Balcony Basil

Ocimum basilicum

Originates from India and other humid tropical regions of Asia, where it has been cultivated for over 5000 years. This aromatic plant belongs to the mint family. It flowers from June to September. Depending on the variety, it grows to a height of 20 - 60 cm. It is grown as an ornamental plant in window boxes, where besides its fragrance, its ability to repel flies is also welcome. It is characterized by high content of vitamin C, minerals, essential oils and tannins. Its beneficial effects have been confirmed on the digestive tract - it increases appetite, works against bloating, stimulates digestive activity, breaks down fats and stimulates bile production.

Its greatest use is in the kitchen. Especially in combination with tomatoes and Italian specialties. Basil pesto is also well-known. We mainly use basil leaves in their fresh state, as drying usually causes them to lose part of their typical aroma. The most flavorful part of the plant are the young leaves.

Basil is an excellent plant for container growing. You can enjoy fresh harvest in the comfort of your home all year round!

How to Grow Basil

• Basil likes humus-rich and nutrient-rich soil. It doesn't tolerate waterlogging or severe drought. Choose a sunny location, but not one scorched by sun. Slightly shaded is most suitable. The ideal temperature is 20°C, but it also tolerates 15°C. In containers, keep the soil moist. Don't water plants at night, the best watering time is noon. In the garden, basil is an ideal companion for tomatoes because it likes equally rich soil and regular watering. When watering, be careful not to spray the leaves - black spots appear on them. When growing indoors, you can sow basil anytime, even in autumn.

• Sow seeds in late spring. For sowing, use a nutrient-rich substrate. Gently press the seeds into the substrate. Water from below. Keep them in a bright and warm place. The seedlings will germinate in 14 days.

• Plants require humus-rich and nutrient-rich soil. Suitable options are flower soil mixed with fertilizer, ordinary garden soil or special substrate for herbs. When growing indoors, mix some perlite into the substrate to ensure aeration and thus better plant growth.

• Apply complete fertilizer once a week. We can use special fertilizer for herbs.

• Plants are susceptible to wet weather. In high humidity, their roots rot and they are attacked by molds. To protect against molds, use available fungicides.

  Plants are attacked by aphids and whiteflies. Protect plants using insecticides both preventively and curatively.

• Pick leaves one by one throughout the growing season until flowering time (June to July). During flowering, the entire herb is harvested. Cut the plant down to the ground and dry the herb. Continue caring for the basil, it will sprout again.