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Gardeners and gardeners often have the question of how to plant basil. And it is not surprising, because this plant came to our region relatively recently. Basil is native to the Middle East and Asia. But we also loved him. After all, there is a reason. Although the basilica contains small amount vitamins, but it is rich in macroelements (calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, sulfur and others).

How to properly plant basil in open ground and how to care for it, we will tell you in our article.

General information about sowing basil

Plot.Basil does not grow well in shaded, cold areas. It can be planted near a residential building, which will protect it from the wind. But plant on such a side that the structure does not cast a shadow on the plantings.

Do not plant basil in lowlands, where the temperature is lower than at flat surface. But areas at higher elevations, on the contrary, warm up best.

Do not choose wetlands or areas where the level groundwater comes close to the surface.

Priming.Basil requires light soil - sandy and sandy loam. The soil should be loose and contain useful substances. On poor soil you won't get good harvest basilica

In dense soil, basil will grow stunted and sickly. In such conditions it is difficult for him to develop. If you do not have the opportunity to plant this crop in suitable soil, then pay attention to careful soil preparation. Namely: applying fertilizers (organic and mineral), digging and loosening the soil.

Crop rotation.Do not grow basil in the same place for more than one year. Otherwise, the risk that this crop will be affected by its characteristic disease (for example, fusarium) increases. Basil takes the nutrients necessary for its growth from the soil, which means that when it is subsequently planted in this place, it will no longer have enough of them. Return this crop to its previous place only after 5-6 years.

Deadlines.You can grow basil without seedling method, immediately into open ground. But remember that this crop is heat-loving, for this reason in countries with cold springs it is planted in unprotected soil no earlier than June.

If you want to get aromatic basil greens ahead of schedule, then grow it first with seedlings. And plant the seedlings in the ground at the right time. This is how basil is usually grown.

On a note!

If you see that the time for sowing seeds or planting seedlings is approaching, but the weather outside is cold, windy, and the temperature is not high enough, it is better to postpone this event. Wait out the bad weather and only then sow the seeds and plant basil seedlings in open ground.

In southern regions, dates may be earlier. However, remember that you need to be guided not by the deadlines, but by the temperature established outside. The reason is that the weather in different regions varies to a greater or lesser extent, it is impossible to derive a suitable time frame for everyone. Besides temperature regime and weather conditions may vary from year to year.

Temperature.As already mentioned, basil loves warmth. The higher the temperature, the faster its seeds will germinate. The best temperature for seed germination is from +25ºС to +28ºС. For the growth and development of an adult plant, a temperature of +16ºС to +20ºС is required (exceeding it will cause the basil to stretch out, weaken, and become stunted).

Soil preparation.Prepare the soil for growing this crop in advance in the fall. Since basil loves loose soil, dig the beds to a depth of 25 cm.

Seal it under digging organic fertilizers(compost, humus or others). Apply at the rate of 2-3 kg per 1 sq. m. Also, for rapid growth and good health of future seedlings, add mineral fertilizers: 20 g of superphosphate, 15 g of potassium salt. In the spring you will only need to loosen the beds

If you haven’t had time to prepare the soil since the fall, don’t worry. Do all these procedures a month before planting basil.

If your site has unsuitable soil, its preparation requires more attention and effort. Soil that is heavy in mechanical composition is least suitable for basil. In this case, to make the soil light, well aerated and permeable, add for each square meter sand. If there is an excessive level of acidity in the area, then lime the soil, add lime to it for digging, in addition to organic and mineral fertilizers. Lime can be replaced with chalk or dolomite flour. Adding ash has a positive effect on heavy soil. However, please note that this treatment must be repeated every one to two years to maintain its properties.

Growing basil using seedlings and non-seedlings

Sowing in the ground.If climatic conditions allow you to grow basil in your garden from seeds, then make your life more difficult by growing seedlings.

Basil can be sown in furrows or planting holes. Their depth is 1-2 cm. Pre-flood the grooves (pits) with water and compact their bottom so that the seeds do not go below the required depth. Place the seeds in a continuous strip or at a distance of 5 cm. Seal the grooves with loose soil. Spill it. The distance between rows is 30 cm.

On a note!

When sowing seeds in furrows, do not forget about thinning the seedlings. First, when the plants hatch and grow a little, leave 5-10 cm between seedlings. Second, when the plants have 3-4 true leaves, leave 20 cm between seedlings.

The specimens that you removed from the row can be transplanted to another bed for growing.

If you sow basil in planting holes, place them at a distance of 20 cm from each other. The distance between the rows is 30 cm. Place one seed in the planting hole. Seal them with loose soil. Compact it. Spill with water.

When growing basil without seedlings in open ground, it is recommended to water the soil with a growth stimulator (Epin or another). This drug will accelerate seed germination and root formation in seedlings. This means you will reap the herb harvest earlier than when grown without a growth stimulant.

Sowing seedlings.Calculate the sowing time for seedlings of this crop based on the weather conditions of your region. After all, in order to plant seedlings in the ground as soon as the weather is suitable, the basil must reach a certain age. The growing season of this crop, depending on the variety, lasts from 120 to 160 days. And seedlings are transplanted into the ground at the age of 30 to 50 days (one to two months), this also depends on the specific variety and the duration of its ripening.

Also take light and fertile soil for sowing seedlings. If desired, create a substrate for sowing seeds yourself. This is done like this: combine 4 parts peat, 2 parts rotted compost, 1 part sand (rinse it first). Mix all ingredients thoroughly.

If you do not trust the place where you purchased the soil, then disinfect it with a solution of potassium permanganate (use 5%, that is, dark). Not long before sowing, pre-water the soil with it.

You can sow basil in one container (a wooden box or a long flowerpot) or in separate containers (cups, peat pots, cassettes, etc.).

Fill the selected container with the resulting substrate so that 3-4 cm remains to the edge. Lightly moisten it. Place basil seeds in containers. Cover them with soil. The seeds should be at a depth of 1 cm. If you sow in separate containers, then place one seed in each. If you sow in a box or long flowerpot, then the planting material can be placed in a continuous furrow or at intervals of 1-2 cm. When sowing in furrows, remember that the seedlings will have to be either planted in separate containers or thinned out twice. The first time is thinned when the seedlings grow a little, the second time when they have 2-3 true leaves.

