basil seeds

 basil seeds

Inseparable of Italian cuisine, basil is an aromatic plant that grows easily in the garden or in pots.

Its leaves are used to flavor dishes, sauces or make pesto.

It was not until the fine weather to plant, they do not like temperatures below 10 °
In the kitchen
Basil leaves are eaten fresh, whole or ground like garlic. This is how they reveal all their flavors.

They support a variety of dishes: meat, vegetables, fish, sauces ... It enters the composition of the famous Italian pesto.

Culture Periods Of Basil

To germinate the seeds require a temperature of at least 20 °. We must therefore wait until May to start planting outside.

If you have a greenhouse you can start a month earlier. Sowing March is reserved for those who have a heated shelter (a sun window just enough).

In the south you can do everything with one month in advance.
Location and Fertilization
Basil needs sun and heat to grow well. Place it in a location in full sun and protected from the wind by other plants.

If possible offer him a light soil, humus and well drained. Its growth is slowed in heavy soils. It is not greedy, with a land of good quality you do not need to fertilize.
The cuttings
That's anecdotal but can also cuttings basil.

Cut some stems and soak in a glass of water. You let two or three upper leaves and head.

Collect and keep Basil

Cut the stems as close to the ground when you want to. If he does not need much, just Take a few sheets at a time.

Older leaves have a little less taste than their younger counterparts.

The best way to consume is fresh or pesto. All other methods of conservation make him lose much of its flavor.

Diseases and pests

When it is sown under cover, basil is susceptible to damping off. A fungus that rots the stem when the seedlings begin their development. It appears in confined places, humid and warm (such as greenhouses).

As with many vegetables watch for slugs and snails other especially early growth.

In a few days many roots will emerge. Then you can transplant your new plants in your garden or in pots.

Interview

Water when the soil is dry, especially early in its growth. Try not to wet the leaves that promotes mold growth.

For the basil forms a thick bush and less rod, pinch the stems regularly.

During the summer you can cut your plants are running to seed. Leave a few leaves at the base, they come away stronger and produce new leaves quickly.