Growing Basil, Herb of Love

Where To Grow Basil
Basil has one key requirement - sunshine! Position it in a protected full-sun position in warmer parts of the UK, and if this is not possible, grow in a moveable container. Soil should be well-dug and well-drained. If the soil is heavy, add sharp sand and multipurpose compost to help drainage.

Propagation of Basil
In April, sow three seeds to a small pot in normal moist potting compost. Lightly cover with compost and place in a warm (15C or 60F) dark position - try and keep the temperature as constant as possible, never letting it drop below 10C (48F). The seedlings will emerge in two weeks time and the plant should be placed in a sunny warm position. Basil hates water on it's leaves and stem, so water from below.

Planting and Care of Basil
Other than sun, basil has few requirements and can be planted outside as soon as the temperature reaches 10�C or more mid-May time normally. Note that basil is killed by any degree of frost and can even be killed when cool temperatures last for a significant period. So if your area is not in a warm part of the UK then grow in a container and be prepared to move the container indoors if there is any threat of frost.

Varieties of Basil
There are many varieties of basil, the readily available ones are described below.

Sweet Basil (Ocimum basilcum) - the most popular variety in the UK used in Italian style dishes and salads. It grows to a height of 75cm (2ft 6in)

Cinnamon Basil (Ocimum basilcum) - form Mexico, with a cinnamon flavour. It grows to a height of 45cm (18in).

Lemon Basil (Ocimum citriodorum) - mild lemon flavour, commonly used with fish. It grows to a height of 30cm (12in).

Purple Basil (Ocimum basilcum purpurea) - similar to sweet basil, but with purple leaves. One of the more tender varieties. It grows to a height of 75cm (2ft 6in)

Red Rubin Basil (Ocimum basilcum) - similar to sweet basil but very darkly coloured leaves.
HHA. Ht. 75cm. A much deeper colour than purple basil. It grows to a height of 75cm (2ft 6in)

Thai Basil (Ocimum sp.) - very spicy, used in Indian cooking. It grows to a height of 90cm (3ft).

How To Harvest Basil
Pinch or cut the leaves off as required, but always from the top. When the plants begin to produce flowers, pinch those out as soon as possible to encourage more leafy growth. 

Fresh basil is by far the best for flavour. However, it can be dried by tying the leafy stems into bunches and hanging them upside down in a dry, warm and dark place until dry. Then crumble the leaves into small particles and store in an airtight jar. Basil will retain almost all it's flavour if placed in small plastic bags and put in the freezer. 

A more traditional method of preserving all the flavour of basil is to layer the leaves in a jar, and lightly salt them. Cover the leaves with a layer of olive oil.  Seal the lid tightly and place in a cool, dark spot or refrigerate. Use the leaves as needed and reseal each time. This will keep up to six months. The oil soon becomes infused with the essence of the basil, making it ideal for use in dressings or in pastas.

Container Growing Basil
Basil is ideally suited to container growing in normal potting compost. Water regularly (from the base if possible) and feed twice a month with liquid plant food. As the season progresses, move them round the garden to the sunniest and most protected position. Basil will grow well indoors on a sunny windowsill. See our in depth pages on growing herbs in containers by clicking here.

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