How to cultivate basil, the protagonist of each Mediterranean dish, which in recent years has also earned a place on the spernies of urban kitchens. But even if it looks like a simple plant that needs only a little sun and water, it is actually a much more spoiled lady. If we do not deal it adequately, it quickly transforms into a yellow, sad and lifeless stem.
Many people make a fatal error when they collect the leaves, which basilica He literally kills. Not to mention the inadequate irrigation, the shady corners and the suffocated roots. But do not panic: with the right precautions, your basil will grow luxuriant as in an advertising spot of Italian cuisine, in every month of the year.
How to cultivate basil to grow luxuriantly all year round: tricks that gardeners hide like gold
1. The correct sowing: the basis of every success story
Let’s start with the bases: the soil must be airy, light and rich in organic substance. Sow the basil seeds in depth as they need light to germinate. The heat is essential, ideally between 20 and 25 ° C, and the first shoots will appear after about a week. The first leaves are not yet real ones, so wait for at least two “real” leaves before collecting or transplanting them have grown.
2. Sun, sun and still sun
Basil loves light. Place it in a place where it can receive at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight every day. If you want to cultivate it on an internal windowsill, the ideal choice is a window on display in the south. Without sun, the plant will become pale, high and will die quickly.
3. Water with feeling
Basil is sensitive to extreme conditions: it cannot stand drought, but even less wet feet. Win it regularly, but not excessively. The ground must be slightly humid, but not soaked. It is better to water in the morning, as this allows the leaves to dry during the day and not to rot.
4. Regular pruning for lush growth
The most common mistake? Snatch the lower leaves. Better always cut the higher tips. This will encourage the growth of new shoots and the plant will become bushy, not high and bay. Prune on a leaf node, at the point where the branches intersect. And remember the golden rule: never cut more than a third of the plant at a time.
5. Correct system distance
If you plant multiple plants together, the distance between them should be about 25-30 cm. This will guarantee good air circulation, preventing the development of mold and other diseases.
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6. Cultivation in pot or in the garden
Basil can be grown both outdoors and in pots: the latter are particularly comfortable because they can be moved to the balcony in summer and at home in winter. Only make sure that the vases have good drainage. Plan it outdoors only after the last ice cream, which in our area means after May 15th.
7. Dispensation of flavors – all year round
If you have too much basil, you can easily keep it to consume it later:
- Freezing in olive oil in ice trays is ideal for preparing sauces or soups.
- Center, made with fresh leaves, garlic and olive oil, can be frozen and tasted even in the middle of winter.
- Drying is the least recommended solution, since basil loses a lot of its aroma, but it is still better than nothing.
Conclusion:
Basil is not a very simple plant to grow, but with a little care and lots of love, it will reward you with fresh and fragrant leaves all year round. And who knows, you could even learn the art of pesto, which will give your pasta the flavor of a real Italian trattoria. Please, no tear of leaves.
