Many of us who grow herbs and use them to transform ho-hum dishes into memorable ones started out with basil. However, it takes a while to get our arms around the many varieties it comes in and the subtle variations we can achieve in our use of them. For example, there are several flavors of basil such as lemon, cinnamon, and anise. There are many plant varieties beginning with the shape–low-growing, stocky, or tall. They come in many leaf shapes also such as variegated, crinkled, or smooth. They can even be either green or purple, and there is big variation in taste between the two colors of basil. The sweet basils are considered the best for eating. Two good ones are Spicy Bush or Minette. They’re good for indoor gardens because they will grow in tight spaces. Any basil called a Genovese type can be counted on to taste good and grow well. References to basil can be found in history books in various parts of the world, usually linked to some emotion or other–sometimes love and sometimes hate. Religions have used it ceremonially to link followers to both heaven and hell.
Growing Basil
One reason novice herb growers start out with basil is that it's easy to grow. In preparing your soil, make certain it is well-drained and has all the organic matter it will need to flourish. You want full sun. You can get a jump on summer by planting them indoors about six weeks before the date you expect will be the last frost. You want to wait until there is no further danger of frost and the soil temperature has reached 50c ½F or more. Small-leafed basil will need to be planted about six to eight inches apart. However, if your variety is large-leaved, you will need to leave about a foot between the plants. It's a good idea to mulch after the seeds have sprouted. This will keep the ground moist and warm and will discourage weeds. Wait until the ground warms up before you mulch, though. The roots of the baby plants need heat. Of course, many of us grow our basil in a pot in our kitchens. You don't need an outdoor garden; you just need a sunny window. Be patient with yourself at first because even if you've been successful growing it outdoors, bringing it indoors is not exactly the same. If you’re transplanting from your garden, be sure to select the strongest plant or plants. In watering your basil indoors, your first goal should be to avoid the rotting of the roots, so use a mix of soil that will drain well. As a guideline, look at cactus-growing soils, which are intended to drain exceptionally well. Fish fertilizer is a good choice for indoor herbs and should be added once a month. There is some smell at first but it soon goes away.
Harvesting Basil
You can begin using your crop from your garden when the plants have a few pairs of leaves. It's good to snip frequently because the plant will be encouraged to put out new growth. This, of course, will keep supplying you with a good harvest. Some gardeners stagger the plantings of their basil so they will be sure to always have a crop. How long can you expect to gather leaves from your crop? That will depend on the length of your growing season. The first frost is the cut-off point. You can freeze basil by wrapping it in paper towels and putting it in plastic bags that can be opened and then resealed. Some people freeze basil in ice cubes for use later.
Concluding Thoughts
Even if you don't grow basil for eating, it smells so good in your garden on a warm summer day that that's a good enough reason to plant it. Besides, it repels some insects. It is used in some places as a repellent, rubbed on the skin to protect from insects. Whether it works to repel mosquitoes in North America is unknown. It wouldn't hurt to try! One more reminder to snip your basil plants: you don't want them to flower.
By TTS Cofounder Botanical Chef Omid Jaffari
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