With basil it goes like this: it's either all or nothing. The plant is individualistic, not very sociable and its best and only companion in a vegetable garden or garden is tomato. Alias, a super coincidence, since in cooking the two are also great friends.
Without sun and heat, forget it too. Basil does not go forward. Water? Yes, always in the right measure and preferably in the morning.
But despite these selfish and demanding characteristics, basil has a lot to offer. Yes, believe me, he is much cooler than that first impression.
From the table to the homemade drug, basil is so full of possibilities that it leaves everyone delighted.
And since we are passionate about basil, we made this post with all the tips and information you need to know to grow this divine herb at home, come see:
Basil – characteristics and curiosities
Despite having become popular in Italian cuisine, Basil has African and Indian origins. The scientific name of the plant, Ocimum basilicum, vem from the Greek “basileus” and means king. Now you understand why this whole basil stand?
The Greek name also helped make the plant known as basil and basil.
In folk medicine, basil has a good reputation. And scientific studies prove it. The plant is rich in vitamins A, B, C, E and K, as well as minerals such as zinc, calcium, manganese, magnesium, iron and potassium.
Basil still has magnesium and phenolic compounds, the latter are even recognized for their antioxidant power, preventing and combating the action of free radicals and preventing cancer, cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases, such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's.
In Indian natural medicine, basil is used to treat asthma, bronchitis and diabetes. According to the Indians, the herb is also effective in combating intestinal gases, colic, gastric spasms, vertigo and menstrual pain.
Do you think it's over? No! Basil is still recognized for helping to treat depression, insomnia and stress. And when applied topically, that is, on the skin, it treats insect bites and stimulates the healing of cuts and wounds.
But it is not only in the physical part that basil has gained prominence around the world. In different cultures, basil is seen as a power plant. In India, for example, the herb is believed to aid in spiritual development and growth. For the Greeks and Romans, the plant was a symbol of reconciliation and, when planted at the entrance to the house, symbolizes the welcome. In cultures of African origin, basil is a powerful discharge plant, widely used in baths.
And, in addition to all this, basil still acts as a natural insect repellent. Try leaving a nice vase at the entrance of the house and you will not be disturbed by flies, mosquitoes and other small invaders.
Types of Basil
Currently, around 150 different species of basil are cataloged in the world. In Brazil, the most common are:
Basil Cinnamon: This species has a sweet aroma and extremely fragrant flowers, but finding it is not very easy, you may need to go to specialized plant houses.
Lemon basil: It is the most popular of all, also known as Italian basil. The reference to lemon is no accident. This species contains an essential oil called citral (lemonal), normally found in citrus fruits, which gives the plant a very fresh and pleasant scent.
Purple basil: Among all species, purple basil is one of the ornamental ones and can be used beautifully in the decoration of the house. But, of course, it can also be used in cooking, since the leaves have an intense and very aromatic flavor.
How to plant basil
There are two very easy and easy ways to start your basil planting: by seeds and by seedlings. Here's just how to do each one:
By seeds
Planting basil by seed is simple, but requires some care. The first is to choose the right time of year. The best season is spring, when temperatures are milder. Basil cannot stand the cold and when it comes to planting with seeds, this is a crucial detail.
To start, have the seeds in hand (!). You can get them from garden houses or use those of an adult foot. Separate containers about ten centimeters deep and fill them with fine, sieved soil.
Make small pits and place between 3 to 4 seeds inside. Cover them with a little sieved soil, forming a thin layer. Water daily without exaggeration in the morning and afternoon.
Protect seeds from the sun, rain and low temperatures. Germination should take place between 4 to 14 days after planting.
When the shoots reach about ten centimeters in height, it is already possible to transplant them to the final location.
By molting
Making basil seedlings is one of the simplest things in the world! You only need to cut a small branch of an already grown plant, removing excess leaves and keeping only a few leaves from the top. Put this branch in a glass of water and wait for the roots to start sprouting. During this period, just be careful not to expose the seedlings to the sun, rain and low temperatures.
