Free basil all year round? Our tips to never buy it again!

1. Basil loves the sun: choose well where to place the seedling

To ensure optimal growth, basil needs at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight per day. Ideally, place the seedling in a well-lit location, such as a south-facing windowsill or a sunny balcony. Sunlight is crucial for stimulating photosynthesis, making the leaves greener, aromatic and rich in essential oils.

According to The Spruce.com, proper exposure to light not only promotes more lush growth, but also reduces the risk of fungin e diseases, as a well-lit and ventilated environment prevents harmful excess moisture. However, in regions with particularly hot summers, it is advisable to protect the plant during the middle hours of the day, perhaps by placing it in an area with partial shade or by using a shade net to avoid sunburn on the leaves.

2. Lush basil: watering it the right way is crucial

To ensure healthy and lush growth of basil, it is essential to keep the soil constantly moist, but without over-watering, as waterlogging can promote root rot and compromise the health of the plant. Ideal watering is in the early morning hours, allowing the soil to absorb water evenly and maintain the right level of moisture throughout the day. During the warmer months, it may be necessary to increase the frequency of watering, but always in moderation, making sure the substrate is moist but never soggy.

Extra Tip:

To improve drainage and reduce the risk of stagnation, it is advisable to use a light and well aerated potting soil, perhaps enriched with sand or perlite.

3. Basil in abundance: techniques for obtaining new plants.

If you wish to have an abundant supply of basil, it is essential to select the strongest and healthiest plants, divide them carefully and transfer them to individual pots. This allows them to develop as best they can without competition for space and nutrients, ensuring more lush growth.

An even more effective method of multiplying basil is propagation by cuttings. This system makes it possible to obtain new plants identical to the mother plant, preserving its aromatic and structural characteristics. Here's how to do it:

• Take a sprig of about 10 cm.
• Remove the lower leaves.
• Immerse the sprig in water.
• When the roots are developed enough (after a few days), the sprig can be transplanted.

(Source: gardeningknowhow)

4. The ideal soil for a basil in tip-top shape

To ensure healthy growth, basil requires soft, well-ventilated soil that is rich in organic matter. Warm, well-drained soil is essential to avoid waterlogging, which could compromise root health. According to Gardening.org, adding mature compost is an excellent strategy for enriching the soil with essential nutrients, improving its structure and promoting the development of strong, resilient roots. In addition, a good supply of humus helps retain necessary moisture without suffocating the roots, thus ensuring balanced growth of the basil plant.

5. How to prune basil for abundant leaf production?

To promote good growth and prevent premature flowering, regular pruning and topping of basil is essential. This practice not only stimulates new leaf production but also helps keep the plant healthy and vigorous. Pruning is essential to ensure that the plant concentrates its energy on vegetative growth rather than producing blooms, which can weaken it and reduce the aroma of its leaves.

Removing plant tops, particularly inflorescences, is a crucial step in keeping basil productive. When the plant begins to form small white flowers, known as spikelets, it is important to cut them off immediately, preferably while they are still young.

6. Harvesting basil: the correct method that continues to stimulate growth

The method of harvesting basil leaves is critical to preserving the well-being of the plant. It is important to avoid damaging the main stem or roots, so as not to impair the plant's ability to produce new leaves.

How to harvest basil leaves in the right way?

Ideal harvesting is done by cutting the twigs from the tips, just above the forking. This allows the plant to develop new lateral shoots, promoting thicker, continuous growth. It is advisable to use scissors or a sharp knife to make a clean cut, avoiding tearing the leaves, so as to prevent infection or damage to the plant. Also, it is always best to harvest the youngest leaves, which are the most aromatic, leaving the more mature ones at the base, to maintain the balance of the plant and stimulate its growth.

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