Growing Basil
Basil (Ocimum spp.) has its roots in India and Africa but is mostly known and appreciated all over the world. The word basil comes from Greek basileus meaning King and it certainly can be considered royalty among herbs.
Basil has broad, dark green aromatic leaves that can be grown from seed. It should be started indoors in early spring (May) or sown directly in the garden after danger of frost has passed. Basil needs warm soil and temperature to germinate. If started too early you will get slow, weak growth so do no rush it. Transplants can be planted when temperatures are above 50 degrees at night. This heat loving annual, thrives in warm weather, requires full sun and a rich well drained soil.
Plant 12 inches apart to allow room for growth as they grow as wide as they get tall (12-24 inch). To maintain the size and shape of this vigorous growing plant, pinch and cut any flower heads.
There are more than 150 species of basil grown around the world. Even the most popular have a wide range of leaf shapes and flavors from anise, camphor, cinnamon to lemon. Sweet Italian Basil has an anise flavor which brings out the essence of summer tomatoes. ‘Genovese’ as well as bush basil (O. basilicum minimum) are great for pesto and Thai (Siam Queen) impart a spicy flavor with a hint of licorice to Thai and Indian cuisine. The dwarf to medium sized basils; such as Little-leaf bush or Spicy globe are ideal for small pots and window boxes. We cannot forget Dark Opal Basil which not only stands up as a culinary herb but also works well as a decorative accent plant. Combine basils with parsley, sage, rosemary and chives along with any one of your favorite herbs in a large container, place it close to the kitchen door and you will have a convenient culinary herb garden at your disposal.
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BASIL LEAVES ARE SMALL AND SPOTTED. PLEASE ADVISE
Are they growing in a container or outdoors? Are the leaves smaller than before or is this a small leaved variety? There are several bacterial diseases that will affect basil causing gray-black water soaked spots on the leaf. Remove the spotted leaves and keep them as dry (no water on the leaves). Water the soil only to prevent the bacteria from splashing back on the leaves.
Comment by George Farino — 1/20/2007 @ 5:06 pm
I am growing Basil and did not know to pinch the blooms. Will it hurt the plant? If I start now will it help. The leaves are small.
Thanks!
Comment by Janet — 6/28/2007 @ 8:54 am
How can I propagate basil. I have a large plant in the garden and would like to save it for the winter indoors.
Comment by Tere — 8/20/2007 @ 9:12 am
Am growing basil outdoors in a pot - sunny spot, gets lots of water. Is starting to wilt and leaves turning slightly yellow. Too much water? Too much sun?
Comment by Amanda Martin — 4/8/2008 @ 4:20 pm
Something is eating my basil leaves. It looks like tiny black specs under the leaves. What can I do to stop this?
Is your basil outdoors or inside? Check the specs-are they insect eggs or do they move when disturbed?
Comment by Karen Collier — 4/13/2008 @ 11:00 am
Growing sweet and cinnamon basil outside in south Florida. I am seeing web shaped light spots with a dark center on the top of some leaves? All plants are potted and drain well between waterings. Please help.
Not sure but it may be a leaf spot. Are you getting the leaves wet with overhead spraying?
Comment by Robin — 5/9/2008 @ 7:56 pm
I am watering soil only. It is strange that all of the spots are the same even though on different plants. Note - The light shaded web shape is shiny.
Are they tiny(pinhole) spots? Is there sticky residue on the leaves? Or Is it a little black spot that expands to look like a tannish gray star with a black spot in the center, then the black center blisters and looks shiny and moist?
Comment by Robin — 5/13/2008 @ 5:19 pm