Basil Plant Growth

Uses

• Basil is used traditionally as a medicinal herb to help with problems such as headache, constipation, coughs and bacterial infections. Today, it is mostly used as a culinary herb and is used fresh and dried in stews, salads, soups and sauces. Basil oil is used in perfumes, shampoos and soaps.

Planting

• Basil may be planted as a seed directly into the soil or as a transplant later in the spring after the risk of frost has passed. The plants begin to emerge from the soil in about eight to 14 days and are slow growing at first, but soon speed up. Basil does best in soil that is well-drained and in full sun for as long as possible each day. The fully grown plant is usually between 12 and 18 inches tall.

Harvesting

• Your basil plants are usually ready for harvesting, when grown from seed, within about six weeks. Don't harvest your basil until it reaches a minimum of 4 inches tall and has at least six mature leaves. If the basil is being grown for the dried leaves, cut it just before the flowers appear, but if you are growing it for the essential oil, wait until it is in full bloom. Cut the basil when it is around 4 to 6 inches above the ground.

Types

• Basil has been cultivated into a few different varieties, each similar in appearance, but with a different aroma. Some different types of basil include sweet basil, purple foliage basil, camphor, lemon basil and cinnamon basil.