There is an astonishing array of basil that can easily be grown from seeds (or cutting if available) for our culinary exploration.
Some examples are –
- Sweet Italian Basil, also known as GENOVESE basil
- Lemon Basil (excellent in cold teas or chilled beverages on a hot day)
- Mrs. Burns Lemon Basil (anti – mosquitoes, citrus scent)
- Holy Basil (or Tusli) – has restorative properties for tea
- Cinnamon Basil
- Purple Basil – Red Rubin, Dark Opal, Purple Ruffles (for its color, taste-wise is similar to sweet basil)
- Thai Basil (Taiwanese 3 Cups Chicken, Pho, Fresh Spring Rolls)
SWEET ITALIAN BASIL
It is a must-have in our household because my daughter loves Italian dishes and is learning how to cook.
Having easy access to fresh herbs is very convenient.
We grew in both soil and liquid-based.
Over the years, however, more herbs are grown in liquid-based because they are lighter on our windows.
These are our hanging containers herbs garden in recyclables.
Learn how to build a vertical hanging garden here.
Basil Seeds
They are so cute.
They looked like tadpoles on my germination medium.
This gel coating is normal as they expand when there is moisture.
GERMINATION NOTES
Basil varieties are an annual, meaning they last only one year and thereafter, will go into seeds.
Thus it is important to learn how to start this herb from seeds.
Propagating from stem cutting will not renew them.
We preferred to germinate these seeds in non-soil such as a kitchen paper towel as it is cleaner.
Most seeds germinated within 3 days in a wet and humid environment.
On the clean surface, we could see clearly which seedlings are stronger to set in netcups (available for sale in SHOP) for growing.
Setting them this way to mature saves space.
In a week, before third (true) leaf appeared, the roots are about 3 cm length with secondary growth.
Basil varieties tolerate the heat well but are best in the cooler morning sun with some shade in the afternoon.
One-month-old basil grown in a liquid base medium made a great hanging container herb on our windows indoor.
Whether in soil or liquid medium, basil varieties are huge plants and should be planted one per pot only.
Harvest often for new growth of young leaves and pinched out flowers else the scent and taste of leaves declined.
2015 Sweet Basil in own compost
Lesson learned from our first 2015 pot of basil, not too many plants in one pot yield healthier longer lasting leaves.
Tip – Grow quantity that we used only, else they turned woody
RED RUBIN BASIL
Seeds were sowed on June 12 2019 at 6.10pm and they germinated on June 12 (less than 2 days).
A hint of red showed early on 5 days old seedlings.
Seedlings grew rapidly once there was roots mass.
See the difference in one week?
Roots grew from 1 cm to 6 cm within 2 weeks.
Thereafter, the seedlings grew more leaves and taller in both liquid base or soil.
Soil-based Plants in an old hamper basket
THAI BASIL
We started Thai basil from a wet market’s purchase.
Roots showed within one week.
Check out our mint’s post to learn how to root herbs!
This variety of basil grew aggressively in both liquid and soil mediums.
The same plant in two months.
TIP – Cut stem for leaves when harvesting keep herbs younger
Most of our herbs indoor are grown on the windows to keep our floors unclutter.
How to grow vertical Edibles gardens workshops are available here, booked a private session today!
Please note that basils are “annual” plants and do not last more than a year.
Cutting from a mature plant will not extend its normal cycle (1 year) as well.
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