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| Botanical Name: | Ocimum basilicum |
| Common names: | Sweet Basil, Basil, and Holy Basil |
| Description: | Basil is one of the most widely grown herbs in the world. Originally from India, it is grown for its clove-like smelling, soft green or purple foliage and is often associated with its culinary use in Italian dishes. |
| Life Cycle: | tender annual |
| Exposure: | full sun |
| Cultivation: | Start with purchased plants or sow basil seeds directly into the garden early to mid spring. Basil will not tolerate the cold, and transplants should not be planted until they are 4 inches high and danger of all frost has passed. Plant basil in ordinary, well drained soil. |
| Propagation: | seeds |
| Parts Used: | leaves, clove-like fragrance |
| Harvesting and Storage: | Harvest leaves fresh for use as needed. If used for culinary purposes, dried basil will not retain its flavor and should be placed between sheets of wax paper and frozen or chopped and frozen with water. To dry basil, hang it upside down in a warm, dark room and store leaves in an airtight container when dry. |
| Medicinal Uses: | an expectorant and an anti-inflammatory to relieve sore mouths and gums, as part of treatment for malaria, bronchitis and gastric disorders. |
| Culinary Uses: | Italian cooking; tomato and cheese dishes; salads. |
| Other Uses: | herbal wreaths, insect repellant, and potpourri. |
By
10/16/2009
It's possible that by throwing the seeds into the same pots that the chemical reaction of the seeds could be telling the plant it has done it's job. Sounds weird but that is what happens with trees, the leaves are putting out chemicals in the fall when they are changing colors that will stop another species of tree from seeding in that area. Trying saving your seeds but not in the same pot. I'm know botanist but it makes sense to me.
By luana@rynhoud.com (Guest Post)
03/17/2006
i have these tiny green bugs all over my basil how can i get rid of them?
By
03/11/2006
Caring for basil. My basil is sad. It is not ther deep green like the one in your picture, it is very light green. It is flowering and I pinch off the flowers and throw them in the pot with the plant. Leaves look limp, pale green and thin. Do you have any ideas what is wrong and how to make it healthy again?
Site and soil preferences: Basil thrives in heat and full sun. Plant it in any well-drained soil amended with plenty of organic matter. It grows well in both garden beds and containers, and when planted near pepper and tomato plants, it is said to enhance their growth.
Starting seeds indoors: Seeds can be started indoors 6 to 8 weeks before your last expected frost. Plant hardened-off seedlings outdoors after the danger of frost has passed and soil temperature average 50 degrees F or higher. As plants grow, remove flower stalks to maintain the best foliage flavor.
Mulching: Apply compost around the base of seedlings to keep roots warm, retain soil moisture, and discourage weeds. Side-dress with compost again in mid-summer to help enhance production.
Storage: Leaves harvested for immediate use can be layered between paper towels and placed in resealable plastic bags in the refrigerator. To enjoy basil year round, chop leaves in a food processor and freeze them in ice cube trays with water or a little olive oil. Then when a recipe calls for fresh basil, simply add a cube from the freezer. If you plan to freeze pesto, leave out the garlic until you're ready to use it.
By Ellen Brown
Shared on: 04/28/2011
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