Basil – Sweet

Basil growing in a container thrives in a lightweight, well-drained potting media. A general purpose, peat- based commercial potting soil is best. Mix the potting soil with up to one-third compost to get your basil off to a good start. A handful of perlite or sand improves drainage. Never use garden soil, which becomes compacted and dense, preventing adequate moisture absorption and air circulation to the roots.

Water the plant until water runs through the drainage hole whenever the top 1 inch of the soil feels dry to the touch, then let the pot drain. Although basil does best in soil that is allowed to dry slightly between waterings, the soil should never become either bone dry or soggy. Fertilize your outdoor basil plant with a balanced liquid fertilizer every three to four weeks. If your basil is grown indoors, fertilizing every month to six weeks is adequate. Use a weak fertilizer solution according to the directions on the package label, as a strong fertilizer solution may burn the roots.

Family: Lamiaceae (lay-mee-AY-see-ee) (Info)

Genus: Ocimum (OSS-ih-mum) (Info)

Species: basilicum (bass-IL-ee-kum) (Info)

 

Category: Annuals, Herbs

 

Height: 12-18 in. (30-45 cm)

 

Spacing: 9-12 in. (22-30 cm)

 

Hardiness: Not Applicable

 

Sun Exposure: Full Sun

 

Danger: N/A

 

Bloom Color: White/Near White

 

Bloom Time: Mid Summer, Late Summer/Early Fall

 

Foliage: Aromatic

 

Other details: This plant is attractive to bees, butterflies and/or birds. Average Water Needs; Water regularly; do not overwater

 

Soil pH requirements: 5.1 to 8.5 full range

 

Patent Information: Non-patented

 

Propagation Methods: From herbaceous stem cuttings, From seed; sow indoors before last frost, From seed; direct sow after last frost

 

Seed Collecting: Allow seedheads to dry on plants; remove and collect seeds, Properly cleaned, seed can be successfully stored

 

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