Basil refers to the Ocimum basilicum species of the mint family, Lamiaceae. Commonly known by its common name “sweet basil,” this plant is farmed for its leaves, which are used in food. The fragrant leaves of this plant are commonly used as a culinary herb, and the term basil can also refer to the seasoning made from the plant’s dried leaves.
Holy Basil (Ocimum tenuiflorum) and the hybrid Lemon Basil (Ocimum citriodorum) are both members of the genus Ocimum, which shares the common name “basil.”
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Sweet basil: Key facts
| Common name | Basil |
| Botanical name | Ocimum basilicum |
| Family | Lamiaceae. |
| Height | 18-24 inches tall |
| Soil | Well drained/light/sandy |
| Sun | Full sun |
| Soil pH | 4.1 to 8.5 |
| Water | Average |
Sweet basil: Physical features
Basil has shiny, oval leaves with either smooth or slightly serrated edges. The edges often have a cupped look, and the leaves are arranged on opposite sides of the square stems. The tiny blooms, which can be white or deep magenta, grow in clusters at the end of the plant. The plants are perfect for a kitchen or herb garden; their average height is between 40 and 60 centimetres.
Sweet basil: How to grow it?
- Plant sweet basil seeds no deeper than a quarter of an inch. The ideal height range for basil is between 12 and 24 inches.
- Do not forget to water the soil. Wet soil is ideal for basil plants.
- Make use of mulch if you reside in a warm climate (the mulch will help hold in moisture and suppress weeds).
- Don’t be stingy with the water during the summer’s dry spells.
- Seedlings should be pruned after they have grown their first six leaves but before they have grown their second set. Plants will begin to branch out as a result, providing additional foliage when the time comes to pick them.
- Repeat cutting branches back to their first set of leaves every time they reach a maturity of six to eight leaves.
- Apply 5-10-5 fertiliser sparingly throughout the season.
- To delay blooming, pinch out the central shoot after about 6 weeks. When blooms appear, they can be easily removed.
- Basil is quite sensitive to cold, so if there’s a chance of frost or you know it’s going to get chilly, pick it before it dies.
Sweet basil: Care and maintenance
- Make sure that the soil is wet. Basil plants like wetness. If you are in a warm region, mulch the basil plants (the mulch will help keep the soil moist).
- Frequently harvest the leaves to promote growth during the summer.
- Remove the central shoot after six weeks to prevent early blossoming. If flowers do grow, simply remove them.
- Be cautious to harvest your basil before the onset of cold weather, as the cold weather will kill your plants.
Light
Six to eight hours of direct sunlight a day is ideal for the development of light basil. When plants get enough sunlight, they are healthier and more resistant to pests and diseases. Unless you live in a really hot region, in which case basil does better in partial shade.
Soil
Growing basil is easiest when the soil is rich, wet, and well-drained. It is recommended that you modify your soil with compost or another type of mulch that is rich in nutrients.
Water
Watering basil frequently and thoroughly is necessary, but it must be grown on soil that has good drainage. The moisture content of the soil can be maintained with the help of mulch.
Temperature and moisture
The heat brings out the best in basil. It is not worth the trouble of planting it until the daytime temperatures continue in the 70s and the nighttime temperatures are above 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Basil is one of the plants that will be among the first to perish in the fall since it is extremely susceptible to cold.
When there is a chance of frost, protecting your plants with row covers will help you get a little bit more out of the growing season. It is not necessary to allow the row cover to come into contact with the leaves since the frost that forms on the outside of the row cover is sufficient to cause damage to the fragile leaves, most likely turning them black.
Fertiliser
It is possible that you may need to fertilise your basil plants more frequently if you intend to pick the leaves from them. A fertiliser that can be used for a variety of purposes works very well and helps to ensure that new leaves will continue to emerge.
Sweet basil: How to store?
Basil is best preserved by freezing. The plant’s flavour won’t be diminished nearly as much through freezing. Basil can be quickly frozen by sealing whole or chopped leaves in airtight plastic bags and placing them in the freezer.
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Sweet basil: Harvesting methods
- When basil plants are 6-8 inches tall, you can begin harvesting the leaves.
- Basil’s true leafing out occurs when temperatures reach 80 degrees Fahrenheit (27 degrees Celsius).
- Gather leaves first thing in the morning when their juice content is highest.
- In order to promote development during the summer, pick the leaves on a regular basis.
- Harvest the leaves even if you don’t plan on using them. Put these away for later!
- When harvested weekly, the leaves of twelve basil plants can yield four to six cups.
Sweet basil: Benefits
- Good mineral content
- Provides fibre to the body
- Improves your gut health
- Helps with diabetes
- Improves cholesterol level in the body
- Has anti-cancer properties.
- Fights heart disease
- Kills pathogenic bacteria
- Also possess anti-inflammatory properties.
Sweet basil: Uses
- Can be used as a thickener and stabiliser.
- In India and Southeast Asia, basil seeds have been used in beverages.
- Contains a healthy dose of omega-3 fatty acids.
Sweet basil: Toxicity
Bloating and other gastrointestinal discomforts may result from the high fibre content of basil seeds.
FAQs
Is sweet basil a chemical anti-inflammatory?
Crude oil of sweet basil exhibited various antioxidant and anti-inflammatory characteristics.
Is basil helpful for kidneys?
Basil leaves function as a kidney tonic by purifying the kidneys and decreasing uric acid levels.