Red basil

Ocimum basilicum

Originates from India and other humid tropical regions of Asia, where it has been cultivated for more than 5000 years. This aromatic plant belongs to the mint family. It blooms from June to September. It grows to a height of 20 - 60 cm depending on the variety. It is grown as an ornamental plant in window boxes, where besides its fragrance, its ability to repel flies is also welcomed. It is characterized by a 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 found in the kitchen. Especially in combination with tomatoes and Italian specialties. Basil pesto is also well-known. We mainly use basil leaves fresh, as drying usually causes them to lose part of their typical aroma. The most flavourful part of the plant are the young leaves.

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

How to Grow Basil

• Basil likes humus-rich and nutritious soil. It cannot tolerate waterlogging or severe drought. Choose a sunny location, but not one scorched by the sun. Slightly shaded is most suitable. The ideal temperature is 20°C, but it also tolerates 15°C. In containers, keep the soil moist. Do not 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 sprinkle the leaves - black spots appear on them. When growing indoors, you can sow basil anytime, even in autumn.

• Seeds are sown in March to April. Direct sowing in the garden bed is not suitable, because basil cannot tolerate ground frosts. Mix a little perlite into the substrate. Scatter seeds sparsely on the surface and press down lightly. Place the pot in a bright location and water very moderately. Water from below. New seedlings will appear within a month.

• Plants require humus-rich and nutritious soil. Suitable options are potting soil mixed with fertilizer, ordinary garden soil or special herb substrate. When growing indoors, mix a little perlite into the substrate to ensure aeration and thus better plant growth.

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

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

  Plants are attacked by aphids and whiteflies. Protect plants with insecticide 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 to care for the basil, it will grow back.