Description: 150SPICY GLOBEBASILSEEDSGrowing and Harvesting Guide for Basil Basil (Ocimum basilicum) is a flavorful herb widely used in various cuisines. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to grow and harvest basil successfully. I. Growing Basil 1. Choosing the Right Variety Common varieties include Sweet Basil, Genovese Basil, Thai Basil, and Lemon Basil. Choose based on your culinary needs. 2. Ideal Growing Conditions Light: Basil requires full sun—at least 6 to 8 hours of sunlight per day.Soil: Prefers well-draining, nutrient-rich soil with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0. You can amend soil with compost to enhance fertility.Temperature: Thrives in warm temperatures (70°F to 90°F or 21°C to 32°C). Protect plants from frost and cold winds. 3. Planting Basil Seeds or Seedlings: Start from seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost or purchase seedlings from a nursery.Spacing: If planting seeds outdoors, sow them 1/4 inch deep, spaced about 12 inches apart. If planting seedlings, space them similarly.Watering: Water basil regularly. Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy. Avoid overhead watering to minimize disease. 4. Care and Maintenance Fertilizing: Use a balanced fertilizer once every 4-6 weeks. Avoid excessive nitrogen, which can lead to lush foliage but inferior flavor.Pruning: Pinch off the top leaves to encourage bushier growth and prevent flowering.Pests and Diseases: Watch for aphids, spider mites, and downy mildew. Use organic insecticidal soap and ensure good air circulation. II. Harvesting Basil 1. Timing Begin harvesting when the plants are about 6-8 inches tall, typically 3-4 weeks after planting.Regular harvesting will encourage further growth. 2. How to Harvest Use scissors or pruning shears to cut leaves or stems.Technique: Always cut just above a leaf node; this encourages branching and more leaf production.Amount: Never remove more than one-third of the plant at once to allow for continued growth. 3. Best Practices Harvest in the morning after the dew has dried for optimum flavor.If you plan to dry basil, harvest just before the plant flowers, when the flavor is at its peak. 4. Storing Basil Fresh: Store cut basil in a glass of water (like a bouquet) in the refrigerator or wrap in a damp paper towel and put in a plastic bag.Dried: Hang bundles upside down in a cool, dark place or use a dehydrator. Store in an airtight container away from light.Pesto or Oil Infusion: Consider making pesto or infusing olive oil with basil for preservation. III. Troubleshooting Common Issues Yellow Leaves: Often a sign of overwatering, inadequate light, or nutrient deficiency.Leggy Growth: Indicates insufficient light; consider relocating to a sunnier spot.Browning Leaf Edges: Usually caused by underwatering or too much nitrogen fertilizer. IV. Conclusion Basil is a rewarding herb to grow, providing both culinary benefits and garden beauty. With proper care and attention, you can enjoy fresh basil throughout the growing season and preserve some for later use. Happy gardening! As a seller, I understand that there may be some confusion when it comes to the terms and conditions of shipping and delivery. In order to provide clarity, I would like to address a few important points: 1. 3 business day shipping: We strive to ship out your order within three business days from the date of purchase. This means that weekends (Saturday and Sunday) are not considered business days, so please keep this in mind when estimating your delivery time. 2. No tracking on orders under $16: Due to the rising costs of delivery, we regretfully cannot provide tracking information for orders under $16. This allows us to keep our prices competitive while still offering reliable shipping services. 3. Estimated delivery dates: While we make every effort to provide accurate estimated delivery dates, they should be viewed as approximations. Various factors, such as unforeseen delays in transit, may impact the actual delivery date. We kindly ask for your understanding should any discrepancies arise. 4. Seller's lack of control over third-party delivery: Once the order is placed with USPS or any third-party delivery service, we, as the seller, have no control over the speed of delivery. We rely on their efficiency and processes to ensure your package arrives in a timely manner. 5. Longer delivery times: In some cases, orders may take up to 15 business days to be delivered. While this is not typical, it is important to note that different factors, such as customs processes, distance, or volume of orders, can contribute to longer delivery times. 6. Contact seller before opening a case or leaving negative feedback: We kindly request that if you encounter any issues with your order, please reach out to us directly before opening a case or leaving negative feedback. We are here to help and will do everything we can to resolve any problems you may have. 7. Give seller a chance to resolve problems: It is our sincere desire to ensure your satisfaction with every purchase. By giving us a chance to address any issues, we are confident that we can find a positive resolution that meets your needs. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in these matters. Our primary goal is to provide you with excellent customer service and an enjoyable shopping experience. Should you have any further questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to us.
Price: 1.96 USD
Location: Berwyn, Illinois
End Time: 2024-09-18T03:46:49.000Z
Shipping Cost: 0 USD
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Item Specifics
All returns accepted: ReturnsNotAccepted
Climate: temperate
Planting Time: 5 Weeks
Common Name: Basil
Color: Green
Indoor/Outdoor: Indoor & Outdoor
Growth Habit: Clumping
MPN: n/a
Soil Type: Loam
California Prop 65 Warning: n/a
Plant Category: Herbs
Brand: "BEST ON EBAY"
Season of Interest: Spring
Soil pH: Neutral
Life Cycle: Annual
Type: Herb Seeds
Watering: Light
Unit Type: Unit
Genus: Ocimum
Sunlight: Full Sun
Features: Edible
Cultivating Difficulty: Very Easy
Country/Region of Manufacture: United States
Unit Quantity: 300