Basil Varieties
There are several varieties, differing in the size, shape, odor and color of the leaves. The Common Basil has very dark green leaves, the curled-leaved has short spikes of flowers, the narrow-leaved smells like Fennel, another has a scent of citron and another a tarragon scent, one species has leaves of three colors, and another 'studded' leaves.
Christmas Basil
Christmas Basil have shiny green leaves and small purple flowers. the plant will reach up to 1.5 feet but is generally about a foot in height. Its flavor is a tad fruity and has been compared to wine. Its aroma does not betray its taste in that it has an evergreen scent reminiscent of pine. The origin of its name "Christmas" is uncertain whether it comes from its cold tolerance or pine like aroma.
Cinnamon Basil
Cinnamon basil is tall and bushy reaching around 3 feet in height with an equal girth. The leaves are thin and serrated. Coloration green leaves and lilac colored stems, pointed light purple flowers. Cinnamon basil has a mild cinnamon flavor and aroma
Dark Opal Basil
This basil Reaches 12-18 inches in height and is easily maintained. In the culinary realm it is more full flavored and pungent than standard sweet basil and is used for both its flavor and color. Dark purple so far as flavor is concerned has been compared to ginger with a hint of anise.
Green Ruffles Basil
This cultivar reaches a height of up to 2 feet and roughly 1.5 feet wide. Its leaves look like immature lettuce leaves, they are lime green and ruffled. The flowers are pinkish white, sometimes more white than pink. It is more delicate than many other varieties and requires more care . The flavor is comparable to sweet basil with a hint of cinnamon.
Holy Basil
Holy basil attains a height of up to 1.5 feet. Have a bushy growth and produces stems and leaves that range in color from light green to dark purple.
Genovese Basil
A sweet basil and one of the most commonly cultivated. It is an Italian variety . Its leaves are a crinkled dark green and extremely tender, So popular in pesto and assorted sauces and salads. This basil Should be started early indoors in most regions or outside after any danger of frost.
Greek Basil
Greek Basil leaves are minute and bright green. The plant is small averaging about 1/2 to 1 foot in height, sometimes a tad taller. It is generally grown as an annual in most regions but has been known to grown for several seasons in warmer climates. It lends itself well to both edible gardens as well as landscape scenarios. It is mildly sweet and spicy and has been compared to cloves, so far as aroma is concerned it mimics the flavor but is not overly aromatic.
Lemon Basil
It is named "Lemon" because it has a citrus flavor and aroma. The plant produces slender and narrow light green leaves. The flowers differ little from other basil cultivars in appearance but emit a lemony aroma.
Lettuce Basil
Large Leafed Italian, Large Leaf Basil or Crispum Basil.This Plant reaches 1.5 to 2 feet in height. Crinkled delicate 3-4 inch medium green broad leaves. Mild flavor and aroma clove and mint, slight peppery taste.
Sweet Basil
The most popular and widely used culinary herb. It is a tender annual, aromatic plant with a spicy odor and flavor. It grows 12-18 inches tall and foliage color can range from green to purple. Foliage size can vary from large lettuce-like leaves to very small leaves, half inch in size.
A dwarf basil developed by Burpee that averages about 10 inches tall. What it lacks in height it makes up for in vigor. Summer long retains its bushy stature and and produces longer than other varieties.
Thai Basil
Thai Basil sometimes called Siam Queen. It is related to mint and is sometimes classified as a sweet basil. Siam Queen is native to southeast Asia. The plant produces has narrow green leaves, purple stems, and pinkish purple flowers. The leaves of this variety are larger than other Thai varieties and hence produces a much larger yield. It attains a height of 1 to 1.5 feet and grows in a bush habit. The flavor is spicy sweet with only a hint of cinnamon and licorice.
Basil is one of the easiest and most satisfying herbs to grow, for both beginning and experienced gardeners. Basil is known to attract bees and butterflies and has very aromatic foliage. It's a beautiful plant, making it an easy addition to flower beds and borders as both an ornamental and edible feature. Basil will also improve the growth and flavor of tomatoes, and may help to repel harmful pests.
Here are my tips on how to grow basil successfully!
Starting Basil Seeds Indoors
Growing basil from seed is truly enjoyable!
- Choose which kind of basil you wish to grow, each varieties have a unique flavor and smell.
- You have to start seed indoors four to six weeks before last frost.
- Fill a small pot with moist multipurpose compost and then sprinkle seeds thinly.
