Organic Ocimum basilicum - Vilmorin Seeds

The basil loves a fresh and loose soil, rich in humus. This plant also needs a semi-shaded exposure to develop well. Basil is afraid of direct sunlight as it tends to burn the leaves. Basil is a plant that is installed in the vegetable garden, but it adapts very well in a pot in a veranda or on a balcony.

Sowing: it is done in spring, in the months of March, April, and May, directly in place. We practice a sowing in a furrow, very airy, in a flat furrow about 10 cm (4in) wide and 2 cm (1in) deep. The rows should be spaced 25 cm (10in) apart. Cover the seeds with the soil spread along the furrow, then water. Germination takes between 10 to 15 days. As soon as the first plants appear, a light thinning is done. The more you stagger the sowing, the longer the harvesting period will be. The sowing can be done in a bucket to be then replanted, as soon as the plant reaches 10 cm (4 to 6 leaves) high. Basil can remain in a pot to be available in the kitchen if it is bright.

Maintenance: basil requires simple watering (or preventive mulching) when the soil dries out. It is the lack of water (water stress) that can cause basil to go to seed. Pinch the inflorescences as soon as they appear to promote leaf production. Basil is sensitive to powdery mildew, gray rot, and aphids. Against rot and powdery mildew, it is necessary to reduce watering and thin out the planting.