Growing Basil - How to Grow Basil

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Growing Basil - How to Grow Basil

Monday, December 29th, 2008    Subscribe To Our Feed

Herbs are beneficial in many ways. Growing basil (or Ocimum basilicum) is an excellent addition to your flourishing herb garden. Unknown to most, basil is actually a member of the mint family! Sweet Basil is the most popular grown basil plant but it grows in a host of other varieties. When it comes to old age herbal remedies, and flavoring meals, basil is the best.

Folklore-

Growing basil has a special significance in many cultures throughout the world. Indians swore oaths with basil leaves in court. To signify love, Italian suitors wore a sprig of basil in their hair when they courted their ladies. A popular Mexican belief is that carrying basil would return a cheating lover.

Medical uses-

There are big health benefits of growing basil. The herb is a natural source of beta-carotene, which is packed with Vitamin A. Basil, is a cure-all herb that can treat many disorders and ailments from headaches to indigestion. There are so many benefits derived from basil, that it is known as the ‘King of Herbs’.

Growing Basil-

Growing basil can be childs-play. The seed can be sown indoors, then transplanting outside at a later date. If you lack the space for growing basil outdoors, it can be grown inside. The plant needs plenty of sun to thrive. You can use fluorescent ’grow’ bulbs if there is not enough lighting in your home.

Sow the seed in a warm time of year, about 1″ apart. After a few leaves have grown, the basil can then be re-planted. Make certain you wait until a late frost is no longer a threat.

Add a some mulch of about three inches. Organic mulch is an excellent choice. Water about once a week, preferably in the morning. Do not over fertilize because this action diminishes the unique fragrance of the plant.

When re-planting, dig the herbs in at least 1 – 1 feet apart from each other, to ensure appropriate growing space. For growing basil, it has essentially 2 requirements, well-drained soil, and a sunny, moist area.

Prune at least every two weeks to increase the health of the plant. Clip leaves back to about a quarter inch above a node and leave enough foliage for continued growth. Remove dead heads from flower stems for it to continue in good health.

It’s a good idea when growing basil, to plant it near your tomato vines. These plants equally need sunlight and above average watering, so having them close together will be more convenient for the time-pressed gardener. Just like in your famous spaghetti sauce, these 2 plants go well together. Basil also acts as a natural insect repellent, either in the home kitchen, or to keep pests away from other plants.

After 6” of growth, the top leaves are ready to be pinched off. Basil plants can grow to approximately two feet tall. Growing basil is a big benefit to both your garden and your household.