Basil is a relatively easy plant to grow. You can seed it any time. I like to grow it in a pot and bring it in for the winter. It sits on my kitchen window (I have a plant window there) and I use it all winter. Before I bring it in I cut it down to about 8 inches tall, so it will branch out and so I can dry some basil too. Dried basil seems to have a slightly different flavor than fresh, and I like using it that way in some dishes.
To grow, get a nice big clay pot, preferably one that's about 8 to 10 inches across and about the same deep. You want enough room for a good root system. These guys like warm weather and an unfailing supply of water, though they don't like STANDING in water, which is why I give them a clay pot not a plastic pot.
Anyhow, here is where you can *cheat*. Most nurseries sell basil plants in the spring, and many grocery stores sell it all year round. My big pot of basil came from a grocery store in a little 3" plastic pot in the dead of winter. I took it home, unpotted it, saw it was completely rootbound. Separated it into 3 clumps and replanted all 3 in that clay pot. Where it lives to this day. It's currently out on the back deck, but I do have to watch the water situation there.
You *can* plant seeds. Like I said, any time of year. I'd plant the seeds in a 3" plastic pot, and transplant the basil when it's about 3-5 inches tall. It will be pretty happy in the smaller pot until that point. Plant enough seeds to get about a dozen plants. They don't take any special care except they do like warm air temperatures and even watering even as sprouting seeds.
There are various fancy kinds of basil too. The purple basils are especially nice for making vinegars. Just pop a stem or two of purple basil in a jar with cider vinegar and let it sit about a month. It will turn a lovely rose pink. Care for this basil is similar to the green, though in my experience it grows much more slowly.
2007-07-27 20:05:26
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answer #1
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answered by LaWeezel 4
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Yes. I'm growing some this summer and always do. Just buy some seeds and potting soil. Pinch the seeds a little, if you want a bushy plant and place the seeds about a 1/4 under the dirt. Keep the soil nice and moist and you'll see sprouts in about two weeks. My plants always get big every year and I love the fresh basil on pizza in Italian dishes,pesto etc. At the end of the season dry the leaves and you have spices for all winter. It's an easy plant to grow, just keep it watered and lots of light.
2007-07-26 09:24:30
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answer #2
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answered by sig 2
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Is it s Mediterranean plant so it loves it hot, somewhat dry....air. The soil needs to be well drained but not dry too much between waterings. When stressed, it tends to want to set flowers early, which reduces the quality. So for us and our heat, it's a game.....I want more leaves, it wants to flower. Rarely do I get them to last the summer.
2007-07-26 09:41:11
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answer #3
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answered by fluffernut 7
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