Basil seeds

Under this category in our online herb seeds catalog dedicated to your home and garden, you will find carefully selected high-quality seeds of one of the most recognizable herbs in the world, which has also become one of the most characteristic spices, known under the name "Royal Herb" ”, but known since ancient times under the name Basil.

Basil is a fragrant plant that belongs to the annual herbaceous species. The places where it is believed to have first appeared are Asia, Africa, and India. Fragrant basil has a rich history and many myths and legends are associated with it. In ancient Rome, a sprig of the aromatic herb was considered an expression of love, while in India it was believed to be a bearer of the divine and ward off a mythical fearsome snake that could kill with a look. In Egypt, they used basil to embalm the dead, and in Mexico, they put a sprig of the "sacred aroma" in their pocket, which could bring riches and eternal fidelity to the loved one. In Ancient Greece, basil was revered as a holy plant. In fact, the name of the basil herb comes from the Greek word "basilikohn", which literally means - "royal"

Nowadays, basil has its mainly used as a spice, specifically for this purpose its leaves are used. With its distinctive clean and sharp taste and fragrant aroma, basil has become a staple spice for dishes around the world, its presence becoming an indispensable part of Italian, Vietnamese and Thai cuisine. An interesting fact is that it gained serious popularity when the now-famous Pesto sauce became popular because basil is a major part of the favorite sauce.

Another famous culinary favorite that contains basil as a main ingredient is the Caprese salad. The combination of seasoning with tomatoes and mozzarella is so successful that the salad is gaining worldwide popularity for a reason. Its taste goes well with pizzas, and meat dishes, such as beef, poultry, and game. It is a perfect seasoning for potato dishes as well as for pasta.

Apart from its use as a spice, basil is an herb, a very useful herb at that, often referred to as the "Royal Herb". It has many beneficial properties on the human body, a small part of which include sedative properties, antiseptic, antibacterial, antitumor, antidepressant, tonic, and even aphrodisiac properties and does not end here.

With its high content of essential oils in the petals, basil has become a great anti-inflammatory and pain reliever.

Basil is often used to treat coughs, kidney disease, and gastrointestinal disorders.

To treat a cough, you can make a quick and easy basil tea that will relieve symptoms and help heal faster. All you need to do is pour half a liter of hot water over the herb. After brewing the tea, you need to strain it and your magical drink is ready. It is recommended to take the "medicinal" tea up to 4 times a day, before meals.

Another application that basil has is that of an ornamental plant. The reason is its beautiful green leaves, delicate flowers, and fragrant flowers.

The plant is heat-loving and light-loving. It likes moist and fertile soil and develops successfully with regular watering. You can grow it both in the yard and in a pot or box in your home.

The petals of the "Royal" herb freshen the air in rooms in the winter months, and in the summer - protecting against mosquitoes. See more Italian basil seeds tape. 

Growing basil in pots is a convenient and popular way to have fresh herbs readily available, especially if you have limited outdoor space or live in an apartment. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to grow basil in pots:

Choose the Right Pot: Select a pot or container with good drainage holes at the bottom. A pot that is at least 6-8 inches deep and 8-12 inches in diameter should be sufficient for growing one basil plant.

Use Quality Potting Mix: Fill the pot with a well-draining potting mix that is rich in organic matter. Avoid using garden soil, as it may not provide the necessary drainage and could contain pests or diseases.

Select Basil Seeds or Seedlings: You can start basil from seeds or purchase seedlings from a nursery or garden center. If starting from seeds, sow them about 1/4 inch deep in the potting mix and cover them lightly with soil.

Place the Pot in a Sunny Location: Basil loves sunlight, so choose a sunny spot for your pot where it will receive at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day. If you don't have enough natural sunlight indoors, consider using artificial grow lights.

Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water the basil when the top inch of the soil feels dry. Be careful not to overwater, as basil is susceptible to root rot in waterlogged conditions.

Fertilize: Basil is a fast-growing herb and benefits from regular feeding. Use a balanced liquid fertilizer or an organic option once every two weeks during the growing season (spring and summer).

Pruning: Regularly pinch or trim off the tips of the basil plant to encourage bushier growth. This will also prevent the plant from flowering too early, which can lead to a decline in leaf production.

Harvesting: You can start harvesting basil leaves when the plant has grown several sets of leaves. To harvest, pinch off the leaves just above a pair of leaves or the main stem. This encourages new growth and ensures a continuous supply of fresh leaves.

Watch for Pests and Diseases: Keep an eye out for common pests like aphids or spider mites. If you notice any issues, address them promptly using organic pest control methods.

Winter Care: Basil is sensitive to cold temperatures and will not survive frost. If you live in a region with harsh winters, consider bringing the potted basil indoors to a sunny windowsill or provide protection from the cold.

Growing basil in pots is a rewarding experience, and with proper care, you'll have a bountiful supply of fresh basil leaves to enhance your culinary creations. Enjoy the process and the flavorful results!

Growing Italian basil from seeds follows the same basic steps as growing any other type of basil. Here's a step-by-step guide specifically for Italian basil seeds:

Select High-Quality Seeds: Choose Italian basil seeds from a reputable supplier or garden center. Italian basil, also known as Sweet Basil (Ocimum basilicum), is the most commonly cultivated variety of basil, and it's the classic basil used in Italian cuisine.

Prepare the Pot and Soil: Use a pot or container with drainage holes at the bottom to prevent waterlogging. Fill the pot with a well-draining potting mix that is rich in organic matter. Italian basil prefers slightly acidic to neutral soil (around 6.0 to 7.0 pH).

Sow the Seeds: Plant the Italian basil seeds about 1/4 inch deep into the potting mix. You can sow multiple seeds in the same pot and thin them out later, or space them out if you want multiple basil plants.

Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water the seeds gently to avoid displacing them. You can use a spray bottle or a watering can with a fine spout for this purpose.

Location: Place the pot in a warm and sunny location that receives at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day. Italian basil thrives in warm temperatures and loves sunlight.

Germination: Basil seeds typically germinate within 7-14 days. Once the seedlings emerge, ensure they receive adequate sunlight to grow healthy and strong.

Thinning and Transplanting: If you have multiple seedlings growing closely together, thin them out by removing the weaker ones to provide enough space for the remaining plants to grow.

Fertilization: As the seedlings grow, you can start feeding them with a balanced liquid fertilizer. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for dilution and frequency.

Pruning and Harvesting: Regularly pinch off the tips of the basil plants to encourage bushier growth. Once the plants have several sets of leaves, you can start harvesting the basil by snipping off the leaves just above a pair of leaves or the main stem.

Continued Care: Italian basil is a fast-growing herb, and with proper care, it will continue to produce fresh leaves throughout the growing season. Keep an eye out for pests and diseases and address any issues promptly.

Remember to adjust your care routine based on the specific needs of the Italian basil plants you're growing. With patience and attention, you'll soon have a bountiful supply of fragrant and flavorful Italian basil leaves to use in your favorite Italian dishes!