Basil
Background
This famous herb had its beginning in India, where it was viewed as sacred and used in religious rituals. Once it migrated to Egypt, it was used in embalming ceremonies. In ancient Greece and Rome, it came to symbolize love, protection and hospitality. It eventually became an essential flavoring ingredient in a variety of Mediterranean and Southeast Asian dishes. Today it is used in the kitchen and in the medicine cabinet.
Uses
Everyone loves a good pesto or some fresh basil on a pizza! It can be used in all manner of culinary creations. Basil has many health benefits as well. It has anti-inflammatory properties, antibacterial and antimicrobial properties to help fight infection. It can help combat stress, fight depression and promote cardiovascular health. Eat in fresh for any of these benefits or make an herbal tea from it.
Planting and Care
Plant basil in the spring when nights won’t get below 50 degrees, in warm, well-drained, yet moist soil. It is best if the location gets 6 to 8 hours of sun, but basil can also grow in partial shade. The plants typically get 18 to 24 inches in height, so plant 10 to 12 inches apart.
You want to prevent the plant from getting tall and spindly and from flowering. Make sure to pinch off the top of the center shoot after about 6 weeks to precent early flowering. Pinch off any flower buds to prevent the basil from going to seed.
Water basil deeply on a regular basis, but be sure that the soil is well drained.
Harvest and Storage
When plants are 6 to 8 inches tall, you can begin to harvest the leaves. If you pick the leaves regularly, it will promote the plant’s vitality. You can freeze basil by placing the leaves in an air-tight bag in the freezer. Some people add the fresh basil leaves to oil, place them in ice cube trays and freeze them. You can dry basil by pinching off the leaves and putting them in a well-ventilated area. They should dry within 3 to 4 days. If they do not dry in that time period, you can place them in the oven, with the door open slightly, on the lowest temperature. Be sure to turn the leaves for even drying.
Basil Varieties Offered (Scientific Name: Ocimum basilicum)
We will offer the following basil herb varieties for the upcoming planting season:
As always, our plants are subject to availability.
Don’t see what you are looking for? If there is a particular variety of basil you are looking for, please reach out to us via email or phone to discuss. We love to hear from our customers about what they are looking for and strive to accommodate any special requests.
Young's Greenhouse Recipes with Basil
What You Need You will need cherry or grape tomatoes, depending on how big you like your tomatoes. You’ll also need fresh mozzarella pearls, fresh basil, balsamic reduction, and large toothpicks. How To Assemble You can choose to assemble these however you would like. I usually put a mozzarella pearl on first, followed by […]
