Basil, Ocimum basilicum, is one of the most popular and easiest to grow herbs for the home grower, community gardener, and classroom teacher. It even does great in hydroponic systems for year round production. It is a member of the mint family, Lamiaceae, a huge family of herbs that also includes oregano, thyme, sage, and rosemary. It comes in many different colors and flavors and has been used in many different cuisines for hundreds of years. While it is easy to grow, there are a few tips and tricks I recommend to get the most out of your basil harvest.
- Basil prefers full sun to achieve the best growth and flavor. That said, it will tolerate less than perfect sun if that is what you have.
- Basil grows great in containers. If you want to learn how to container garden, check out the webinar at the end of this post.
- Basil likes well drained soil. Keep your basil watered, but do not overwater.
- Harvest your basil frequently. Cut where two leaves branch out to encourage a bushy plant instead of trimming off individual leaves.
- Basil is an annual so make sure to harvest before it starts to flower and go to seed!
Basil will get bushier and you will get an increased harvest if you harvest frequently just above the junction where two leaves are on the stem. This will encourage new growth on both sides of the junction.
Basil does very well in containers. Make sure you water, but not overwater your basil and site the container to get the maximum amount of sun. Want to learn how to container garden? Here is a recorded webinar that will teach you about the four key principles: 1. Container 2. Soil 3. Watering 4. Fertilizing
Basil does very well in hydroponic systems. Here is a picture of basil planted by the students in Columbus City Schools Summer Ag Experience. They will maintain the plant and harvest and enjoy it at the Harvest Festival on the last day of camp.
Keep harvesting your basil for as long as you can to enjoy this flavorful taste of summer.
When your basil has gone to flower (little white flowers usually) its life as an annual is coming to a close. It is easy to start from seed however. Want to learn how to grow your own basil at home from seed? It is an easy plant to learn how to seed start with. Below is a recorded webinar to get you started on your seed starting journey. Then you can enjoy basil whenever you want.