Basil, known scientifically as Ocimum basilicum, is a member of the mint family, acclaimed for its fragrant leaves, striking purple blossoms, and strong taste. These features make it a favorite for use in cooking as well as for ornamental purposes.
If you’re a fan of basil, it’s wise to replant your plants periodically. Doing so will enable you to stay ahead of the demand for fresh basil while also avoiding quality issues that can develop over time.
Origin
The oldest basil plant is believed to have originated in Greece, where it was used as an embalming herb and got its name from Greek basilikon phuton, meaning “kingly herb.”
This herb has a long-standing place in society. It’s still used for cooking, but also has an extensive background in traditional medicine and medicinal herbal traditions.
It belongs to the Lamiaceae family, renowned for its aromatic herbs. Other members of this clan include mint, rosemary, sage, lavender and savory.
Another popular herb in this family is thyme. The word comes from the Old French thym, meaning “tears.”
In addition to their edible leaves, the Lamiaceae family includes many flowering plants that make attractive ornamentals. Sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum) is particularly beloved due to its sweet fragrance.
Different scented cultivars exist, including ones with cinnamon, licorice or anise scents. Basil’s distinctive smell comes from three main compounds: linalool, methyl chavicol and eugenol.
Italian basils are among the most beloved culinary basils. These leaves have an oval, glossy shape with slightly toothed edges. These can be used fresh or dried to flavor meats, fish dishes and sauces as well as tea blends.
Exotic varieties exist too, like the Japanese type with small leaves with purple tints. These can be dried for a tangy vinegar or used in salads.
Growing basil requires warm temperatures and plenty of water. Due to its frost sensitivity, basil can be susceptible to Fusarium wilt, blight and downy mildew when planted in cold climates.
Basil is typically grown from seed, though many cultivars can be purchased. While some are resistant to downy mildew and Fusarium wilt, others lack these diseases but offer a unique aroma.
Some of the most renowned basil cultivars include ‘Dark Opal Purple,’ which features dark purple leaves and flowers; ‘Rubin, an All-American Selections winner with violet or purple flowers; and ‘Sweet Dani, with lemon-scented leaves and flowers. These varieties are popular due to their ease of cultivation as well as their distinctive scents.
Habitat
Basil (Ocimum basilicum) is a perennial vegetable grown in tropical areas and can be propagated from seeds or transplants. Plants thrive best in bright, sunny locations with well-drained soil and plenty of moisture; deep shade or waterlogged soil won’t do it any favors and it won’t survive frost.
Basil plants should be started from seed or cuttings and planted outdoors after the last frost has passed. You may also choose to grow them indoors in containers as a short-season crop, but this requires meticulous care and patience.
Water a young basil plant regularly, but not too often. Doing so helps prevent root rot and keeps its leaves from drying out too quickly.
As your plant matures, fertilize it with a time-released fertilizer. Calcium nitrate, available at most farm supply stores, is the most popular option. Furthermore, basil can be sprayed with azadiractin–a natural pesticide made from Neem tree bark–for extra protection.
Insects such as aphids and whiteflies may pose a problem for basil. When present, the foliage and stems become distorted, along with any flowers or fruit being damaged.
Another problem is slugs, who climb up on the basil and consume its foliage in search of nutrients. To control them, mulch your basil with diatomaceous earth to scratch at their skin and dehydrate them until death occurs.
Basil comes in many varieties for its flavor and fragrance; some used primarily as garnish, while others can be eaten. Some cultivars have a strong lemon or lime taste while others possess an aromatic cinnamon, licorice or anise aroma.
Basils are an excellent way to add color and interest to your garden. Not only that, but they’re easy to grow and often fragrant as well.
Cultivated basils come in a range of varieties that resist downy mildew and Fusarium wilt. Some popular names are ‘Prospera(r),’ ‘Rubin,’ ‘Dark Opal Purple’ and ‘Sweet Dani.’ Some varieties are dwarf and can be planted as potted plants or as edgers around flower beds or containers.
Varieties
Basil seeds (Ocimum basilicum) thrive in a range of soils and climate conditions. Generally, they germinate best in 75-85 degree Fahrenheit soil that is well-drained and moist. Plants should be started indoors in flats or containers and transplanted when 25-30 days old. Before planting, mix some organic matter like compost, manure or composted pine bark into the garden soil as this helps improve water drainage on sandy soils and retain fertilizers in clayey ones.
Basil is grown for its aromatic and flavor, with many varieties grown just for that purpose. Sweet basils like ‘Serata’ and ‘Green Ruffles’ can be sweet while spicy varieties such as ‘Siam Queen’ feature licorice-scented leaves that can be used in salads or sauces. Other sweet basil varieties to try include cinnamon basil, dark opal basil, lettuce leaf basil, lemon basil, Thai basil and globe basil are all excellent choices too.
The oldest basil plant known to man was likely grown in a tropical country. Although it can survive up to USDA zones 10-11, it’s usually used as an annual garden plant and typically dies at the end of its growing season (which lasts 6-8 months depending on location).
Basil has long been recognized for its spiritual properties. It’s said to attract love and ward off evil spirits alike; making it a popular traditional medicinal plant in some cultures.
It is an aggressively growing plant, easily propagated from seed or rooted cutting. Typically, its lifespan is five to six months; however, indoors it can be kept alive much longer.
In addition to its culinary uses, basil is a beloved garden plant for its stunning blooms and vibrant leaves. It’s especially great for adding some vibrant color into shady spots in your yard, or growing as an ornamental plant – perfect for the urban landscape!
Uses
Basil is renowned for its culinary uses, but it also has an intriguing past that goes far beyond cooking. This herb has been cultivated for over 5,000 years in India and other Asian countries where it was believed to possess supernatural powers.
Ancient Egypt used basil for embalming and preserving mummies. It also symbolized protection for the dead during their afterlife, believed to ensure a secure journey to heaven. In Ancient Greece, basil was associated with poverty and misfortune but also planted on window ledges to ward away evil eyes.
It has long been recognized for its medicinal properties, and was often referred to as “l’herbe royale” or the “king of herbs”. In France, it was believed to have grown on Christ’s original cross and given as a gift of love on St. Anthony’s and St. John’s days.
Basil offers many medicinal advantages, such as analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects. Additionally, its cinnamonanic acid helps promote blood circulation, respiration and energy levels.
Studies have demonstrated the powerful insect repellent properties of basil. Particularly, its essential oil composed of linalool, eugenol and terpineol proves particularly potent.
In Asia, this herb is commonly used in teas to help treat digestive issues, skin infections, fever and headaches. Furthermore, it provides essential vitamins C and K as well as potassium, magnesium, calcium, iron and vitamin A.
Basil is also antibacterial, fighting bacteria such as B. anthracis and E. coli that cause skin and mouth infections, as well as ringworm. Additionally, its antimicrobial and antifungal properties reduce the risk of other infections like staph or bacterial vaginosis.
When growing basil, it’s essential to plant it in a warm and sunny spot with abundant soil and water. The ideal time for planting basil is either spring or fall when temperatures are mild enough for its roots to develop. Once established, you can keep your basil alive by replanting each year or doing succession planting.
