Growing Basil - Tips on Growing Basil

Herbs are beneficial in many ways. Growing basil (or Ocimum basilicum) is an excellent addition to your flourishing herb garden. I am pleased to introduce, Basil, a sweet herb, member of the Mint Family. Although there is a few different varieties of basil, sweet basil is the most popular and well known. When it comes to old age herbal remedies, and flavoring meals, basil is the best.


Old tales-

Growing basil has a special significance in many cultures throughout the world. Indians swore oaths with basil leaves in court. To signify love, Italian suitors wore a sprig of basil in their hair when they courted their ladies. The Mexicans believed it would bring back a cheating lover if you walked around carrying basil.


Medical uses-

Growing basil provides major health benefits. The plant contains beta carotene, naturally packed with vitamin A. Basil, is a cure-all herb that can treat many disorders and ailments from headaches to indigestion. In fact, the list of benefits from this herb proves it so powerful; Basil is considered the “King” of herbs.


Growing Basil-

No need to worry, growing basil is a breeze. The seed can be sown indoors, then transplanting outside at a later date. It can even be full grown indoors if preferred. The plant needs plenty of sun to thrive. You can use fluorescent ’grow’ bulbs if there is not enough lighting in your home.

The seeds should be sown about 1” from each other, in a warm time of year. When the seedlings have developed a few leaves, they can be replanted. Make certain you wait until a late frost is no longer a threat.

Add layer of mulch of about three inches. Organic mulch is an excellent choice. Water about once a week, preferably in the morning. Do not over fertilize because this action diminishes the unique fragrance of the plant.

Plant the herbs at least 16 - 20 inches apart to grow a good- sized plant. For growing basil, it has essentially 2 requirements, well-drained soil, and a sunny, moist area.

Prune at least every two weeks to increase the health of the plant. Clip leaves back to around a quarter inch above a node and leave enough foliage for continued growth. Remove dead heads from flower stems for it to continue in good health.

Try growing basil near tomato plants. These plants equally need sunlight and above average watering, so having them near each other will be more convenient for the time-pressed gardener. Just like in your famous spaghetti sauce, these 2 plants go well together. Basil also acts as a natural insect repellent, either in the home kitchen, or to keep pests away from other plants.

Once the basil plant has reached 6" high, you can start to pinch off the top sets of leaves. Basil plants can grow to approximately two feet tall. Growing basil is a big benefit to both your garden and your household.