Basil Plant Care

Basil plant, botanically known as ocimum tenuiflorum is one of the most commonly grown herbs found in the world. The basil leaves have not only been extensively used in herbal preparations on the lines of ayurveda but also in traditional Chinese medicines. In many parts of the world, especially in Asia, a basil plant is revered and given scriptural and spiritual importance. Basil's powerful medicinal values make it a 'must have' plant in your home and garden. To ensure a good healthy basil, refer to the following tips given on basil plant care.

Care for Basil Plant
Basil is a low-maintenance herb that come in many varieties. The common ones grown in most gardens are sweet basil, holy basil, Thai basil, Lemon basil, etc. Most basil plants achieve a height of two feet that sprout bright green 3 - 4 inch long leaves and tiny white flowers that are borne towards the end of the tender branch spikes. The leaves are subtly fragrant that come to the forefront when fresh leaves are crushed with hand. In some varieties, the leaves are purple bordered in color. Fresh and dried basil is also used for culinary purposes. Basil plant care, whether grown indoors in pots or as an outdoor garden plant, involves the same attention and maintenance. Following are a few basic things that a basil plant would need in order to thrive.

Plant: While getting a basil plant from the nursery, make sure you get one that is standing straight and has a few slender branches that have sprouted from all sides. The leaves should be green and bright. Make sure the plant is not diseased or the leaves are not yellow or brown. Basil can also be propagated by cuttings or layering. Basil can be grown from its seeds, just sprinkle a few on a raised bed, lightly water it and cover for a couple of days. Remove the cover as soon you find that the seeds have germinated.

Soil: Basil plants thrive in a light soil. So while getting a pot or a place ready to plant them, ensure that the soil is part sandy, well composted and well drained. Too much compost will damage the plant and lead to root rotting. As it is a tropical plant, it needs to be protected from cold winds and frost. They do well in both full as well as partial sun. Basil plants can tolerate soil pH in a range that is between 6 to 8 on the soil acidity - alkalinity scale.

Water: Basil does not like excess watering. Too much water causes its stems to rot and leaves to wilt away. In warmer climates, a daily sprinkling can be done and the plant can be given a wash in the evenings. This will cool off the warmth around the plant. In colder climates, water the plant as per requirement only. Heavily mulch around, so that adequate moisture will get retained which is beneficial for plant growth. One can even till the soil regularly to ensure that the soil does not harden up, and water drainage takes place easily.

Fertilizer: Basil needs minimal fertilizing, too much will burn the plant out. Never fertilize in extremely hot or cold seasons and when the plant is in its dormant stage. Too much of artificial and fast realizing fertilizer will hasten plant growth, which in the long run will damage the plant. Use organic fertilizer or liquid fertilizer. Add the fertilizer away from the main stem of the plant and water the plant after every application.

Pests: Basil gets inflicted with pest primarily for two reasons: too much water and not enough enough sunlight. Too much dampness in the soil results in fungal diseases such as pythium wilt and fusarium wilt. When one notices such infliction in the plants, immediately control watering, air out the plant and cut out the diseased stems and leaves. One can dust anti fungal powder or spray the plant with a pesticide solution. Other basil plant pests include aphids, mealybugs and spider mites. They can all be cleared out by using appropriate anti fungal or anti bacterial solutions or powders.

Basil plant care does not require too much time and effort. Simple measures such as ensuring good drainage, adequate water, enough sunlight and good quality slow releasing fertilizer will keep your plant in very good condition.