetes mellitus, vein thrombosis of the lower extremities and vegetative-vascular dystonia. As for hypotensives, they can use this herb without fear.

Experts advise pregnant women not to consume large amounts of basil, especially purple varieties. At the same time, it can be used during breastfeeding, especially since it is an excellent lactogonic agent. But it should be borne in mind that because of it, the milk will acquire an unusual taste and aroma, which may not please the baby. In excessively large quantities, this plant is not recommended for anyone, because it contains a little mercury.

The herb got its name from the Greek word which means "king". It has a bitter taste and a peppermint aroma. It is a popular condiment in Mediterranean cuisine. The famous Italian pesto sauce is prepared on the basis of basil. In France, its combination with tomatoes is a culinary canon. Further in this article, we will talk about the correct cultivation of this wonderful herb in the country or in the garden. We will find out how and when to plant seeds in open ground. How to dive, transplant or plant the first shoots.

Ancient history of purple and red basil

Basil has been used by people for over 5,000 years. In both cooking and medicine. Basil tea soothes the nerves and tones the body. It is drunk to relieve colic in the stomach. It improves the functioning of the liver and gallbladder.

The homeland of grass is Africa. It appeared in Russia in the 18th century. Then, on its basis, popular tonics and cosmetic masks were made, which are still popular.

Basil in a pot close up

Description of the bush

Basil is an annual plant with oblong, short petiolate leaves. The stem reaches an average length of 60 cm. The root is branching, located close to the surface. The leaves, like the stem, are covered with hairs. The flowers are white, pale pink. Fruits are dark, similar to nuts, ripen in a group of 4 pieces and remain viable for 5 years.

How many varieties can you plant in the country?

There are many varieties of grass, more than a hundred. Sweet basil is the most popular of them. Basil with blue leaves grows in Africa, it is called camphor.In Mexico - cinnamon, and in southeast Asia - lemon. There is a species with purple leaves. Its aroma is poorly expressed in comparison with green, but for its rich color it is often used in decorating dishes.

Preparing seedlings at home in spring

Seeds are planted in seedlings at the end of March. They are not soaked for long before planting. Enough for two hours in warm water or a weak solution of potassium permanganate. For seedlings, containers with a depth of 10 cm or more, pots or flower boxes are suitable. Drainage is laid out on the bottom, sprinkle it on top with soil mixture (proportions 4: 2: 1) from:

• peat
• humus
• sand

In the ground, grooves are made with a depth of 1 cm, in which the seeds are placed... Sprinkle with earth and irrigate from a spray bottle, and then cover with film or glass.

Containers with seeds are removed in a warm place. At this stage, it is important to properly care for the seedlings:

• once a day remove the film or glass and air it for a short time (15 minutes is enough)
• remove condensation from the inside
• easy to moisten the ground

Basil flower

The first shoots will sprout in a week. This is a sign that it is time to open the seedlings. When the first full-fledged leaf appears on the sprouts, they are seated at a distance of 5 cm from each other. When the fifth leaf appears, pinch the top of the sprouts. This will give the plant more foliage.

At the end of May, sprouts sprouted at home are planted in open ground. It is important that the plants have 5 formed leaves. Until they appear, the landing can be delayed.

Before planting, the seedlings are taken out of the room and left in the open air to harden. They start with 15 minutes and gradually increase the time spent outdoors up to several hours. Hardening begins a week before transplanting.

How to plant seeds or seedlings outdoors

Basil dies from low temperatures... Therefore, seedlings are planted in a permanent place when there is no morning frost. It is best to plant vegetable seeds in the spring in mid-May. You can choose any scheme for crops.

The soil for the grass needs fertile, air and moisture permeable. Fertilize the soil before planting. For 1 m2, 2 kg of humus, peat and compost are applied.

The sprouts are planted at a distance of 40 cm from each other, in holes 10 cm deep. Before planting, the pits are watered abundantly.

You cannot plant basil in the same place for two years in a row. This will lead to the appearance of brown spots on the leaves and the death of plantings. The reason for this is the disease fusarium. It is caused by fungi that live in the soil for a long time. The soil "rests" for 5 years between plantings of spicy grass.