After you have sowed the seeds, cover the container with glass or film, this will help create a suitable microclimate to increase the germination rate. Place the basil in a warm place required temperature— +25ºС. Ventilate the seedlings every day (unfold the film or move the glass for 20 minutes). If necessary, carefully moisten the soil with a spray bottle so as not to wash out the seeds. After the first shoots hatch, remove the glass (film) completely and move the seedlings to a bright place. If the room is not light enough, then turn on additional lighting for the basil - it needs a lot of light. If you have a south window, place the seedlings there. Periodically turn it to the sun with different sides. Otherwise, the light will fall unevenly, some plants will not have enough light and they will stretch out, but become weak. With uniform lighting, all seedlings will receive required amount light and grow strong.

When 3-4 true leaves appear on the basil seedlings, they can be planted in a garden bed in open ground. Harden them first, otherwise when transplanting they will take a long time to get used to the new place. First, take the seedlings outside to warm time for 1 hour, place in shaded places. Every day, increase the time the basil stays there by outdoors for an hour until he ends up staying there all day.

Planting seedlings.Basil grown by seedlings is planted in the ground at the age of 30-60 days (the specific date depends on the selected variety). By that time, 3-4 leaves will appear on the plants.

Plant the seedlings in open ground according to this scheme. Maintain a distance of 20 cm between plants. The distance between beds is 30 cm.

Pre-make planting holes. Correlate their depth with the size of the root of the basil seedlings. In order for the plant to easily tolerate replanting, plant it together with a lump of earth, that is, by transferring the roots. In this case, the roots of the plants will not be damaged at all, and the basil will not get sick. Before transplanting seedlings, moisten the soil ball.

Transplant basil seedlings into open ground in the evening. The advantage will be overcast. The fact is that plants, until they take root, do not tolerate direct sunlight well, and may suffer from burns.

Fill the planting holes with soil. Do this in such a way that there are no air voids left in it: when filling the hole, shake the plant periodically. After filling the hole, press and compact the soil. Spill it with water.

Care.Water the basil on time. Do not allow the soil to dry out, but do not overwater the plants. After watering, loosen the soil so that the roots breathe and have access useful substances and water. If a crust forms on the surface of the soil, then all substances and moisture will remain on it, take measures in time. Loosen the soil without regard to watering.

Remove weeds. Carefully monitor the weeds during the period of emergence - they will crowd out immature seedlings. As the basil grows, continue removing weeds. Their presence may have a negative impact on taste qualities ah of this culture.

If you are unsure about weather conditions after sowing seeds or planting seedlings, protect your basil. Cover it with covering material or a greenhouse. The second option is more convenient to use.

Feed basil periodically. This culture requires the presence of useful substances. Carry out the first feeding in the first month after transplantation. The second one should be done 30 days after the first one.

If you want to get seeds from your plantings for sowing next year, then leave 3-4 bushes specifically for this. On other plants, in order to get more spicy leaves from them, trim the flowers. In this case, the basil will begin to branch.

Greenhouses and greenhouses.Growing basil in open ground is not possible in all regions. For this reason, its cultivation is practiced in protected soil. For this purpose, I use greenhouses and greenhouses. The first option allows you to grow basil all year round. However, maintaining a greenhouse requires cash costs, which is why it is used only for growing for sale. The second option does not require capital investment. But a greenhouse will only protect plants from a slight cold snap. Basil is covered with a greenhouse to obtain a harvest 5-7 days earlier.

Basil of any variety and type can be grown on a windowsill. This plant has purple or green shades, small or large leaves and a pleasant smell. In order for it to be accepted at home, it must be located in a warm and sunny place, provided with good watering, fertile soil and high-quality drainage. In this article we will tell you how to grow basil on a windowsill and give tips on care and watering.

Before this procedure, take into account the following points:

• Pick up suitable variety basilica;
• Prepare the soil;
• Soak the seeds;
• Select containers for growing the plant.

The best varieties of basil to grow on a windowsill

There are hundreds of types of basil in nature, but only a few of them are used as food. For home cultivation, give preference to low-growing and decorative varieties. Choose the best option for you, depending on the qualities of the plant.

Varieties that are in demand include:

• Clove Aroma – Basil has a spicy and strong aroma. This basil is used everywhere: in canned food, as a seasoning for meat dishes, or used fresh. The height of the plant is 20-25 centimeters, but there is dense foliage. It is found on balconies and window sills of housewives.
• Thai Queen – leaves dark green. It grows up to fifty centimeters. They are grown both indoors and in the garden. Read also the article: → "".
• Osmin – plant small size, bronze color. It is dried or consumed fresh.
• Marquis is a plant with small foliage and small size.
• Dwarf is the shortest among the basil varieties. Reaches a maximum of twenty centimeters in length. It has a sharp and spicy taste and rounded leaves. Colors range from green to purple.

Preparing soil and seeds for sowing

Soil from the garden is suitable for basil, but it should be fertilized with mineral fertilizers. It should be light and fertile. Remove all roots and weeds from it. If you have the opportunity to buy special land for planting ornamental crops, that’s great.

Tip #1. There is no need to fertilize such soil with anything. An earthen substrate is perfect - a mixture of vermicompost and coconut fiber.

If you have the time and desire to create fertile and light soil, then pay attention to the following components.

As for seeds, you should buy them in a special store. A prerequisite is to soak the seeds in a manganese solution before planting. You need to keep them there for 4-6 hours.

Container for planting basil

To make basil grow comfortably on your windowsill, find a wooden box, plastic container or flower pot for it. Depending on quantity planting material, the number of landing tanks is also selected. Take care of the holes through which excess moisture will escape.

Basil sowing process

After all this, you can start sowing the basil. Plant the plant in a large container; if you plant it in a small container, you will have to dive later. Do not plant seeds deeper than two centimeters. There should be a distance of 8-10 cm between the seeds. The soil should be moist and pass through drainage. Expanded clay, pebbles, brick may lie at the bottom white or shards. Maintain a distance of at least fifteen centimeters between each seed.

Tip #2. After sowing, cover the containers with oilcloth until sprouts appear. This will happen within five days, at temperatures from +23 to +26 degrees.

Plant care and watering

You should carefully care for the seedlings so that they grow and form faster. The important steps are:

1. watering;
2. temperature maintenance;
3. feeding;
4. pruning;
5. correct lighting.

