Grow Basil in Your Backyard

This Herb from the Mint Family will Enhance your Garden and Table

Jan 6, 2009

Basil has a rich history and is easy to grow in your own garden.

Basil belongs to the mint family. Just look at the stems of basil and of mint and you will see that both stems are squarish and hairy. Both basil and mint grow blossoms on spikes that rise above the leaves. The leaves of basil are usually about one to two inches long, oval, and have teeth on the edges.

Basil was a favorite of European royalty; so, when you cook with it you can say you are making a meal fit for a king. It is native to Africa, Asia, and India where it was a sacred herb to the gods Krishna and Vishnu. It is a protection herb and has been known to be sprinkled in corners of houses to protect the family that lives within.

Lovers would exchange sprigs of basil as a sign of faithfulness. It was also a tradition that if a many gave a woman a sprig of basil, she would fall in love with him and never leave. However, it is interesting to note that in other cultures basil is a symbol of hostility. In some regions of France it is customary to shout and yell at your garden while planting basil seeds. Otherwise, they would never sprout. Some legends say that basil grows well in gardens of those who suffer great misfortune (have you checked your garden lately?)

Basil has also been used to promote success or bring good luck. In Mexico basil is carried in the pocket to attract luck and money. In Europe basil is sprinkled around shops to ensure prosperity.

Growing Basil

Basil is an annual. It can be planted outdoors after all fear of frost is over and the soil temperature reaches 50 degrees F. Plant seeds about 1 inch deep then, after they sprout pull all but the best looking seedlings. Heat is necessary for growth so, if you are starting basil indoors you will need a constant source of heat underneath. Place your basil trays on top of the refrigerator since that will give your seeds bottom heat. You can also place them on a heating pad specially made for plant propagation – never use a regular heating pad because that can cause either shock or fire. Cut off the bottoms of 2 liter pop/soda bottles and plant seeds in them. Moisten the soil by spraying water on the surface. Cover with plastic and secure with a rubber band or take the top of the pop bottle and use duct tape to take it back on. Make sure the lid is in place and you have made a mini greenhouse. Germination will occur in about 3 to 7 days and you will have to watch so you can remove the plastic or bottle once the seedlings grow up to an inch or so. Seven days after, be sure to transplant your seedlings into 2 inch pots or flats.

Basil can be propagated by cuttings, but this rarely works – I don’t suggest it. You can purchase started plants in the spring from a nursery.

After your plants have more than 4 sets of leaves, it is safe to plant out in the garden. Make sure to retain moisture by mulching with shredded bark, pine needles, or shredded newspaper. Basil needs lots of water so it isn’t an herb to grow during a drought. Make sure to place your basil in full sun in a well drained area. It might love moisture but it doesn’t like wet roots. Once your basil has flowers, pinch them off. This will encourage the plant to produce more leaves and branch out to be bushy. Basil can successfully be planted in containers and it does really well when planted by tomatoes and asparagus. The pungent scent of the plants keep harmful insects away.

Basil comes in green, purple and variegated varieties. Here are some different types of basil:

Harvesting Basil

Harvest leaves while still young and before flowers open. Take about 1/3 of the length of the plant the first time around mid-July. At the end of August or beginning of September take another 1/3 of the plant. Watch for the first freeze of the season and be sure to pull the whole plant. Of course, you can harvest leaves anytime you need them as well.

Storing Basil

Basil can be dried, frozen or stored in oil in the refrigerator. Dried leaves turn dark if air dried. You can use the microwave by placing a layer of leaves on a paper towel, covering with another paper towel, and microwave on high for one minute. Microwave on half strength at 30 second intervals until the leaves are dry (they should be crispy – not leathery). Store dried basil in airtight containers in a dark, dry, and cool area. Basil can also be frozen to be used in soups and stews. It can be kept in the freezer for about 9 months.

The copyright of the article Grow Basil in Your Backyard in Herb Gardens is owned by Deborah Harding. Permission to republish Grow Basil in Your Backyard in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.