Welcome to the world of basil — the fragrant herb that which transports you to Italy in just one mouthful. Whether you're a seasoned gardener looking to expand your herb collection or a newbie eager to try your hand at growing basil, theres so many to chose from, you will really be spoiled for choice.
Planting Basil: Sowing Seeds and Providing Care
Sowing Seeds : Start your basil plants from seeds by sowing them indoors in early spring, about 6-8 weeks before the last frost date. Sow onto moist compost and jist cover with a little soil.
Keep them moist, a germination lid may help to prevent then from drying out and place them in a warm, sunny spot. Ideal Temp 15-20°C. A heated mat may help with faster germination.
Can be transplanted into the groud if required once large enough to handle and after risk of frost has passed, or gown in containers.
Watering and Feeding : Basil plants require regular watering to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. To promote healthy growth, feed your basil plants with a balanced fertilizer every 3-4 weeks during the growing season.
Sunlight and Temperature : Basil thrives in full sun, so make sure your plants receive at least 6-8 hours of sunlight per day. Maintain a temperature range of 70-85°F (21-29°C) for optimal growth. A sunny greenhouse is ideal.
By providing your basil plants with the right care and conditions, you'll soon be rewarded with abundant foliage and flavorful leaves to enjoy in your favorite dishes.
Harvesting and Storing Your Basil Bounty
Once your basil plants have grown lush and bountiful, it's time to reap the rewards of your gardening efforts. Here's how to harvest and store basil for future use:
Harvesting : To encourage bushier growth, pinch off the top set of leaves when the plant reaches about 6 inches in height. Harvest basil leaves in the morning when their flavor is most intense by snipping them just above a leaf node.
Storing Fresh Basil : Place freshly harvested basil leaves in a jar of water, similar to a bouquet of flowers, and store them on the countertop away from direct sunlight. Change the water every few days to keep the leaves fresh.
Drying or Freezing : If you have an abundance of basil, consider drying or freezing the leaves for long-term storage. To dry basil, hang small bunches upside down in a warm, well-ventilated area. Alternatively, freeze basil leaves by pureeing them with olive oil and storing the mixture in ice cube trays.
Varieties of Basil: Choosing the Right One for Your Needs
Sweet Basil : The classic choice for pesto and Caprese salad, sweet basil thrives in warm, sunny climates with well-drained soil.
Genovese Basil : Also known as sweet basil. One of the most popular basils for culinary use, particularly for use in making pesto!
Thai Basil : Known for its spicy kick and anise-like flavor, Thai basil prefers high humidity and plenty of sunlight. Native to south east Asia, leaves stand up better to cooking than Sweet Basil which makes it ideal for use in cooking. With purple stems and long purple-veined leaves which make this plant very ornamental
Mexican Cinnamon Basil : A distinctive basil from Mexico with an amazing scent of cinnamon. Pretty purple flowers growing on purple stems with green foliage.
Pistou Basil: Small Compact and uniform leaves. Great for pots and containers
Lime Basil: With a gorgeous zesty aroma and classic looking compact leaves
Superbo Basil: A compact plant with large leaves
Lemon Basil : As the name suggests, this basil variety boasts a zesty lemon flavor and does well in both full sun and partial shade.
American Basil : Also known as lime basil, or hoary basil, despite the misleading name, originates from Africa and Asia
Purple Basil : With its striking deep purple leaves, purple basil adds a pop of color to your garden and flourishes in warm climates.
French Basil : Also known as Marseilles basil. An heirloom globe basil, with a delicious fragrance and larger leaves than other globe Basils, Used to make pistou, which is similar to Italian pesto.Lettuce Leaf Basil : With Large crinkled leaves and a sweet flavour , but not as strong as other sweet basils. Particularly useful for salads or wrapping with fish, chicken or a rice stuffing for grilling.
Dark Opal Basil : With deep purple mottled leaves, a very decorative variety
Liquorice Basil : A very aromatic variety commonly used in Thai & Vientamese cooking, with stems and leaves which develop a purple colour as they mature and pretty pink/purple flowers. Great for salads to add a touch of colour.
Egyptian Basil - Also known as sweet basil. Not as green or sweet as Californian basil but still very delicious. Has a delicate anise-like flavour.
Bush Basil : A very fine leaved variety with a strong basil flavour.
Thai Basil : Native to south east Asia, leaves stand up better to cooking than Sweet Basil which makes it ideal for use in cooking. With slightly spicy leaves give a hint of licorice. With purple stems and long purple-veined leaves which make this plant very ornamental
Red Rubin Basil : Basil Red Rubin has gorgeous reddish purple leaves with the traditional Sweet basil taste although a little stronger in flavour. It makes a lovely colourful statement plant in the garden as well as an excellent culinary herb and its rich red colour adds a touch of the unique to pasta...
Magical Michael Basil : With a compact bush like shape and a high degree of uniformity which is unusual in basil varieties. The flavor is similar to sweet basil.
Holy Basil : Also Know as Thai Holy Basil. With purple stems and green, fragrant leaves. A herb which is sacred within the Hindu religion. It is believed that the petals mixed with water and given to the dying raises their departing souls to heaven. Often found planted in courtyards of Hindu houses and used to cleanse the body
Nufar Basil : A vigorous F1 hybrid which gives high yield and is both sweet and spicy
Purple Ruffles Basil : Exactly as the name suggests with dark purple fuffled leaves used in pesto or as a stunning garnish. Has won multiple awards for its beauty, flavor and ease of cultivation.
Siam Queen Basil: Popular in oriental cooking. With dark green leaves and purple flower spikes make this basil an ideal ornamental herb which is great for pots and containers.
Spicy Globe Basil: A tiny leaved compact basil ideal for containers
Sweet Dani Basil: Very aromatic with a strong lemon scent
Amethyst Improved Basil: A beautiful purple coloured bastoc with improved anti bolting properties and a little spicy
Mrs. Burns' Lemon Basil: Originating from New Mexico with large leaves and an intense lemon flavour
Pistou Basil: Small Compact and uniform leaves. Great for pots and containers
Lime Basil: With a gorgeous zesty aroma and classic looking compact leaves
Superbo Basil: A compact plant with large leaves
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