The plant should be watered every day, preferably in the morning. If the days are hot and the soil dries out quickly, then you can add evening watering. Daytime watering is not recommended due to the risk of burns. Water only with settled and warm water. To avoid the appearance of an earthen crust from frequent watering, loosen the soil once every seven days. Thanks to this manipulation, the root system is enriched with oxygen.

Tip #3. Ensure the optimal temperature on the balcony, for good growth of basil - this is +22 - +26 degrees.

As for fertilizing, once every two weeks you should fertilize the basil with complex mineral fertilizers. Vegetable complexes are suitable for this plant. Complex mineral fertilizers contain:

• Phosphorus;
• Potassium;
• Nitrogen;
• Calcium.

You can use the following complexes:

• Nitrophoska;
• Ammophos;
• Nitroammofoska;
• Calcium nitrate;
• Diammophos;
• Potassium monophosphate.

Application rates are indicated in the table.

They also use Agrolife or Rostom as fertilizer. Agrolife is poured onto the top layer of soil, in the amount of one teaspoon, Rostom is diluted in water in the proportions of 1 cap: 2 liters. If there is vermicompost, then it is added to the soil. When replanting, the plant is fed with the following composition: 3 g of wood ash, 3 g of superphosphate, 2 g of ammonium nitrate. It is recommended to dilute everything in one liter of water.

Tip #4. Cut off the first basil greens after a month, this will promote the growth and strengthening of the plant. If you pinch the top, the basil will bush.

Lighting and additional lighting of basil

The plant loves light and warmth. If you decide to start growing basil in the fall, winter period, then provide it with additional lighting. In winter and autumn, the days are short, and these hours are not enough for the plant to grow, so if you want to get a good harvest, you should work hard. Buy a special lighting device, a lamp. Light the plant from 15 to 20 hours a day; if this is not possible, then your harvest is at risk. In this case, start sowing in early March, when daylight hours increase. There should be no draft, because basil cannot stand it.

Harvest and use

When harvesting, pick off only the tops; the plant will not produce flowers and will continue to branch. If the plant blooms, it will have to be pulled out. Remains in the case when you need to collect seeds. Basil can be dried or used fresh. It is added to pickles and various dishes. IN glass containers The dried plant can last up to 5 years. It is not recommended to store in plastic and metal. If you want to keep it fresh, use the refrigerator for this.

1. Choose a spacious and wide container for planting basil.

1. Keep an eye on watering. Avoid excessive soil moisture and dryness.
2. Place the boxes with the plant on the sunny side.
3. Peel off the top to allow the plant to grow.
4. Feed your basil every two weeks to improve the quality and growth of the plant.

Answers to questions about growing basil at home

Question No. 1. Does basil get sick if you grow it on a windowsill and how to prevent these diseases?

Yes, the plant gets sick, both in open ground and when grown on a balcony or windowsill. It is affected by Fusarium and Gray mold.

1. Fusarium is a dangerous fungal disease affecting a plant any age. The basil leaves turn yellow and the stem becomes thin. The root system is rotting. The plant dies instantly; if appropriate measures are not taken, the disease will spread further. Fusarium appears due to excessively humid air and soil. The infection could also already be present in the soil or seeds. To prevent the disease, it is advised to treat the seeds before sowing and do not overwater the plant. If the disease appears, then the affected plant is pulled out, and the rest are treated with Fundazol.
2. Gray mold is a microscopic fungus that affects the plant when it is overwatered. At the same time, the plant withers, fades, and spots appear on the leaves in the form of burns. For preventive purposes, monitor the ratio of moisture, light and heat. Spray the plant special drugs. When the first signs of disease appear, remove damaged leaves and stems and burn them.

Question No. 2. What varieties of basil besides “Osmin”, “Thai Queen”, “Clove Aroma”, “Marquise” and “Dwarf” are grown on the windowsill?

Popular varieties of basil:

• “Anise flavor” is so named because of the strong anise flavor. It flaunts with its branched stems and spreading crown. Grows up to 50-60 centimeters.
• “Broadleaf” is a basil with large green leaves. Used fresh and dried.
• 'Yerevan' has purple leaves and ripens quickly. After twenty days they are already eaten.
• “Lemon aroma” - due to its citrus aroma, it is widely used to flavor dishes, but the variety is rare.
• “Basilisk” has a peppery clove smell and taste. He grew up quickly. Grows up to 25 cm in height.
• 'Philosopher' has purple foliage and a clove scent. It grows up to 30cm.
• 'Troll' has small purple-green foliage. Grows up to 40 cm.

Question No. 3. How to care for rooted basil?

For sprouts up to 6 cm, do not loosen, but only water the plant. Then the soil is loosened once every four days. Water once a day, but if the soil is too wet, do it less often. Remember that when there is an excess of moisture, diseases appear: Gray mold and Fusarium. Feed with complex mineral fertilizers every 3-4 weeks.

Question No. 4. How are basil divided according to ripening time?

There are early, middle, late and transitional varieties.

• The early ones include: “Yerevan”, “Basilisk”, “Clove aroma”.
• To the middle ones - “Anise aroma”, “Lemon aroma”, “Marquis”.
• To the later ones - “Broad-leaved”.

Question No. 5. Why cover basil with film before sprouting?

For quick germination, maximum heat and light should be provided. By covering with film, you will ensure good heating for the seeds, which will sprout within 4-5 days.

4 common gardening mistakes

1. When growing basil on a windowsill, choose decorative and low-growing varieties. Tall ones should not be given preference. They will take up a lot of space and will shade each other. You will not be able to provide them with adequate conditions for growth and development on a balcony or windowsill.
2. Immediately plant the plant in large containers. They need enough space to grow. If you do this in small pots, then they will have to be replanted. Replanting a plant is stressful, from which not all seedlings survive.
3. Do not sow seeds close to each other. In the future, they will have to be replanted or thinned out.
4. Do not pick basil at the root. This should be done from the tops. With this cutting, the plant will not bloom, and this will improve its growth.

Many housewives are mastering the cultivation of fresh herbs by setting up impromptu garden beds right on the windowsill. The short growing season of basil allows you to harvest it all year round, and you don’t need to go to the supermarket or market for seasoning for salads or first courses. In our article we will tell you how and what varieties can be grown at home from seeds.

One popular type of herb is basil. It is successfully grown in pots right at home in the kitchen or apartment balcony. Beginners in home gardening are recommended to start with this spice, as it easy to care for.

