35 - Basil
Varieties
- Genovese
- Nufar
- Everleaf Thai Towers
Growing Conditions
Disease and Pest Notes
Pest Info
- Aphids can be controlled by physical removal (spraying plants with water, but only in areas where gray mold and downy mildew are not an issue), insecticidal soap, or horticultural oil. Ladybugs or parasitic wasps can also be purchased to depress aphid populations.
- Japanese Beetles eat holes in the leaves, leaving the plants skeletonized. The best control methods include picking the beetles off plants and drowning them in a soapy water solution.
Disease Info
- Downy Mildew is a major problem for basil growers and is best avoided by selecting resistant varieties and ensuring good airflow and sufficient drying in controlled climates.
- Fusarium Wilt often results in stunted growth and wilted plants, and is best avoided by selecting resistant varieties.
- Gray Mold can appear in areas where moisture levels are high and airflow between plants is not sufficient. Ensuring good sanitary practices and appropriate plant spacing are among the best ways to avoid a breakout.
- Damping Off/Root Rot happens in the seedling stage when plants collapse after germinating. This can be avoided by using a clean potting soil source and sterilized pots. Avoid over-watering seedlings to reduce risk of damping off.
Mulch Type
Propagation
Life cycle
Seed germination treatment details
Soil block size
Light requirements and depth
Seed germination temperature
Heat mat temp
Planting details
Water propagation – Propagate from cuttings during growing season. Take cuttings from plant that hasn’t flowered or leaf node from non-flowering part.
8 – 10 days and then ready to pot up and harden off, then plant when ready. Keep potting mix moist as they’ve propagated in water. Use mycorrhizal inoculant around planting hole when potting up.
Culture and fertilization requirements
Moderately rich, moist soil. Basil is not drought tolerant and can be damaged by heat stress. Regular moisture throughout the growing season helps to ensure a good crop. To get the highest yield of tender and flavorful leaves, pinch the tip of each branch, starting in early summer when the plants are 6″ tall, to encourage bushiness.
Succession interval - maximum
Harvesting details
Begin light harvesting after plants have become established. It is best done in the early morning when the temperature is cooler and the leaves are less likely to wilt. A full harvest should be completed just before the plants start to flower. Cut the entire plant 4-6″ above the ground to promote a second growth. Leaves are easily bruised when picking, so handle carefully. Do not store at a temperature less than 50°F (10°C).
Keep pruned to grow veg and not flowers. Prune main leaders to stop flowering from occurring.
Current Seed Start & Transplant Dates
Note: Seed starting and transplant dates do not always correlate one to one with dates shown below. Note correct start and expected transplant dates on the tag of the tray for seed germination. Adjust dates with plant tags on a yearly basis if necessary. 8 ounces of fertilizer is about 1 cup. Consider Sustane various NPK and Alfalfa Meal or Blood Meal for nitrogen.
| Seed Start to Transplant Days | 42 |
| Days to Maturity after Transplant | 26 |
| Days to Maturity Total | 68 |
| Succession Interval | 42 |
| Number of Plantings per Season | 3 Spring |
| Number of Transplants per Plant Date | 6 ( 3 of each variety ) |
| Square Feet of Bed Space per Plant Date | 6 |
| Linear Feet of Bed Space per Plant Date | 2 |
| Spring Expected Harvest Date Range | 06/15 to 11/01 |
Athens
Franklin
Transplant Details: 8" for succession | 12 - 16" to grow large
Direct Sow Dates ( if any )
Direct Sow Details: Direct seed (recommended): Plant seeds 1/4" deep, 2-3 seeds per inch, in rows 18" apart. Firm the soil over the seeds. Thinning is not necessary, but a final spacing of 4-8" apart produces healthy, full plants.