Growing and caring for green shoots of basil in the garden

Keg Grown Basil

Basil needs to be watered with warm, settled water. Experienced gardeners start a large plastic barrel for this. During the day, the water in the barrel will heat up and settle. By the evening, it is suitable for watering.

It is important not to flood the sprouts with water. The soil should be slightly damp. With an excess of moisture, the plant will be struck by a black leg.

Grass grows well when fed with nitrogen fertilizers... The first feeding takes place two weeks after planting.

In order to increase the green mass of the sprouts, in addition to pinching the tops, flowers are cut on them.

The soil around the plants is loosened and weeded out. For the summer season, 6-7 times will be enough. After weeding and loosening, the sprouts are watered abundantly.

Collecting crops in the garden

Basil leaves are harvested before flowering. Then the concentration of essential oils and vitamins in them is peak. An unripe bud is a sign for collecting leaves.

The grass blooms until the first autumn days. Do not forget that this is a thermophilic plant. Before the onset of the first frost, it is transplanted into a greenhouse or house. The grass grows without problems in a pot for indoor flowers. She decorates the house and fills the rooms with a spicy scent.

Correct drying

After harvesting, the crop is dried:

• On open air... The leaves are washed, debris removed and laid out on a towel. When the water drains, they are placed on a baking sheet.A large crop is best tied in bunches and hung on a rope in a warm room without direct sunlight.
• In the oven. The washed and dried leaves are spread on a baking sheet in an oven preheated to 400˚C. Drying will take 2 hours.
• In the microwave. Drying at full power will take 3 minutes.

Readiness is manually determined. Dried greens crumble easily in the hands. It is stored in dry glass jars or paper bags.

Basil plant care

Freezing whole leaves

They are washed and dipped in boiling water for 3 seconds. Then they are cooled in cold water. A little dried on a towel and laid out in bags in small portions. Then they put it in the freezer.

Quick freeze chopped leaves

They are washed, chopped finely and filled with water. The water is poured into molds and placed in the freezer. If you use olive oil instead of water, you get an excellent preparation for frying in a pan.

Basil seeds

Basil has long been known to man. It takes pride of place in the cuisine of many countries: Greece, France, Italy and Thailand. In Transcaucasia, it even got its own name - regan.

It contains vitamins:

• C (lowers blood cholesterol)
• B (good for the eyes riboflavin)
• PP (niacin for skin and stomach health)

Due to the presence of mercury compounds in basil, it is dangerous to consume it in large quantities. In pregnancy, diabetes and heart disease, the herb can be harmful to your health. Everything is good in moderation, including the use of basil.

Growing red basil on site is easy. The plant is unpretentious and requires little care and attention. You can sow it almost half of May. A plant does not always need a pick. In addition, the plant sprouts quickly and grows quickly. Harvesting and harvesting is easy. It doesn't take much time and effort to diversify the table and pamper yourself with the "king" among the herbs.

Basil is a spicy herb. Originally from Asia, where it grows in warm climates. In temperate latitudes, it is cultivated only through the cultivation of seedlings.

This fragrant greenery looks decorative. Herbaceous bush, 20-60 cm high, densely covered with oval-shaped leaves with pointed tops. They are arranged in tiers, the surface of the leaf plates is glossy, the color is green or dark purple. Basil begins to bloom in late June and early August. The flowers are small, whitish in color, gather in a spike-shaped inflorescence.

Growing basil seedlings from seeds at home When to plant

Basil shoots photo

Start sowing basil seedlings in late March - early April... Take a wide container, fill it with nutritious soil (peat, humus, garden soil in equal proportions).

• Cover the seeds to a depth of no more than 1 cm.
• You can sow often - then plant the strong specimens in separate containers, and get rid of the weak ones.
• Moisten the soil, cover the crops with glass or film, maintain the air temperature within 26-27 ° C.
• Ventilate the greenhouse to remove condensation and keep the soil moist.
• Seedlings will appear in about 10 days.

Grown up basil seedlings need to dive photo

• With the appearance of two or three leaves, plant in separate containers.
• The ideal option would be to grow seedlings in a greenhouse. If this is not possible, grow on an eastern or western windowsill.

Pickled basil seedlings photo

• Maintain optimum soil moisture, avoiding dryness or waterlogging.
• Excessive moisture can affect the seedlings with a black leg. In this case, treat the plants with a solution of copper sulfate (for 2 liters of water, 1 tsp of powder).
• When the seedlings grow a little and release several pairs of true leaves, they should be pinched (cut off the tip of the shoot).