When you notice that the roots are developing well (in about two weeks), transplant the seedling to the final location.
In the pot, in the garden or in the planter?
The definitive planting of basil can be done in pots, vegetable gardens and flower boxes, you determine. Just be careful not to combine planting basil with other herbs, especially rosemary. Both are individualistic species that do not adapt very well with other plants.
The exception of basil is with tomatoes. The two are inseparable companions from the garden to the plate. When planted together, basil helps to repel pests that normally attack the tomato.
When planting, prepare a soil rich in organic matter and well drained. Basil likes water, but does not like soaked soil.
Make a hole that holds the size of the seedling and plant it. If you want to create a bed with several basil leaves, keep a distance of approximately 20 centimeters between each foot.
How to care for basil
Now that you know how to plant basil, here are tips on how to care for your small fragrant shrub:
Light and sun
Basil enjoys warmth. This means that it grows better at temperatures between 18º and 28º C. Temperatures below 15ºC can compromise the proper development of the plant.
Sunlight is also of utmost importance for an ever beautiful basil with green and shiny leaves. It is recommended to keep the plant in direct sunlight for about 4 to 6 hours a day.
Therefore, when choosing the place for planting take this information into account and choose the most suitable environment for the basil. And if you start to notice yellow leaves on the plant, move it. This is a good indication that she is not getting enough sun.
Ideal Soil and Fertilization
The ideal soil for basil is that rich in organic matter, well drained and ventilated. Therefore, try to fertilize the basil regularly with natural compounds, such as earthworm humus and other fertilizers that can be made at home.
Watering
Basil needs water regularly, especially in the hottest times of the year. The best time to water the plant is in the morning. This allows the plant to absorb the necessary amount of water and the rest is evaporated without accumulating in the soil. When watering in the late afternoon, the water takes longer to dissipate and this can end up generating fungi on the leaves of the basil.
Pruning
Everyone loves to see the white flowers that grow from the basil leaves and if you are one of those people we have some kind of sad news to give you. Flowers need to be removed every time they bloom.
Basil flowers alter the typical flavor and aroma of the plant, in addition to removing vigor and hindering the growth of new leaves. So, without guilt or fear, cut the flowers. The tip for pruning them correctly is to always cut just below the leaves that accompany them.
Harvest
Basil is a perennial species that is ready for harvest from a very young age. To cut the basil leaves correctly, always use scissors and make the cut very close to the branch.
Conservation
The excess leaves removed from the foot can be preserved in a glass of water, if they are consumed in a short time, or in the refrigerator. To keep them in the refrigerator, wash and dry the leaves well and keep in a pot with paper towels inside.
For those who want to extend the life of the basil a little longer, they can choose to freeze it. The best way to do this is to beat the leaves in the blender with a little water, creating a paste. Put this mix in a jar and freeze.
Where to use basil
Once planted and beautiful, basil can be used in countless recipes. They say that a basil tea, for example, because it contains vitamin C, is great for cases of flu and colds.
But it is in cooking that the herb reveals all its power. Sprinkle basil leaves on the lettuce salad and you'll never want to eat salad any other way.
Some basil leaves on the omelet or scrambled eggs are also amazing. In pasta and stews, basil forms a perfect pairing with tomatoes. With this pair you can stuff pizzas, cover pasta and create other magnificent dishes.
Basil is also a great choice to taste olive oils. Just add a few sprigs of the herb inside the oil glass and let it mature.
Some drinks and cocktails also include basil among the ingredients, offering a drink with a distinctive and very aromatic touch.
We can also not fail to mention some dishes in which the basil stands out, such as the Margherita pizza, the Caprese salad, the Pesto sauce and the Bruschetta.
And then? Is it worth it or not to leave a separate corner in your house just to grow a basil plant? Well then, just follow these tips and let the basil surprise you (even more).