The grass feels great indoors, giving a generous harvest. The timing of planting and harvesting leaves is not limited to any dates; basil grows well in summer and winter. The article describes in detail the rules of agricultural technology and other features of home cultivation.

There are many ways to plant and grow basil on a windowsill: using cuttings, young shoots and seeds. The seed method is characterized by long-term and abundant formation of greenery on the bush.

Which variety to choose to grow at home

Those who want to have a green bed right on the windowsill can use any variety for sowing. However, given the characteristics of home cultivation and limited space, preference should be given low-growing bunch-forming varieties basilica

Dwarf

A compact bush with small leaves reaches a height of just 8-10 cm(growing season 60-65 days). Suitable for growing in open ground and in room conditions, Where produces leaves all year round.

The plant is used as a seasoning, has an excellent taste, but in addition to these advantages, it has a rich vitamin composition, rich in beneficial micro and macroelements.

Eating greens has a beneficial effect on the digestive system and strengthens the body's protective function.

Basil has a medium early ripening period with a growing season of 65 days. The aroma of the herb is rich in clove-pepper aroma, the leaves are small green. Bush height does not exceed 25 cm. The branching diameter is about 20 cm, which makes it possible to grow the crop in pots.

With proper agricultural technology, you can remove from a plant 100-120 gr. greenery. In addition to being used for various dishes, Marquis will complement drinks (tea, cocktails) with a delicate and refined taste.

Preparing the soil for planting

To plant basil you will need pots, wooden boxes or plastic containers. A prerequisite is the presence of drainage holes at the bottom of the containers. The volume of the pot is selected within 1-2 l, container depth – more than 15 cm.

One of the important conditions for growing greenery is a properly composed soil mixture.

Can be used universal primer or prepare the substrate yourself. The following options are ideal for basil:

• universal soil + garden soil + peat (1:1:1);
• vermicompost + substrate for indoor plants (1:4);
• peat, fertile soil, compost (1:2:0.5).

The soil used is necessary bake in the oven for disinfection (1 hour at 100 degrees).

Filling the container with substrate should be done in the following sequence:

• the bottom is covered with pebbles or expanded clay to a depth of 2-3 cm (drainage);
• the next layer of soil (3-4 cm does not reach the edges of the pot).

Sowing seeds

Seeds must be processed before planting. Although this stage is considered optional, when purchasing material from unfamiliar manufacturers or from hands, there is a high probability of infection of young shoots with fungal diseases.

Disinfection is carried out using weak solution potassium permanganate, in which you need to soak the seeds for 2 hours. After processing, the grains are washed clean water and laid out on cheesecloth to dry.

The day before landing you need water the soil by spraying so as not to over-moisten it.

The seeding process includes:

• plant seeds using tweezers at intervals 2 cm apart;
• covering with a layer of soil 1-2 cm;
• creating a shelter from glass or plastic film (transparent).

The container for seed germination fits to a warm place. Periodically you will need to open the film or glass for ventilation. Watering is not needed at this stage. However, if you notice that the soil is dry, you can lightly spray the improvised bed with warm, settled water (preferably melted water).

The first shoots appear after 7-15 days, depending on the variety and temperature conditions. After the emergence of mass shoots, you need to remove the cover. And when the seedlings stretch out a little, you can safely thin out the bed, leaving 10 cm between shoots. After the basil grows to 5-7 cm, you need to add soil (2-3 cm) into the container.

Rules for caring for basil when growing

With proper agricultural technology, if properly cared for, and making the right choice Seed varieties can be cut from fresh greens almost all year round. One of the main conditions is the temperature regime, it must correspond 20-25 degrees. If the indicator is any lower, then the herb loses its aroma.

Watering

The soil mixture should always be moist, but you should avoid stagnation of water in it. In summer, it is necessary to carry out the moisturizing procedure daily by spraying bush.

Not suitable for watering tap water. Presence in its composition chemical compounds, metals and chlorine negatively affect greens.

At regular use yellowness appears, leaves sometimes curl. Melt liquid or settled rainwater are more suitable. Its temperature should be within 18-22 degrees. Watering cold water inhibits the development of plants, in particular the root system.

In winter, irrigation should be carried out less frequently, 2 times a week will be quite enough. But in any case, it is important to consider the degree of dryness of the soil.

Lighting

For normal basil vegetation it is required 12 hour daylight . In the period from March to August, there is enough sunlight near the window, and from autumn to February it is better to install fluorescent lamp for extra light.

The distance between the plants and the lighting fixture is 20-30 cm.

Loosening

The soil loosening procedure is carried out 1 time every 3-4 days to enrich it with oxygen. In hot weather, when the air is dry, it is necessary to loosen the soil more often so that an earthen crust does not form on the surface.

Feeding

To stimulate the growth of grass leaves you need Apply complex fertilizers once a month. The first time the plant is fed is at the stage of active growth before flowering. Dilute 1 tbsp in 5 liters of water. l. nitrophoska.

Repeated procedures are carried out using universal fertilizers based on humates and compost. When diluting the working solution, the dosages specified by the manufacturer are observed.

When choosing a place for containers with basil, you should take into account that the culture reacts negatively to drafts. To prevent direct sunlight from burning the greenery, you need to create light shading (using airy tulle).

Harvesting

For renewal life cycle plants and maximum preservation of aroma in the leaves is recommended regularly remove flowering shoots.

They begin to form a bush after the formation of 4-6 leaves (about 1-1.5 months after sowing). At this stage, pinch off the top of the basil (2-3 leaves from the top of the stem). This procedure promotes branching and leafing.

Cut tops with greens used for culinary purposes or dried for long shelf life. Chopped fresh basil leaves can also be frozen and then used to prepare various dishes. You need to repeat the pinching procedure every 2-3 weeks.

Growing greens on the windowsill can become a real hobby for household members. In addition, pots with basil bushes have decorative value; they bring a piece of nature and freshness to the interior.

Plant sweet basil (lat. Ocimum basillicum), or camphor, or garden, or ordinary, is a herbaceous annual of the Basil species of the Catnipaceae subfamily of the Lamiaceae family. In the wild, basil grass grows in China, Iran, India, Africa, southern Asia, the tropics of the American continent, Central Asia and the Caucasus. It is assumed that basil originated from Africa and was brought to Europe by soldiers of the army of Alexander the Great. Our ancestors used basil primarily as a medicinal plant. Today, this herb is grown throughout the world as a food spice.

