Basil, with its rich aroma and versatile uses, is deeply loved by many culinary enthusiasts. The market price of basil is not low, so why not grow it at home? I will explain in detail the method of growing basil at home, allowing you to easily cultivate fragrant basil!
Basil Growing Environment1. Light: Basil loves light and requires 6-8 hours of direct sunlight every day.
2. Temperature: The suitable growing temperature for basil is between 15-25℃, and measures need to be taken to keep warm when the temperature is too low in winter.
3. Soil: Basil prefers well-draining, breathable soil with a pH value of 5.5-6.5.
Basil Growing Methods1. Seed Propagation
(1) Choose healthy, plump basil seeds and soak them for 12 hours.
(2) Spread the soaked seeds evenly in the seeding tray and cover them with about 1 centimeter of soil.
(3) Keep the soil moist, and at a temperature of 20-25℃, the seeds will germinate in about 7-10 days.
(4) When the seedlings have 2-3 true leaves, transplant them to a flowerpot or terrace.
2. Division Propagation
(1) Choose a strong basil plant and cut off the bottom leaves.
(2) Divide the plant into several parts, each with 2-3 leaves.
(3) Place the divided basil in a flowerpot or terrace and keep the soil moist.
(4) In about 2 weeks, the new plants will survive.
Basil Maintenance and Management1. Watering: Basil likes a humid environment. During the growing period, keep the soil moist but avoid waterlogging.
2. Fertilizing: Apply a compound fertilizer once a month during the growing period to promote basil growth.
3. Pruning: Prune the withered leaves of basil in time during the growing process to keep the plant ventilated and well-lit.
4. Pest and Disease Control: Basil is prone to damage from pests such as aphids and red spiders, so it should be controlled in a timely manner.
Basil Harvesting and Preservation1. Harvesting: The best time to harvest basil is in the morning when the aroma is the most intense.
2. Preservation: After harvesting, basil can be placed in a plastic bag and stored in the refrigerator. It can generally be preserved for 3-5 days.
Growing basil at home is not complicated. By mastering the suitable growing environment and maintenance methods, you can easily grow fragrant basil. Try it out now and fill your garden with the scent of basil!