Characteristics: Basil is one the easiest and most popular traditional
culinary herbs! This tasty favorite is an annual, and will grow well in just about every zone. Be sure to plant outside only when night temperatures reach 50 to 55 degrees or above.
Extras: A great way to make sure you have plenty of basil all season long is to use 'succession planting'. Succession crops of Basil will ensure a fresh supply throughout the summer. The first harvest can usually be taken when the plants are about 12 inches tall and have branched out. Cut 1 or 2 sets of leaves from the top while leaving small new leaves below ready to grow. After two cuttings, usually two or three weeks apart, plants start to wane and become woody.
In our zone, 7, I plant Basil as soon as the ground is warm enough, (consistently above 50 degrees at night) usually early-mid May. I harvest basil right through the fall, into mid-November some years. That is 6 months of fresh basil, folks!
Basil is also a terrific companion plant and natural pest repellent!
Basil is a wonderful plant to plant near your kitchen
windows or doorways, not just for its use in your favorite dishes, but because
this culinary herb has terrific natural pest repellent properties! Said to
effectively keep house flies and mosquitoes away, planting Basil near entryways
to your home, rubbing it on your skin and clothing, and planting it around your
yard and patio will help reduce the amount of unwanted summer pests. Planting
it in your garden will also keep destructive pests like Thrips, white flies,
and aphids away from neighboring plants. Basil blooms are also very attractive
to butterflies and other useful pollinators.
Basil is said to increase the health and flavor of many
vegetables like asparagus, bell peppers, cabbage and especially tomato plants
when companion planted together. For
best results, do not plant Sage or Rue near your Basil, as this is said to
inhibit the plant’s growth and flavor. Instead, grow Chamomile near your Basil
plants to encourage its success.
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