Basil
Botanical Name:
Parts used of Basil: Cinnamon basil, Purple basil, Thai basil
Parts used of Basil: Leaves
Ways to Prepare Basil:
Growing
Basil
Plant Type:
Annual
Sprouts in:
5 to 7 days
Sun Exposure:
6 to 8 hours of sun
Ideal Temperature:
between 65°F and 75°F
Soil Ph:
6.0 to 7.0
Planting Depth:
1/4"
Planting Space:
12 to 18"
Plant Height:
12 - 24"
Bee Pollinator
Container Friendly
Start Seeds Indoors
Deer Resistant
Plant Maintenance: Low
Frost Hardy: Basil are Frost Susceptible (When temperatures drop below 30°F for five to ten minutes or when temps remain in the 31 to 32°F. range for several hours, it will most likely kill the plant.)
When to plant outdoors: 2 weeks after the last spring frost
Easiest To Grow From: Either Seed or Plant
Common Pests: Aphids
Common Problems: Powdery Mildew
Harvesting & Preserving
Pruning Tips: You can have unlimited Basil if you keep pruning Basil. Prune right above the node to force the plant to branch out. If you stop pruning it start to flower and prevent further growth.
Harvesting Tips: It is best to harvest Basil as soon as you have 2-3 nodes (where the leaves branch out). Cut right above the bottom node. This helps the plant to branch out into 2 stems and promote a bushy growth. Always leave atleast one node on each branch for it to survive.
**When foraging for wild herbs, be sure to pay attention to where you are getting it from. Be cautious about harvesting plants grown in potentially contaminated areas like roadsides, driveways, unfamiliar terrain, and areas that may have been sprayed with herbicides.
Pets & Basil
Basil Videos
Growing The Best Basil