Fresh, fragrant and an ally of good Mediterranean cuisine: we are talking about basil. To make it strong, lush and always beautiful, it is best to plant it in an unusual place. That’s the place.
Basil is an annual plant that loves sunlight and a mild climate. It can be sown during the spring season and wait for it to grow luxuriantly. Basil leaves love direct light and prefer pleasant temperatures from fifteen degrees. For the successful cultivation of this fragrant plant, it is necessary to know all the good secrets of expert nurseries, so that the basil itself grows luxuriantly and is not attacked by parasites and insects. There is an unusual place that not everyone knows about, where it is possible to plant basil and let it sprout.
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 basil, which emits 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 its use in the kitchen, this cultivar is one of the annuals preferred by nurseries and gardening enthusiasts to scent their vegetable gardens. Basil is also a plant that helps protect against insects.
There are several varieties of basil to grow, including Genoa basil, purple basil, licorice basil, mint basil, and other cultivars. A basil plant can reach up to two feet tall and can produce pink or white flowers.
Basil leaves: nutritional properties
Not everyone knows that the use of basil leaves in the kitchen is a real treasure trove of nutritional properties . Basil is rich in mineral salts, vitamins, omega-3 fatty acids, has very negligible caloric intake and a low glycemic index.
Basil: how to grow it?
Basil can be grown both in the vegetable garden and on the balcony in pots. Cultivar seeds must be buried and covered with a layer of soil. As expected, the basil plant must be sown in the spring, especially in early April, to allow more flowery sprouting . The soil where the basil is sown must be fertilized with nutrients aimed at stimulating healthy growth. Nurserymen recommend using natural fertilizers including brewer’s yeast and coffee grounds. Fertilizing basil must be done twice a year: once during the spring season and once during the fall season.
Basil: a place where it’s beautiful
There is an unusual place where it is possible to grow basil: we are talking about our balcony or garden in an area where there is direct sunlight. Yes, basil leaves prefer a warm and mild climate . Hates shade and harsh climate. A good tip is to transplant the basil plant into a small, medium-sized black pot. Water so that the soil does not dry out too quickly.
Basil: it’s time to harvest it
As soon as the basil leaves are beautiful and fresh, it is good to start harvesting them to prepare pesto or to decorate and flavor dishes.
With these tricks, you can grow and harvest basil leaves all year round. Pesto is guaranteed!
