Basils

Basils

·        One of the easiest and most popular culinary herbs to grow is the common or sweet basil, Ocimum basilicum. A member of the mint family (Lamiaceae), it is native to southern Asia and islands of the south Pacific. This tender annual is primarily grown for its aromatic leaves, used fresh or dried, to liven up numerous dishes of both Asian and Western cuisines. Basil seeds are also used in Thai foods.

·        Like most herbs, basil requires a sunny location that receives at least 6-8 hours of bright light per day, and well-drained soil conditions. A pH range of 6.0-7.5 is ideal.

·        Propagation is easiest by sowing seeds directly into the ground where they are to be grown, after danger of spring frosts has passed. Sow evenly, covering with 1/4 inch of soil, and keep moist and free of weeds. Germination should take place within 5-7 days. The basil seedling is recognizable by its two broad seed leaves, each shaped like a capital D, borne with flat sides facing each other.

·        Once seedlings have developed 2-3 pairs of true leaves, they should be thinned or transplanted to stand 6-12 inches apart. Seeds can also be sown indoors 6-8 weeks before planting outside to get a head start on the growing season. This is especially beneficial for some of the slower-germinating varieties such as O.b. 'Purple Ruffles.'

·        A 2-3 inch mulch of grass clippings, straw, compost, or ground-up leaves will be beneficial in retaining soil moisture and minimizing weeds around the plants.

·        Depending on the amount of regular rainfall, water deeply every 7-10 days to insure the roots are receiving adequate moisture. Plants grown in containers will dry out faster than those in garden beds, and will have to be watered more frequently. Choose a container with holes in the bottom for proper drainage.

·        Fertilize sparingly, using a 5-10-5 commercial fertilizer once or twice during the growing season at the rate of 3 oz. per every 10 ft. of row. Use a liquid fertilizer at one half the label recommended strength every 4-6 weeks or so for indoor plants and every 3-4 weeks for basil grown outside in containers.

·        Begin harvesting at any time by snipping the fresh young leaves as they are needed. If whole stems are harvested, cut just above a pair of leaves. New growth will be encouraged at the cut point and should be seen within a week's time.

·        From a culinary perspective, it is important to prune the plant periodically through the growing season to maintain succulent and productive growth. Otherwise, if basil is allowed to flower and form seed, it will become woody and yields will be considerably less. Quality will also be affected, with more bitter flavors arising.

·        Some of the flowers do have ornamental value, especially the purple-leafed varieties, which have pink blooms, so if your plants flower, cut some stems for a mixed bouquet.

·        Since basil is a tender annual, it will not survive a cold winter. At the end of the growing season, you may choose to dig up your plants and bring them inside for the winter. If this is the case, make sure they receive plenty of bright light. Artificial lights may have to be installed and run for 10-12 hours daily since light will not be adequate indoors during the darker winter months.

·        As annuals, basil plants will flower and die eventually, even indoors. Plan to start new seeds or buy new plants each spring.

·        Basil is best used fresh. The clove-like aroma and flavor is a wonderful seasoning in both Western and Asian foods and the fresh leaves have a tender texture. However, many people use dried or frozen basil during the cold months when fresh basil isn’t available.

·        Leaves can be preserved by hanging the foliage upside down in small bunches and air drying in a warm, dry, well ventilated room for a week or so. Foliage can also be dried by spreading flat on a drying rack under the same conditions.

·        Once the basil is thoroughly dried, strip the leaves from the stems and store whole or ground in an air tight container away from heat sources and bright light. If stored properly, it should keep for about a year. If any sign of moisture occurs, empty the container and repeat the drying process. Unfortunately basil leaves turn a very unpleasant brown color when air-dried. Freezing is a better method.

·        Freezing is another method of preserving basil, and usually results in a product with flavor more like fresh basil. Freeze whole leaves in small quantities in small plastic bags or chop up the leaves into small pieces and place in ice cube tray compartments topped off with a little water. Another freezing method is to mix ¼ cup chopped basil with 2 teaspoons vegetable or olive oil. Drop teaspoonful’s of this mixture onto wax paper-lined baking sheets, freeze, and then peel off the wax paper and store the basil mixture in plastic bags.