Planting and caring for basil (in brief)

• Bloom: at the end of July or beginning of August.
• Landing: sowing seeds for seedlings - at the end of March or in the first half of April, transplanting seedlings into open ground - in the second half of May. Sowing seeds in the ground - no earlier than the beginning of June.
• Lighting: bright sunlight.
• The soil: light, fertile, rich in humus, drained, breathable.
• Watering: as the top layer of soil dries.
• Feeding: once a month. The first time - 2 weeks after planting the seedlings in the ground with a solution of 2 tablespoons of Nitrophoska in 12 liters of water, using 3-4 liters of solution for each m².
• Reproduction: seeds.
• Pests: aphids, field bugs, spider mites.
• Diseases: black leg, gray rot, fusarium.

Read more about growing basil below.

Basil plant - description

The root system of basil is superficial, branching, the stem is tetrahedral, straight, branched, leafy, reaching a height of 50-70 cm. Sparsely toothed, oblong-ovate leaves of basil are located on short petioles. Both stems and leaves are covered with villi. Axillary pale pink or white, and sometimes purple flowers are collected in irregular whorls. The fruit of the plant consists of nuts that separate from each other after ripening. Basil seeds remain viable for about five years.

Purple varieties of basil have a sharper aroma, they are popular in Asia and the Caucasus, while in Europe they prefer green basil - it is one of the most popular spices in Mediterranean cuisine. Basil emits its strongest aroma before flowering.

In our article we will tell you how to grow basil from seeds, when to sow basil for seedlings, how to grow basil at home, how to plant basil in open ground, what benefits of basil can be, and also what can be harmful to basil - in in general, everything that might be needed for those who decide to grow basil at home or in the garden.

Planting basil seedlings

When to sow basil for seedlings

Basil can be grown either by seedlings or without seedlings, but it is safer to first grow seedlings from seeds and then transplant the seedlings into open ground. In the article “Planting vegetables for seedlings in April,” we described in detail how this process is carried out. For those who have not yet read the article, we will tell you about it right now. So, When to sow basil for seedlings? Best in the first half of April.

Basil seedlings are planted in a prepared soil mixture of four parts rotted compost, two parts humus and one part washed river sand, which must be sifted and steamed for an hour in a water bath. Gardeners who prefer seedling mixtures sold in stores will need to spill the substrate with a solution of Fitosporin or a strong solution of potassium permanganate for disinfection.

You can grow basil seeds in a box, but then you will have to pick out the seedlings after some time, or you can sow basil in cassettes 5-7 cm deep. Basil is sowed in well-moistened soil to a depth of about 1 cm. The distance between rows in the box should be about 5 cm. After sowing, the container is covered with glass or plastic film and kept in a warm, bright place at a temperature of 20-25 ºC. In about a week or two, the first basil shoots will appear.

Growing basil from seeds

After seed germination, the transparent coating from the box can be removed, and the temperature should be lowered to 15-20 ºC. Caring for basil seedlings does not require any extra effort: water the plants as needed, not allowing the soil to dry out, however, waterlogging should not be allowed, otherwise the seedlings may be affected by blackleg, a fungal disease that can destroy all crops. If you notice symptoms of this disease, treat the seedlings with a solution of a teaspoon of copper sulfate in 2 liters of water or spill the substrate with a strong solution of potassium permanganate.

Seedlings growing in a common container are dived at the stage of development of the first pair of true leaves into a larger container with the same substrate, to which a spoonful of complex mineral fertilizer and a couple of spoonfuls of wood ash are added per 5 liters of the mixture. The depth of planting seedlings in a new container should remain the same.

When the basil seedlings take root and begin to grow, they are pinched above 6-8 leaves to stimulate the growth of side shoots. Two weeks before planting the seedlings in the ground, they begin to harden them by taking them out onto the balcony or into the yard, first for an hour, the next day for two, and so on, until the seedlings can stay on fresh air the whole day. Basil is planted in open ground when return frosts- in the second half of May.

Growing basil on a windowsill

How to grow basil at home

Growing basil from seeds at home begins at the end of February or early March in the same way as growing seeds for seedlings, only you need to sow several seeds in a peat pot or peat tablet. Before planting basil, soak the seeds in a dark pink solution of potassium permanganate for a couple of hours. The crops are covered with a transparent, airtight material and kept under the conditions described in previous section. Keep in mind that basil should be exposed to the sun for at least 3-4 hours a day.

When the seedlings develop the first pair of leaves, they, together with the tablet or pot, are transplanted into a large container - liter pot, at the bottom of which a drainage layer 2-3 cm high is placed made of expanded clay, broken brick or pieces of polystyrene foam. The substrate for homemade basil should be fertile, but light and permeable. For example, a soil mixture of one part humus and two parts coconut fiber. You can pick the first fragrant leaves for salads in just a month and a half.

Watering basil

Basil is moisture-loving, so the soil in the pot should be slightly moist at all times. You will have to water the basil almost every day, and you will understand this yourself when one day, due to your forgetfulness, its leaves hang like sails in calm weather. However, make sure that the soil does not become waterlogged, which can result in rotting of the roots. After watering once every 2-3 days, carefully loosen the soil in the pot.

Feeding basil

If you planted basil in not very fertile soil, you will have to correct this with regular fertilizing. The plant responds well to universal fertilizers based on humates or compost, which are added to the soil in the concentration specified by the manufacturers, no more than once a month.

Growing basil in open ground

Planting basil in the ground

Basil is planted in open ground only in the second half of May, when the return frosts have passed.

Basil loves open sunny areas, protected from strong cold winds. Some gardeners successfully grow basil in the trunks of young fruit trees, which provide almost no shade, which does not prevent the basil from absorbing the sun's rays, and its strong spicy smell repels seedlings harmful insects. This is such a successful symbiosis.

Soil for basil should be light and rich in humus, and most importantly, water-permeable. A month before planting, the site is dug up with humus, peat or compost at the rate of 2 kg of organic matter per m² of area. For planting, choose an evening or a cloudy day, dig holes at a distance of 15-20 cm from one another and plant basil seedlings in them. The interval between rows should be at least 30 cm. Water the planted seedlings well with warm, settled water.

