Fresh, fragrant and an ally of good Mediterranean cuisine: we’re talking about basil. In order for it to be strong, lush and always beautiful, it must be planted in an unusual place. It’s there that.
Basil is an annual plant that loves sunlight and a mild climate. It can be sown in spring and wait until it grows abundantly. Basil leaves like direct light and prefer pleasant temperatures from fifteen degrees. To successfully grow this fragrant plant, you need to know all the good secrets of expert nurseries so that the same basil grows luxuriantly and is not attacked by pests and insects. There is an unusual place that not everyone knows about where basil can be planted and sprouted.
Basil: what you need to know
The aromatic and fragrant herb par excellence, the queen of Ligurian cuisine and the basic ingredient for the preparation of Genoese pesto. We are talking about the basil plant which gives off a truly unique and unmistakable scent. Its scientific name is Ocimum basilicum and it belongs to the Lamiaceae family .
Basil leaves are used to add a touch of flavor and taste to dishes, including pizza. In addition to being used in cooking, this cultivar is one of the annual plants preferred by nurserymen and gardening enthusiasts to perfume their garden. In addition, basil is a plant that repels insects. There are several varieties of basil to grow, including Genovese basil, purple basil, licorice basil, mint basil, and other cultivars. The basil seedling can grow up to sixty centimeters and can produce pink or white flowers.
Basil leaves: nutritional properties
Not everyone knows that using basil leaves in cooking is a real mine of nutritional properties . Basil is rich in mineral salts, vitamins, omega-3 fatty acids, they have a very negligible caloric intake and a low glycemic index.
Basil: how to grow it?
The basil plant can be grown both in the garden and on the balcony in pots. The seeds of the cultivar must be buried and covered with a layer of soil. As planned, the basil plant must be sown in spring, in particular at the beginning of April to allow more flowery germination . The soil where the basil plant is sown should be fertilized with nutrients aimed at stimulating healthy growth. Nurseries recommend using natural fertilizers, including brewer’s yeast and coffee grounds. Fertilizing the basil plant should take place twice a year: once in the spring and once in the fall.
Basil plant: the position to make it beautiful
There is an unusual place where it is possible to grow the basil plant: we are talking about our balcony or garden in the area where there is direct sunlight. Well yes, basil leaves prefer heat and mild climate . They hate shade and harsh climate. A good tip is to repot the basil plant in a small to medium sized black pot. Water with water so that the soil does not dry out too quickly.
Basil plant: it’s time to harvest it
Once the basil leaves are beautiful and lush, it is good to pick them for the preparation of pesto or to garnish and flavor dishes. With these tips, you can grow and harvest basil leaves all year round. Pesto is guaranteed!