How to pinch basil seedlings photo

Cutting off the top pair of leaves along with the growth point, you will get approximately the same result as in the photo below:

Basil seedlings after pinching photo

After a little time, at the cut point, the plants will start up additional shoots, due to which the bushes will be more dense and leafy:

Basil seedlings gave lateral shoots after pinching photo

The seedlings should be fed every 2 weeks. Apply complex mineral fertilizers: phosphorus, potassium, nitrogen in a ratio of 5: 3: 2.

Basil seedlings ready for planting photo

Temper the seedlings little by little. 10-7 days before planting in open ground during the daytime, take out to fresh air.

Also, 7-5 days before transplanting, you should reduce watering.

How to sow basil at home video:

What to do if the basil seedlings have outgrown the video:

Preparing a site for planting a basil

Seat selection

A thermophilic plant requires appropriate conditions. Find an open, sunny area on the south or southeast side. Drafts and cold gusts of wind can damage the plant. Plant basil in a secluded place: along fences, buildings, between bushes.

The soil needs light, loose, fertile, permeable to water and air.

Predecessors

Desirable precursors: cucumbers, tomatoes, peas, beans, beans, lentils, lupins. Basil should not be cultivated in the same place for several years in a row, as this provokes fusarium disease (brown spots on the leaves). You can return the basil to its original place after 5 years.

Land preparation

Site preparation should be done in the fall. For digging, apply per 1 m²: from 3.5 to 5 kg of compost or humus, 22 g of superphosphate, 12 g of potassium salt.

Planting basil seedlings outdoors

How to plant basil in the ground photo

You can transplant seedlings when the threat of return frosts has completely passed (the last days of May-early June).

• Plant in rows, keeping a distance of 20-25 cm between bushes, row spacing - 30-35 cm.
• Make holes in accordance with the size of the plant's root system, water well (about 1 liter of warm water in each hole).
• Remove the plants from the container along with the earthen lump, transfer into the hole, slightly deepening the stem to the first true leaves.
• Gently press the soil around the plant with your fingers.
• Water the plantings abundantly; at first, it is advisable to shade.

Further care is simple: timely abundant watering, weeding and loosening of the soil. It is helpful to mulch the row spacings to reduce watering and get rid of weeds.

Growing basil seeds outdoors

You need to sow basil at the end of March-April, if you want to have time to grow full-fledged bushes with fragrant herbs. To sow basil seeds directly into the ground, you need to prepare a greenhouse: cover the arcs with foil or build a greenhouse from old window frames. The ground needs to be warm enough to sow basil.

Sow shallow, up to 1 cm deep. The distance between the furrows is 15-20 cm. Water so that the water does not stagnate and cover the greenhouse. Ventilate in sunny warm weather, do not allow the temperature inside the greenhouse to rise more than 24 ° C. On warm days, open it altogether. Seedlings are thinned 2-3 times, leaving 8-10 cm between the plants. Pinch the central shoot over the 2-3rd pair of leaves. Transplant the grown seedlings to a permanent place in the absence of the threat of night frosts according to the 25x30 cm scheme.

How to care for basil outdoors

Shelter from the cold

The most important thing in grooming is to provide warmth. At the slightest threat of a severe cold snap at night, cover with a film. This applies more to extensive plantings, when the goal is to preserve the presentation of the greenery. To grow a few bushes for personal use, such hassle is not necessary.

Watering and loosening

Provide abundant watering, but do not allow moisture to stagnate. Water for irrigation should be warm, settled, bring it through a watering can, preferably in the evening.

Loose the soil every week, remove weeds regularly.

Pinching

Pinching basil photo

Pinch the basil regularly by removing the flower brushes. This will improve the branching of the bush and increase the green mass, as well as the duration of the growing season of the plants.

Top dressing

For the accumulation of vitamins and aromatic substances, the plant needs fertilizing:

• Add the first one after 10-15 days of growth in the open field, the next one after another 3-4 weeks.
• Feed with nitrophos (2 tablespoons per 12 liters of water, add 3 liters of solution per 1 m²).

