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Basil
Introduction
Basil (Ocimum spp.) is a member of the mint family. There are several species and numerous interspecific hybrids. The most common culinary type is sweet basil, O. basilicum, which also has purple and lemon-scented cultivars. Specialty types include Thai (O. tenuiflorum), lemon (O. americanum x O. citridorum) and small-leaved bush types of various species and crosses. Basil seed is not always true to type. Try to obtain high-quality seed that is uniform with a high germination percentage.
Types and Varieties
| Type | Varieties |
|---|---|
| Sweet |
Amazel - BDM Aroma 2 - F Everleaf - BDM, F (intermediate) Evi - BDM Eleonora - BDM Genovese Italian Large Leaf Newton - F Nufar - F Prospera - BDM Prospera Active - BDM Rutgers Devotion - BDM Rutgers Obsession - BDM, F Rutgers Passion - BDM Rutgers Thunderstruck - BDM |
| Purple |
Red Rubin - BDM Dark Opal Amethyst Improved Prospera Red - BDM |
| Thai | Sweet Thai |
| Bush |
Spicy Bush Spicy Globe |
| Scented |
Sweet Dani (lemon) - BDM Lime Basil - BDM Holy Basil (medicinal) Cinnamon Basil |
NOTE: Basil downy mildew (Peronospora belbarhii) was first reported in the United States in 2007. Eleonora and Everleaf were the first downy mildew resistant sweet basil cultivars available in the US. Varieties with stronger resistance have since been released: Prospera, Amazel, and the Rutgers varieties Obsession, Devotion, Passion, and Thunderstruck. Thai, lemon, and spice basil varieties have intermediate BDM resistance.
Soil Fertility
Basil grows well in a warm, well-drained soil in a wide pH range, although the typical vegetable crop range of pH 6.0-6.8 is ideal. Although adequate fertility is required (see Table below), excess nitrogen applications can cause post-harvest discoloration and reduce flavor. Basil benefits from a sidedress application of nitrogen after the first or second cutting.
Plant nutrition recommendation according to soil test results for asparagus
|
BASIL |
NITROGEN (N)* LBS PER ACRE |
PHOSPHORUS (P) LBS P2O5 PER ACRE |
POTASSIUM (K) LBS K2O PER ACRE |
||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
SOIL TEST RESULTS |
VERY LOW |
LOW |
OPTIMUM |
ABOVE OPTIMUM |
VERY LOW |
LOW |
OPTIMUM |
ABOVE OPTIMUM | |
|
Broadcast and Incorporate |
100 |
120 |
60 |
30 |
0 |
100 |
50 |
25-50 |
0 |
|
Sidedress after 1st or 2nd cutting |
15-30 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
TOTAL RECOMMENDED |
115-130 |
120 |
60 |
30 |
0 |
100 |
50 |
25-50 |
0 |
*SEE PLANT NUTRIENTS FOR INFORMATION ON NUTRIENT MANAGEMENT AND APPLICATION.
Planting
In New England, basil is most commonly transplanted, but because it is highly sensitive to cold (low 40s), it should not be set out until after danger of frost. Seeds will germinate within 4-8 days at temperatures of 68-74ºF. Transplant at approximately 6 weeks old. Topping when plants are 5-6 in. tall encourages branching. Basil is often spaced at 6-12 in. between plants in double rows. Tighter spacing will promote longer shoots for bunching.
If field soils are warm enough, basil can be direct-seeded in a well-prepared seedbed at a spacing of 8-10 seeds per foot and later thinned. Basil can be direct sown using an onion seeder. Pelleted seeds are also available to facilitate outdoor seeding.
Field Culture
Because of the lack of herbicides for weed control and the need for warm temperatures, basil is well suited to growing in raised beds covered with black plastic mulch. Drip irrigation allows consistent application of water while also reducing foliar diseases. Cultural management of insects, diseases and weeds is necessary because few pesticides are registered for use on basil. Summer weight row covers can help to exclude insect pests but create a more humid environment that is more conducive to downy mildew development. Row cover is not required for production in mid-summer. However, high humidity is conducive to downy mildew, the most important pest of basil in recent years.
Harvest and Storage
Basil can be lightly harvested by pruning as early as 6 weeks after planting, with regular harvests starting a few weeks after that. Harvests should take place in the morning after the dew has left the plants. Depending on the intended use and market, individual leaves or entire stems may be harvested. Basil grown for culinary use should be harvested before flowering, as flavor will be adversely affected if plants are allowed to flower. If grown for essential oil production, basil should be harvested at full bloom. Plants will set seed if flower spikes are not removed as they appear. Sequential plantings can help ensure continuous production of quality shoots and leaves. Plan to finish harvesting downy mildew-susceptible varieties before mid-summer; resistant varieties can be expected to produce clean growth for a few weeks after downy mildew arrives.
Damage can be caused by rough handling, desiccation, and chilling (<40°F). Cooling can be accomplished by rinsing in 55°F water, but foliage should be dried completely prior to packing. Maintenance of clean growing conditions, free from mud splash, enables some growers to avoid contact with water. Basil should then be stored at temperatures above 54°F.