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- Opinionated Gardener Blog
- Seed Collections
-
Vegetables Seeds
- Arugula Seeds
- Asian Green Seeds
- Bean Seeds
- Beet Seeds
- Broccoli Seeds
- Cabbage Seeds
- Carrot Seeds
- Celery Seeds
- Chard Seeds
- Cucumber seeds
- Eggplant Seeds
- Kale Seeds
- Leek Seeds
- Lettuce Seeds
- Mustard Seeds
- Okra Seeds
- Onion seeds
- Pea Seeds
- Peppers Seeds
- Radish Seeds
- Rutabaga Seeds
- Tomato Seeds
- Turnip Seeds
- Spinach Seeds
- Summer Squash Seeds
- Winter Squash Seeds
- Opinionated Gardener Blog
Care and Growing Instructions
How to Sow
Sowing Seeds Indoors
Sow Red Holy Basil (Ocimum Sanctum) seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost in spring
Sow basil seeds ¼ inches deep in seed-starting formula
Keep the soil evenly moist at 70 degrees F
Seedlings emerge in 7-14 days
As soon as basil seedlings emerge, provide plenty of natural light on a sunny windowsill or grow under fluorescent light on a 12 hours cycle.
Transplant basil plants in the garden after a period of “hardening”, increasing the seedling’s exposure to sunlight gradually over a one-week period. Seedlings are ready for transplants when they have 3 to 4 true leaves.
Do not expose basil plants or seedlings to frost.
Sowing Seeds Outdoors
Direct sow Basil seeds in average soil in full sun after all danger of frost has passed when the soil temperature is at least 60 degrees F. Basil grows best in fine, well-draining soil of average fertility.
Sow basil seeds evenly and cover with ¼ inches of fine soil.
Firm the soil lightly and keep evenly moist.
Seedlings will emerge in 7-14 days, possibly longer in cooler soils.
How to Grow
Keep weeds under control during the growing season. Weeds compete with plants for water, space and nutrients. Mulching the growing area helps the soil retain moisture and prevents weed seeds from germinating.
For Red Holy Basil (Ocimum Sanctum), an organic mulch of aged bark, weed-seed free straw or shredded leaves is ideal. Mulching has many benefits including added organic matter and fertility as it will improve the soil as mulch breaks down in time. Always keep mulches off a plant’s stems to prevent possible rot.
Keep basil plants well-watered during the growing season, especially during dry spells. Keep the soil moist but not saturated. Basil plants should not be allowed to dry out.
Do not harvest too much of the plant at one time as this may weaken the plant.