How to cut basil

The first crop can be harvested before flowering (around the end of July): carefully cut off the branches from the top of the plant, leaving some of the foliage at the base of the shoots. In August, flowering will begin, new more fragrant leaves will appear (during the flowering period, the concentration of essential oils is maximum). Start harvesting your second crop. Twigs can be cut at any time for serving. In early September, you can dig up a few basil bushes and plant them in pots. Thus, you will provide yourself with fresh greens for the winter.

Leaves can be eaten fresh, salted, dried. To dry, prepare wide baking sheets, cover them with a cotton cloth, spread the twigs in a thin layer. Dry in a dark place with good ventilation. The readiness is evidenced by the following: the stems should break easily, the leaves will be ground into powder. Store in glass or porcelain jars that are hermetically sealed.

Types and varieties of basil with photos and names

There are more than 150 plant species, consider the most popular.

Sweet basil or camphor Ocimum basilcum

Sweet basil or camphor Ocimum basilcum photo

The most common type. The bush grows up to half a meter tall, the leaves are green, and have a tart taste.

Varieties:

Magical Michael - very abundant tillering.

Fragrant basil cultivar Ocimum basilcum Mammoth photo

Mammoth - the leaf plates are larger, bitterness prevails in the taste.

Sweet basil variety Ocinum basilicum ‘Genovese Gigante’ photo

Genovese Gigante - especially popular in Italy for its exquisite taste and aroma.

Basil cinnamon or Mexican Ocimum basilicum 'Cinnamon'

Basil cinnamon or Mexican Ocimum basilicum ‘Cinnamon’ photo

The leaves have a subtle cinnamon flavor.

Basil purple

Basil purple photo

The leaf plates are large, purple in color, and have a delicate taste.

Varieties:

Basil purple variety Purple Ruffles Basil photo

Osmin Purple - has dark purple leaves.

Basil purple variety Red Rubin photo

Red Rubin - purple-purple leaves.

Purpurascens - the taste of greens is tart and sweet.

Lemon basil

Lemon basil photo

The leaves are bright green in color, have a rich lemon aroma and the same aftertaste.

Varieties:

Basilico Genovese - rounded leaves.

Basilico Napoletano - Lemon aroma is most pronounced.

I love basil very much and finally decided to plant it. But I had no time to tinker with the seedlings, and there was nowhere to put it, so I would have to sow it immediately on the garden bed. Tell me when can you sow basil outdoors in spring?

In addition to the well-known dill and parsley, many gardeners also grow basil. This spicy fragrant herb is often planted not only in garden beds, but also in a flower bed, because in addition to being very useful, lush bushes also have a beautiful decorative appearance. Depending on the variety, there are plants with green or purple leaves, and even with a silvery sheen. In addition, each variety has its own aroma and can smell like cinnamon, lemon, cloves or anise.

Using the seedling method, you can get an early harvest of greens, but if such a goal is not worth it, basil multiplies well by sowing seeds in open ground.

Sowing time

Unlike parsley, which is sown in early spring, basil is more thermophilic. Sowing basil in open ground in spring is possible when stable warm weather is established and the night cold snaps go away.Usually this is the end of May - the beginning of June, because the spice grows actively only when the air temperature is above 20 degrees Celsius. Even a decrease in the night temperature to 1 degree Celsius can destroy delicate bushes.

Sowing seeds directly to the garden is not recommended in the northern regions. The first cold snap occurs there already at the end of summer, and then the harvest may not be seen.

Where to plant?

Basil is very demanding on lighting, so the beds should be laid out in a sunny area where water does not stagnate - an excessively wet, non-drying area leads to decay and destruction of plantings.

If you plant basil under young trees (they have almost no shade), its smell will scare off pests and protect the garden from their invasion.

A month before sowing, a plot is needed, because basil loves light and nutritious soil:

• for each square meter of the plot, add 2 kg of humus and peat;
• dig up.

How to plant basil?

The fragrant spice tends to grow strongly, therefore, when planting in rows, you need to leave a distance of at least 30 cm between them.In the very row, it is better to lay out 2 pieces with a distance of 5 cm.If all sprout, weaker sprouts can then be removed.

To speed up germination, it is recommended to cover the beds with foil. After germination, the shelter is immediately removed so that the seedlings do not get worn out.

Basil growing videos