Methods for Basil Cultivation and Additional Growing Advice
Freshly Grown Basil for Private Chefs
Crave that mouth-watering burst of flavor only homegrown basil can provide? With our ultimate guide to basil cultivation and harvesting, you're one step closer to nailing your culinary masterpieces!
Basil's Fascinating OriginsUnderstand the roots of your favorite herb – it's innate charm lies in being a relative of the mint family, native to southern Asia and the Pacific islands.
Species BreakdownDiscover the blend of aromas found in the 20+ basil varieties, each one claiming a unique essence, from pine-like scents to pleasant anise tones.
Standout TypesEscape the basics and interest your taste buds with exotic varieties like cinnamon basil, purple basil, and the zesty lemon basil.
Growth and CareLearn the secrets to fostering a thriving basil garden in your own backyard, including optimal sunlight, temperature, and soil conditions.
Harvesting like a ProTransform yourself into a basil harvesting maestro, snipping the right stem above specific nodes to boost growth and pique flavor.
Morning HarvestReap the freshest, juiciest basil leaves by getting your hands dirty at sunrise, when essential oils are at their peak within the leaves.
Delaying FloweringHelp your basil plant put its energy into tasty foliage instead of seed production by regularly pinching off flowers.
Variety-Specific Harvest MethodsPerfect your technique for specific basil varieties like 'Everleaf Emerald Towers' and Lemon Basil, each requiring a slightly different approach.
Harvest TipsHarvest basil regularly and selectively to promote new growth, enforce plants' bushy appearance, and delay flowering as long as possible.
Growth RenewalRegularly pruning and harvesting sends signals to the plant to grow new shoots and, eventually, new harvests.
Best Practices for StorageSay farewell to slimy leaves and lost flavor – keep fresh basil out of the fridge, away from direct sunlight, and refresh water every couple of days.
Drying and PreservingExtend the life of your basil harvests by drying them in a hanging bag or using a food dehydrator – fully dried basil can last a whole year!
Basil's Nutritional AdvantagesJam-packed with Vitamin A, Vitamin C, magnesium, and iron, basil offers a powerful mix of health benefits, from improved blood flow to combating signs of aging and inflammation.
Medicinal UsesExtract basil oils to create essential oil treatments for healing wounds, fighting acne, and protecting your body against free radicals.
Making the Most of Your BasilImpress your friends with delectable dishes featuring basil, along with other herbs in a creative herbal blending guide.
Reach Out to the ExpertsReady to enhance your culinary creations, or have questions about your special basil plant? Get in touch with our Pro Team for top-tier advice and support.
More Herb GuidesExpand your horizons with our gardening resources for a myriad of herbs, joining basil in your thriving herb garden.
[1] University of Illinois Extension. (2020). Basil. Retrieved from https://extension.illinois.edu/horticulture/pages/basil.cfm
[2] University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources. (2021). Basil Basics. Retrieved from https://ucanr.edu/blogs/blogcore/postdetail.cfm?postnum=27899
[3] Pennsylvania State University. (n.d.). Basil (Ocimum basilicum). Retrieved from https://extension.psu.edu/fact-sheets/basil-ocimum-basilicum
[4] North Dakota State University. (2019). Basil. Retrieved from https://www.ag.ndsu.edu/publications/plant-science/basil
[5] Washington State University Extension. (2021). Basil. Retrieved from https://extension.washington.edu/page/ohs/topic167/
Learning to cultivate a diverse assortment of basil in your home-and-garden can transform your lifestyle, offering a range of flavors for an array of dishes. Additionally, tending to a home-garden with various basil varieties can entirely revamp your gardening practices, adding a touch of vibrant green to your home-and-lifestyle.