Growing basil in the ground

Growing basil is a series of activities familiar to every gardener: watering, weeding, loosening the area, fertilizing, protecting from insects and diseases. For the first two weeks, newly planted, still weak basil seedlings are covered with film at night in case it gets cold at night. Until the basil begins to grow, weeds are regularly removed from the site. You will have to loosen the soil quite often - 7-8 times per season before watering. As soon as flower stalks begin to appear, gently break them off to encourage branching of the basil.

Watering basil

Frequent watering of basil has a positive effect on the appearance of new leaves, so they moisten the area as the soil dries. However, do not over-hydrate, as both under-watering and over-watering are harmful to basil. Water for irrigation should be warm (about 25 ºC) and standing for at least 24 hours. To settle and heat water, you can use a large container (barrel, old bath), installing it in the garden in a sunny place.

Feeding basil

To stimulate the growth of green mass, basil is fertilized once a month. The first time fertilizers in the form of a solution of 2 spoons of Nitrophoska in 12 liters of water are applied two weeks after planting the seedlings in open ground. Solution consumption – 3-4 liters per m².

What to plant after basil

It is undesirable to grow basil in one place for many years; you need to alternate different crops on the site. Rotation of crops is one of the main principles of success in farming. It is possible to return the crop to the place where it grew for 2-3 years only after 4-5 years. After basil, crops that are resistant to basil diseases should be grown on the site, for example: legumes, carrots, cucumbers, zucchini, squash, pumpkins, early potatoes and tomatoes. For basil itself, good predecessors are green manure, tomatoes, onions, cauliflower and early white cabbage, beets, strawberries and green crops.

Pests and diseases of basil

Basil diseases

Basil plant is extremely resistant to pathogens, but sometimes health problems occur with it. Most often, basil is affected by:

Blackleg– a fungal disease of basil seedlings that develops in conditions increased acidity, poor soil aeration and too frequent and abundant watering. The fungus infects the root collar of the seedlings, as a result the vessels feeding the plant become clogged, the stem and its base become soft, turn black, thin out, the plant turns yellow and dies;

Fusarium– this fungal disease also affects the vessels of the plant, releasing toxins into its nutritious juices. In young plants, the stem becomes brown and thin, in adults the top dries out, they gradually wither and die. Contribute to the development of the disease too heat on the background high humidity air;

Gray rot It often harms plants in greenhouses and greenhouses, but basil in open ground can also get sick. The disease first appears on the lower, dying leaves, then covers the entire plant: dry spots of a light brown color form on the affected areas, which gradually become watery and covered with gray fluff.

As a treatment for gray rot and fusarium, treat basil with infusion at the initial stage of the disease onion peel: pour one volume of husk with four volumes of water and leave for a day, then strain the infusion and sprinkle the basil with it. Blackleg is treated by spilling the soil in seedling containers with a solution of potassium permanganate. Remove the diseased plants along with the earthen lump, and pour the remaining hole with a strong solution of potassium permanganate. But if the disease has taken hold, it is unlikely that you will be able to do without fungicides - Fundazol, Fitosporin, Topaz, Toivita Jet and others.

In order not to have to resort to pesticides, follow the agricultural practices of the crop: do not grow basil in one place for more than three years, do not sow it too thickly, dust the soil surface with wood ash once a week, observe water balance soil on the site, loosen it and remove weeds from the garden bed in a timely manner.

Basil pests

Of the harmful insects, aphids and field bugs are dangerous to basil.

Aphid- the most harmful of pests, sucking juice from the leaves and stems of basil, as a result of which the leaves curl, the stems stop developing, and the plant dries out. The sugary secretions of aphids are a beneficial environment for sooty fungus, which covers the plant with a dark coating. In addition, aphids carry viral diseases, for which there is no treatment. You need to get rid of aphids as soon as you discover their presence. To combat aphids, decoctions of wormwood, tansy, hot pepper, dandelion, yarrow, onion, garlic, tomato or potato tops, and mustard are used. You need to process basil in the ground two or three times with an interval of 7-10 days. A good remedy against aphids is a solution of 100 g of grated tar soap in 10 liters of water or an ash solution prepared according to this recipe: 300 g of ash is poured with boiling water and boiled for half an hour, after which it settles, filters and tops up with water to a volume of 10 liters. In particularly severe cases, when natural formulations do not help, treat the basil with Karbofos solution in accordance with the instructions - this insecticide is tasteless and odorless. Akarin, Bankol, Actellik cope well with the pest.

Lugovoi, or field bug just like aphids, feeding on the cell sap of basil, deforms its leaves, they become covered with whitish spots, then turn brown and die. Damage to the plant is caused by both adult bugs and larvae of the bug. These pests overwinter in fallen leaves and in top layer soil. The methods for controlling field bugs are the same as for aphids.

Types and varieties of basil

The most commonly grown varieties of basil are camphor (or allspice), Mexican (or cinnamon), purple (ordinary or regan) and lemon (Thai). The numerous varieties of basil vary:

• by shades of smell. They can be cold, tart, warm or sweet. The main smells of basil are: cinnamon, anise, pepper, lemon, vanilla, caramel, clove and menthol. Varieties with caramel, lemon, vanilla and cinnamon aroma are used for preparing dessert dishes and drinks. Those that have an anise smell are needed for preparing fish dishes, and clove and pepper aromas are needed for meat dishes;
• by color: purple basil and green basil. Purple varieties of basil have a stronger odor and are more often used in Caucasian cuisine and in Central Asian dishes. Green varieties are more popular in Europe, particularly in the Mediterranean;
• according to the size and shape of the bush Basil varieties are upright, spreading, semi-spreading, compact, although there are also intermediate forms. In terms of height, low-growing varieties with a height of 18 to 30 cm are known, varieties medium height- from 30 to 60 cm and tall varieties - from 60 to 85 cm. At home, it is more convenient to grow low-growing varieties;
• according to ripening dates– early, mid-ripening and late varieties.

