Basil

Basil has a natural annual life cycle. It will flower and produce seeds, which can be harvested and dried for replanting.

Seeds are best sown indoors in late winter or early spring for plants that can be grown outdoors in summer, providing leaves that can harvested well into the autumn.

A sunny spot is best, but basil will tolerate light shade. Basil seeds itself and will often produce good plants if the soil is not disturbed too much in the spring.

Basil is not the least bit finicky, and with proper planting, care and harvesting, you can enjoy it all summer long! When to plant basil – The earliest time to plant basil is about 2 weeks after the last frost, once the soil is between 50° – 70° F – the warmer the better. It can also be planted during summer.

In a warm climate you can grow basil all year round, in any type of soil. It may not grow equally well in all soils, but it should grow.

Basil plants initially grow one central stem. Once they are reach 6-8 inches tall, pinch the central stem back by half and about ¼ inch above the leaf axils. This will force the plants to branch and grow more leaves. As the plants keep sending out new branching stems, continue to pinch them back in the same manner.

When to harvest: Basil is ready for harvest 50 to 60 days after planting. Pinch out leaves as you need them; regular harvest will keep plants growing strong and prevent flowering When a branch has 6 to 8 leaves, harvest all but the first set of leaves. This will prompt new growth

Prep. Basil is a tropical herb, and plants need sun and heat to thrive. Give it a spot that receives six to eight hours of sun daily, except in the South and Southwest, where afternoon shade is a must. Basil needs moist, nutrient-rich soil that drains well.

Harvesting Fresh Basil

If you don’t allow the plant to grow more than four sets of leaves, you can harvest about every three weeks, with the last harvest being right before the first fall frost. If you prefer, you can also pluck a few leaves at a time through the growing season.

How to store basil in the freezer

First you need to clean and dry the leaves.When the leaves are completely dry, place them on a cookie sheet, again single layer and place in the freezer for about two hours. … Another way to freeze basil is to make Pesto.

Basil is an excellent source of vitamin K, manganese, iron, vitamin A, and vitamin C. It’s also a good source of calcium, magnesium, and omega-3 fatty acids. Basil isn’t simply for internal use. When basil’s oils are extracted to make an essential oil, it is used for treating cuts, wounds, and skin infections.