- Cover with a very fine layer of compost and water.
- Place your pot on a warm windowsill.
- Keep the soil moist but not too wet as the seeds can rot.
- Seedlings should appear after one or two weeks.
Watch How to Grow Basil From Seeds Video
Once two sets of leaves have formed, basil can be planted into the garden or permanent containers. Basil does not tolerate frost so don't plant too early.
Growing Basil From Seed Outdoors
Basil plants are certainly one of the most popular herbs grown in the garden. Basil plant like warmer temperatures. If you live in a warm climate you can plant basil seeds directly into your garden in early spring.- Basil likes a fertile soil that has been well dug to allow good soil air circulation for the roots.
- Ensure your site gets 6 to 8 hours of full Sun daily and your soil should be moist and well drained.
- Sow basil seeds evenly by covering them with about ¼-inch of soil.
- Water well.
- Keep the soil moist and make sure you remove any weeds.
How to Plant Basil Seedlings
Starting basil plants indoors four to six weeks before transplanting outdoors is a good way to get a jump-start on the growing and harvesting season. Transplanting basil seedlings is so easy and with good care you will enjoy harvesting basil leaves all summer long!
- Keep in mind that Basil does not tolerate frost so don't plant too early. Make sure the ground temperature is at least 70°F.
- Add plenty of organic nutrients from compost, blood meal, to the soil.
- Plant your basil in a well drained soil, positioned in a sunny place in the garden, for smaller plants, plant farther apart {about 16 to 24 inches}.
- Dig holes and place the basil in the holes and place soil around the stems. Pat down soil around the plants to eliminate air pockets.
- Water the plants and remember that during the dry periods in summer, you have to water the plants freely.
- Feed your plants every couple of weeks to help keep tender new leaves coming on as you pinch back the stem tips.
- You have to pinch out the flower heads as soon as they appear to make sure that the leaves will continue growing.
Growing Basil In Containers
Basil Harvest and Storage
- It's always better to harvest basil before the plant flowers.
- Harvest leaves by pinching them from the stems always after the young plants have reached a height of 6 to 8 inches. Pinch the leaves from the tips of the stems to encourage the plant to branch and make more leaves.
- You have to remember to pinch out the flower heads as soon as they appear to make sure that the leaves will continue growing.
- Keep the stems pinched even if you don’t use the leaves otherwise, the plant will begin to flower and make seeds, and will stop producing leaves.
- The best method for storing basil is freezing. This will prevent the plant from losing any of its flavor. To quick freeze basil, dry whole sprigs of basil and package them in airtight plastic bags.
- Remember do not keep fresh leaves in the refrigerator, though, as they will turn brown.
- Basil can be used in fresh or dried . To dry Basil cut the stems at soil level and dry them in a dehydrator or hang bunches of stems up to air dry in a warm room, this should take about one week. Once the leaves are dried you can remove them from the stems and then store them in a dry airtight container for up to 12 months.
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Watch How to Harvest Basil Leaves Video
Basil Companion Planting
Companion planting simply means grouping different, but complimentary, plants together. Basil is a plant suitable for growing alongside many vegetables and herbs. Plant basil among other herbs and vegetables as asparagus, beans, beets, cabbage, chili and bell peppers, eggplant, marigolds, oregano, potatoes , tomatoes and chamomile.
Watch Companion Planting With Basil Video
Treatments Using Basil
- Basil leaves are used for quenching fevers, especially those related to malaria and other infectious, eruptive fevers common to tropical areas. Boiling leaves with some cardamom in about two quarts of water, then mixed with sugar and milk, brings down temperature. An extract of basil leaves in fresh water should be given every 2 to 3 hours; between doses you can give sips of cold water. This method is especially effective for reducing fevers in children.
- Boiling basil leaves with honey and ginger is useful for treating asthma, bronchitis, cough, cold, and influenza. Boiling the leaves, cloves, and sea salt in some water will give rapid relief of influenza. These combinations should be boiled in about two quarts of water until only half the water remains before they are taken.
- Basil leaves can be used as an anti-stress agent. Chewing 12 basil leaves twice a day can prevent stress. It will purify the blood and help prevent many other common ailments.
Now that you know how to grow basil, Just give it a try and grow it yourself and enjoy harvesting fresh basil leaves as they are so easy to grow!
Please let us know your thoughts, experiences, or questions in the comments below. If you like this, you can share with your friends!
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Enjoy Growing Your Own Basil!
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