TO the best varieties basilicas include:

• Mauritanian– productive aromatic mid-season variety purple with an erect spreading bush up to 65 cm high;
• Table- an erect bush up to 60 cm high with large light green leaves, ovoid in shape and delicate texture. This is one of the most aromatic mid-late varieties, characterized by good productivity;
• Dreamer– one of the most productive varieties of rich green color with a massive spreading bush, branched stem and lanceolate-oval leaves;
• Balconstar – low-growing variety with small aromatic leaves of excellent taste, suitable for salads. Grows well in pots on the windowsill;
• Genoese– plants of this productive variety have large, glossy, dark green leaves, fragrant and pleasant to the taste. Genoese basil leaves are consumed fresh and dried; sometimes it is added to soft drinks instead of mint;
• Gourmand clove- a productive variety with a massive, erect bush of medium height with medium-sized green elliptical leaves. This basil perfectly complements the taste of fish, meat, potato dishes, as well as rice and cheese dishes;
• Basilisk– a compact variety for growing at home and in open ground with a clove-pepper aroma. The bush is erect, up to 20 cm high, the shoots are densely leafy with small, green leaves and are semi-raised;
• Yerevan– one of the most common productive varieties with a clove-pepper aroma. Bush of medium height, leaves are purple, ovoid, medium size;
• Troll– a mid-season, productive, small-leaved and compact variety for growing at home, resistant to sudden changes temperature. The leaves of plants of this variety are dark purple. The bush looks very attractive;
• Magic Mountain– a variety of Israeli selection, characterized by its tolerance to high and low temperatures and lack of moisture. Its neat round bush with green leaves with a purple tint looks great in the garden and as an ornamental plant;
• Red Ruby- a variety of American selection of mahogany-purple color, in which not only the leaves, devoid of the bitterness of green varieties, are edible, but also the buds, which in America are usually added to omelettes.

The following varieties of basil have also proven themselves to be excellent: Charm, Marquis, Ararat, Velvet, Violet, Greek, Robin Hood, Dragon, Gigolo, Green Fragrant, Orion, Pepper Flavor, Tempter, Baku, Enchanter, Lemon, Dwarf, Curly, Philosopher, Broadleaf and others.

Properties of basil - harm and benefit

Useful properties of basil

The aroma of basil is due to the presence in its above-ground part of an essential oil of a complex composition that has a bactericidal effect. Basil contains vitamins C, B2, PP, provitamin A, carotene, sugar, phytoncides, rutin. Basil protects the body from infections by stimulating the immune system. It even inhibits the growth of HIV and cancer cells. Basil has antipyretic, bactericidal, antioxidant, restorative and tonic effects.

Eating basil is indicated for viral, bacterial and fungal infections, respiratory and pulmonary diseases. It helps get rid of excess mucus in the nasal passages, excess gases in the rectum, improves memory, and strengthens nervous tissue.

Basil easily copes with inflammatory conditions of the oral cavity - caries, ulcers, tartar, plaque and bad breath. Having an astringent effect, it strengthens the gums, preventing premature tooth loss.

Basil helps the body cope with flatulence and gastrointestinal diseases. The enzymes it contains accelerate the breakdown and burning of fats in the body, and estragole and evengol stimulate mental activity.

Basil essential oil successfully heals wounds and relieves spasms of different nature, used for inhalation of upper respiratory tract. The juice of basil leaves is used in the fight against fungal infections of the skin; aqueous extracts from the plant give good results in the treatment of gastritis and food poisoning.

Dried basil is used to make tea or make compresses to relieve headaches and eczema. Alcohol infusion of basil treats colitis, pyelitis, whooping cough, neurosis, bronchial asthma, low arterial pressure, inflammation of the kidneys and bladder, flatulence and the common cold.

Basil - contraindications

Since basil has a tonic effect, it is contraindicated for those suffering from diseases of the vascular-cardiac system - hypertension and hypertension, and especially for those who have suffered a myocardial infarction. Basil is also dangerous for patients with vein thrombosis lower limbs, thrombophlebitis, vegetative-vascular dystonia and diabetes mellitus. Hypotonic people can consume basil without fear.

Basil is not recommended in large quantities during pregnancy, especially for purple varieties of the plant, but for nursing mothers it is shown as a good lactogenic agent, and if your baby is not bothered by the strange taste and aroma of your milk, you can during this period breastfeeding Don't skip the basil.

After this article they usually read

Basil is a popular spice and ornamental plant. You can grow it not only in open ground, but also at home on the windowsill. Following the advice from our article, you can grow this aromatic crop with your own hands from seeds.

We will tell you how to properly care for basil and harvest it in summer and winter, as well as how to cultivate the crop in a city apartment.

Every owner can grow basil from seeds. personal plot. The bushes will provide you not only with aromatic spices, but also decorate the area with their decorative leaves.

Because the this type It is more common in warm climates; its planting in our country has some peculiarities, which will be discussed below.

Peculiarities

Depending on the variety, the leaves of the crop can be different color, from light green to purple. It is better to harvest at the end of July or beginning of August, since by this time the most essential oils accumulate in its leaves and the plant acquires a particularly rich aroma. You can see what this plant looks like in Figure 1.

For the culture, well-lit areas in light, moist and fertile soil are selected. If the soil is too heavy or overly saturated with moisture, the root system of the plant will begin to hurt and the bush will die.

In addition, it is undesirable to leave it in the same place for a long time. It is best to replant every year and return the culture to old place no earlier than in 5 years. If this condition is not met, the plants will be more susceptible to fusarium.

Conditions

Growing from seeds begins with choosing a site. It should be well lit by the sun, and the soil should be moderately moist. This condition also applies to planting through seedlings.

Note: Excessive soil moisture will lead to root rot and plant death, regardless of the growing season.

Another prerequisite is to ensure a stable temperature regime. Young shoots can die even from mild frosts or sudden temperature fluctuations. Therefore, a bed with seeds or seedlings must be covered with film. In addition, seedlings are transferred to open ground no earlier than June, when consistently warm weather sets in.

It is advisable to fertilize the area with a mixture of humus, compost and peat. Planting is carried out in the evening, after which the soil is well watered with warm water.

Growing from seeds

The easiest way to grow greens from seeds is by first germinating the seedlings in a pot. It is then easier to transplant the stronger plants into open ground.

You can even grow basil from seeds on a windowsill.. For this you need(Figure 2):

1. Fill pots or boxes with a nutritious substrate based on soil, peat and humus.
2. Moisten the soil with a mixture of water and mineral fertilizers. This will speed up seed germination.
3. Carry out sowing, deepening the seeds by only 1 cm.
4. The top of the container is covered with film or glass. This will help retain moisture and maintain optimal temperature.

Shoots appear within a week, but they cannot be transplanted into the garden right away. First, you should wait for warm weather. Secondly, the plants must become stronger before transplanting. During the process, the seedlings are regularly watered without over-moistening the soil.

