Italian Sweet Basil is scientifically known as Occimum basilicum of the Mint family Lamiaceae. Its stem cuttting readily roots in water like any other member of the Mint family. They share similar characteristic of aromatic and flavour in culinary herbalogy. However they get old after a year and commence flowering. Such event should be terminated as soon as possible by removing the flower buds, for this art will significantly lengthen the lifespan of the herbs. But eventually the nature will take its course and flowering becomes inevitable. Don't be despair, the seeds will be formed and if harvested and germinated, will soon form the next generation of this versatile culinary herbs.
To plant it efficiently, in my experience is best to grow it hydroponically. This is because it grows much broader, bigger and faster without soil borne diseases.
The seeds of basil can be germinated in plain water or tap water. It will sprout into this cute broad dicotyledon seedlings. The seeds have a layer of gel like transparent coating when it gets in contact with water.
The seedlings were then transplanted into larger container and water with Hydroponics Mineral at one quarter the original recommended strength. The concentration was gradually increased by a quarter weekly until the third week at full concentration strength. The basil at 3 weeks old would look like the pictures above. They were ready to be harvested or transplanted, depending on personal preferences.
Here i did not harvest. Instead i transplanted into the plastic container. Note that the algae grew on the blue sponge. It looked brownish. But its ok, it doesn't affect the Hydroponics basil, provided the transparent container is concealed.
The transparent container containing the Hydroponics Mineral and the roots of the plants is kept in the brown plastic pot to prevent sunlight and algae growth.
Some plants were transplanted into a medium size polystyrene cup with holes cut at the bottom to allow roots to grow through. Then i put it into the potato crisp container lined with waterproof plastic. Inside was filled with Hydroponics Mineral at full strength. The plants took another week to grow to this size. If it is harvested by pruning the stem, new shoots will sprout, making it bushier.
I planted them under artificial light indoor.
These plants were 6 weeks old. Plenty of leaves to harvest for cooking Pesto Sauce and pizzas.
This pot of Hydroponics Basil was planted outdoor. The water container was concealed within the brown plastic pot to prevent algae growth.
NOTE: If basil were planted on land, it will look like this following photo. This was taken a while ago when i was cultivating it on land.
Their leaves are more pointy and rugged compared to the rounder juicier leaves grown in Hydroponics.
The basil flower is rich in nectar. Bees pollinate it and seeds will form. Harvest the seeds when it turns black. Germinate it as mentioned earlier in plain water. It will sprout within a week. The earliest sprouting was 24 hrs upon sowing.
