THAI OR INDONESIAN BASIL AB
Ocimum basilicum
This basil is distinguished by its light foliage and its lemony , fresh fragrance. It is perfect for adding an aromatic touch to your dishes. Sow in March/April in a warm bed , then transplant in May in a warm , sheltered and sunny position, 25 cm in all directions. This basil prefers rich , loose and fresh soil without excess. It goes particularly well with meat , fish , tomato-based preparations , or for tea .
How to successfully sow basil
Basil requires a minimum constant temperature of 20°C to germinate, so you should sow your seeds in a hotbed or heated greenhouse . Start your seeds in pots at the beginning of spring. Choose a good , fine seed compost .
Do not press the seeds in; press the potting soil into the pots or trays, then lightly brush the surface with your fingers. Place the seeds in the pot, sprinkle a little soil on top if desired, and press firmly.
Water with a spray bottle until the seeds germinate. Be careful, too much moisture could cause your seedlings to die. Germination occurs in 6 to 8 days on average .
Place your terrine or greenhouse near a bright window .
Planting basil in the garden
Plant your basil plants in the garden after the last frost in May, when the plants have reached the 3-4 leaf stage. Wait until June if you are north of the Loire .
Plant your basil plants in well-drained , rich soil in a sunny location. You can add a little manure .
Keep 50 cm between each plant. Water without wetting the foliage and without overwatering.
Harvesting basil
Leaves harvested in May and June , just before flowering, will have the most fragrance, although you can harvest them year-round as long as the plant has leaves. The more leaves you harvest from your plant, the more it will grow.
To preserve your basil , chop the leaves and place them in ice cube trays filled with water.
You can also store it in olive oil .
Additional tips
Planted between tomato plants , basil will protect them against certain parasites.
All basils are grown in pots or planters on a window or balcony.