·        Similarly, basil pesto can be prepared in quantity then frozen in small containers. Omit any cheese from the recipe if you plan to freeze pesto. Whichever method is chosen, frozen herbs should be used within a year.

·        The traditional sweet basil, Ocimum basilicum, is the most popular variety, used primarily for culinary purposes such as pesto and tomato dishes. But there are many other varieties offering both ornamental value and unique fragrances.

 Basil-Genovese

·        Ocimum basilicum 'Genovese' is an annual native to India, Africa, and Asia. One of the most popular herbs, it is now cultivated in all temperate climates throughout the world.

·        Of all the basils to grow, and there are about 150 varieties, Genovese basil is one of the best because it yields 7 to 8 cuttings and makes the best pesto.

·        Biennial

·        Sun or Part Shade

·        Cultivation: It is not hard to grow from seed, which germinates readily at temperatures between 75-85 degrees. Contrary to most cultivation information on basil, it does not mind slightly acid soil or partial shade. 

·        It will do best in an area protected from the wind and scorching midday sun. It likes rich, well-drained soil and will grow best in soil enhanced with well-composted manure.

·        It hates cold and should be planted out only when night temperatures reach 50 to 55 degrees. If you practice companion planting, plant basil near tomatoes and peppers to enhance their growth.

·        Pinch it back early and often to encourage bushiness.

·        Do not let it flower unless you want to let it set seed as this destroys the flavor and shortens the lifespan of the plant.

·        Many save this "end of the season" basil, the one that is always trying to go to seed, for pesto.

·        Try making pesto from prime leaves at least once, to compare flavors.

Basil-Armenian

                   

·        Armenian basil is purple and green with a spicier flavor than traditional sweet basil. The leaves have a bit of a licorice scent and the seeds a distinct peppery smell.

·        Basil is easy to grow.

·        All varieties need only three hours of direct sunlight each day in a warm spot. Keep the soil moist but not soggy. (If the leaves begin to droop or turn yellow, you may be watering too much.)

·        When the plant is large enough to harvest, either snip the sprigs with scissors or pinch them off with your fingers.

·        Be sure to leave two or three leaves on the plant.

·        The flowers can be eaten, too

Basil-Greek

                                                                      

·        Greek Basil is a member of the Ocimum family. Its botanical name is Ocimum basilicum minimum.

·        Fine-leaved miniature. This basil has the smallest leaves, tiny replica of the bush basil leaves but despite their size they have a good flavor.

·        It is one of the easiest basils to look after and is especially good grown in a pot.

·        It is an herb that typically grows as an annual, which is defined as a plant that matures and completes its lifecycle over the course of a single year.

·        Try to plant in a location that enjoys full sun and remember to water moderately. Greek Basil is generally regarded as a tender plant, so remember to ensure that temperatures are mild before moving outdoors.

·        Greek Basil needs a soil PH of 6.1 to 7.5 (acidic to alkaline soil).

·        This plant tends to bloom in mid-summer.

·        This plant tends to mature and be ready for harvest in late summer.

Basil – Dwarf Bush

·        This fine-textured, compact plant has leaves 1/2-2 inches long and half as wide that are narrowly ovate with a glossy upper surface and an intriguing green to purple or mottled color.

·        Growing only 6-18 inches tall and wide, it can be tucked neatly into the herb bed, used as a bed border, or as an accent in a container.

·        Terminal spike-like fragrant flowers, about 2-6 inches long, arise in late summer and may be purple or white.

·        For increased branching and growth, pinch plants back every 2 to 3 weeks.

·        Leaves are at their peak of flavor before blooms appear.

·        Plant in well-drained, moist soil in full sun.

·        An essential ingredient in tomato sauce and pesto or you can crush leaves and serve with fresh tomatoes and a splash of olive oil.

·        The aroma is said to relieve mental fatigue.