Basil is a plant that can be used in a variety of ways and is very popular. Kingwort goes well with a variety of dishes, but it is most commonly associated with salads and pasta dishes during the warm summer months. It grows well in gardens, both in containers and in the ground, and smells wonderful. Find out how you can plant and care for basil in the following article!
Basil – the favorite herb
Basil is a culinary herb commonly used in Italian and Mediterranean dishes - but its origins lie in the islands of the South Pacific and South Asia. It is an annual plant that belongs to the mint family. It only takes about three to four weeks from the time of sowing to harvest, which is another reasonwhy the cultivationthis herb can be very enjoyable.
Basil is an excellent herb to start growing if you are new to it.
Choose the best planting time
For thegrowth of the herbIt is important that it is planted at the right time of year. Plant the herb outdoors as soon as the last frost of spring has passed because it grows best in warm conditions. You should start six to eight weeks before sowing with theCultivation of plantsStart from seeds indoors.
The right location
Basil needs at least six hours of sunlight per day to thrive. Therefore, you should carefully examine your property to determine which areas receive the most light. Planting the mullein in a container and positioning it facing the window will allow the plant to make good use of the abundant sun.
Plant the seeds either in the ground, on raised beds or in containers. The correct planting distance is one of the most important factors for ahealthy growth. The seedlings should be spaced about 30 cm apart in the garden bed.
Growing Tips for Kingwort – Soil
Regardless of whether you plant the culinary herb in the ground, a raised bed or a container, it prefers nutrient-rich, organic soil. You can add compost to the soil. If you decide to purchase soil, look for a mix that contains both topsoil and compost.
Growing and caring for basil – watering
Make sure that your basil plants get enough water regularly, as they are sensitive to drought. For example, during the heat of summer, you should water potted basil plants every day. If the leaves start to droop, it means the plant is thirsty and needs water.
Fertilize kingweed
You may want to fertilize your basil plants more frequently if you plan to harvest the plants' leaves. A fertilizer that can be used for different purposes works very well and helps keep new leaves appearing.
Common Pests and Diseases
Aphids are the most common problem encountered in basil, especially,if the plantsbe grown indoors. In addition to being a nuisance outdoors, beetles and slugs can also damage leaves by making holes in them. To get rid of these pests, spray the entire plant with a soapy solution made from two teaspoons of dishwashing detergent and one gallon of water.
Basil is susceptible to powdery mildew, so leave plenty of space between plants to improve air circulation. You should also not water the plants from above because the fungal spores can be sprayed onto the plants. Severely infected leaves should be removed and thrown away as quickly as possible.
Growing basil from cuttings of existing plants
Basil is easy to grow from cuttings or cuttings by simply cutting a small piece from an existing plant. Place the cut piece in a jar of clean water and then place it in a bright place to dry. Change the water twice a day and you should see new root growth fairly quickly. When the roots of the plant are at least 3 cm long, the plant can be planted.
Planting and caring for basil – potted plants
Be sure to choose a fairly large pot if you are growing basil in a container rather than in the garden. A growing basil plant could suffer if the soil in its container becomes too dry during the hot summer days. The plant will need to be watered more frequently if it is growing in a container that is too small. If you want to make sure the plants in your container are getting enough water, you should check the soil daily. To avoid waterlogging of the roots, you should use a high-quality potting soil that has good drainage. Also make sure that the vessel has drainage holes.
When a basil plant begins to bloom, the leaves lose their distinctive flavor and the plant stops growing. If you cut off the flowers the problem is solved and in a few days the plant will have a delicious sweet basil taste again.