When sowing directly into the ground, the soil is treated with growth stimulants, and the bed is covered with film. Even if you land in summer time, the culture needs a fairly high temperature for germination (about 25 degrees). The cover can be removed only after sprouts appear.

Basil growing from seeds: when to plant

An important issue is the timing of planting when grown from seeds. If the spice grows in an apartment, sowing can be done at any time of the year. With open ground the situation is a little more complicated.

Both seeds and seedlings are planted in open ground no earlier than the beginning of June. This is explained by the fact that young plants can die even from a minimal drop in temperature. The bed must be covered to maintain an optimal microclimate.

Growing methods

Basil is grown in several ways: by sowing seeds in open ground and through seedlings. This plant can also be cultivated in a greenhouse or even on a windowsill at home.

Regardless of the chosen method, the plant must be provided with optimal temperature conditions, therefore, after planting in the garden, both seeds and seedlings must be covered with film or mulch.

Growing a crop on a windowsill and in a greenhouse has some differences, so let’s look at these methods in more detail.

How to grow basil on a windowsill

Cultivation from seeds on a windowsill will be successful only if you select the right soil, choose a location and provide the crop with an optimal microclimate.

At home, planting can be done by seeds or cuttings. Young shoots take root well. To do this, small branches are placed in a glass of water, and after 2 weeks the first roots appear and the crop is transplanted into a separate pot. You can cut the first greens after 2-3 weeks.

How to grow basil on a windowsill from seeds? It’s worth noting right away that the process of crop development in this case will take longer, but the bush will bear fruit much longer than when grown by cuttings.

Note: A plant grown from cuttings blooms much earlier than a plant grown from seeds. After the flowers appear, its leaves become unsuitable for harvesting greens.

Planting a plant at home is done like this:(Figure 3):

1. Seeds are soaked in a solution of potassium permanganate for 2-3 hours. Sowing can be done immediately in large pots, where the bush will remain all the time. You can also sow the seeds in a large box, and pick the seedlings as they grow.
2. Substrate you can take any, but it is better to use vermicompost with coconut fiber in a 1:2 ratio.
3. To the bottom of the pot lay out a layer of drainage, then pour in the substrate, moisten it and sow the seeds in shallow holes or grooves (no more than 2 cm).
4. Cover the top of the container film, glass or regular plastic bag. The cover is removed after the first shoots appear.

Further care includes periodic watering. It is also necessary to provide the plants with warmth and light. To do this, the pots are placed on a south window, and in winter and autumn the daylight hours are extended with the help of fluorescent lamps.

It is best to plant several bushes with seeds and then propagate them with cuttings. This way you can always get fresh herbs.

The author of the video will tell you how to properly sow seeds and grow basil seedlings.

Growing in a greenhouse

In winter, the crop can only be grown in a heated greenhouse due to the crop's sensitivity to low temperatures. The plant fits well with others herbs, herbs and tomatoes, and thanks to the design features of the closed ground, it is less exposed to diseases and pests.

Features of growing in a greenhouse include preliminary preparation seedlings (Figure 4). Further landing is carried out as follows:

• Selection and preparation of soil- it is better to use light and loose soils fertilized with rotted manure.
• Landing can be carried out with seedlings or seeds. In the first case, the growing season is significantly reduced, and harvesting can be done earlier.
• Seedlings planted in shallow, pre-moistened furrows at a distance of 15 cm from each other.
• Watering carried out once a week. In winter, you need to maintain a stable temperature (not lower than 15 degrees), and in summer, when the temperature rises strongly, ventilate the greenhouse.

Harvesting greenery begins when the bushes reach a height of 20 cm. It is advisable to cut off the leaves gradually so that the bush is more branched. After the growing season is over, the bed is fertilized with slurry or a liquid solution of chicken droppings. Examples of growing this greenery in a greenhouse are shown in Figure 5.

Planting and care at home

At home, you can grow not only seedlings, but also a full-fledged bush. This way you will provide your family with fresh herbs even in winter.

Planting basil is done like this::

• Prepare containers - both individual pots and large boxes are suitable. Small seedlings from the boxes are later transplanted into larger containers.
• We lay scrap drainage (broken brick or expanded clay) at the bottom. It should fill about a third of the pot.
• Pour a nutrient substrate on top, consisting of light loose soil and coconut fiber. We moisten the earth.
• Sow the seeds in furrows about 1 cm deep, sprinkle with a small layer of soil and water.
• We cover the top with film or glass and place it in a well-lit place.

If these conditions are met, sprouts appear within a week, and after a few more weeks they turn into full-fledged bushes. During this period, it is important to provide plants proper care: water regularly but moderately, maintain a stable temperature at +20 degrees and periodically loosen the soil. If the crop grows slowly, you can apply liquid mineral fertilizer.

The advantage of growing this crop at home is that in a city apartment it is much easier for plants to provide proper care.

You will find more information about growing basil at home in the video.

Harvesting

The leaves of the plant are used as food. They are cut off during the entire growing period, immediately after the formation of bushes about 20 cm high (Figure 6). However, harvesting is stopped after flowering begins, since during this period the leaves lose their rich taste and aroma.

To extend the fruiting period, it is grown from seeds rather than seedlings or cuttings.

Types and varieties of basil

There are about 150 varieties of the crop, but the most popular are fragrant, purple and lemon. Let's take a closer look at the last two varieties, as they differ from others in the color and aroma of the leaves.

Purple basil: growing from seeds

The variety differs from others in the rich purple color of its leaves (Figure 7). They have a delicate taste and pleasant aroma, which is why this plant is most often used to prepare sauces for meat dishes.

Growing the purple variety from seeds is no different from the conditions required for other species. It is planted with seedlings or seeds in open ground, and the bed is covered to maintain stable temperature and humidity.

You can also cultivate the plant in a greenhouse and at home. the main thing is to maintain a stable temperature and regularly water the bushes, avoiding stagnation of water.

Lemon basil

Lemon basil has one characteristic feature: Its leaves have a rich lemon flavor and aroma. Due to this, it is highly valued as a seasoning. In addition, the plant has decorative properties. The culture forms a lush, spreading bush that will become a beautiful and useful addition to the garden (Figure 8).

Cultivation of the plant also requires some care. The culture is warm and light-loving, so well-lit areas without drafts are chosen for planting. It is better to sow not with seeds, but with seedlings. This way, lemon basil will reach maturity faster and grow into beautiful bush with fragrant leaves.