Indoor herb garden – Basil

byFlora Greenfield Indoor Herbs
Basil (Ocimum basilicum):
Key Characteristics:
  1. Aromatic, oval-shaped leaves (green or purple)
  2. Small, white or purple flowers
  3. Annual herb, grows up to 2 feet tall
  4. Native to India and Southeast Asia
Care Tips:
  1. Lighting: Bright, indirect light (4-6 hours direct sun)
  2. Watering: Keep soil consistently moist
  3. Temperature: 60-80°F (15-27°C)
  4. Humidity: Average humidity levels
  5. Fertilization: Feed with balanced fertilizer during growing season
  6. Pruning: Pinch off flower buds, trim back after harvesting
Benefits:
  1. Culinary uses (cooking, teas, pesto)
  2. Medicinal properties (antibacterial, anti-inflammatory)
  3. Insect repellent (mosquitoes, flies)
  4. Air purification
  5. Improves mental clarity and focus
Common Issues:
  1. Pests: aphids, whiteflies, spider mites
  2. Diseases: fungal infections, root rot
  3. Bolting (premature flowering)
  4. Leaf scorch (direct sunlight)
Propagation:
  1. Seeds: Sow directly into soil
  2. Cuttings: Take stem cuttings, root in water or soil
  3. Division: Separate roots during repotting
Toxicity:
  1. Non-toxic to humans
  2. Toxic to pets if ingested in large quantities
Varieties:
  1. Sweet Basil (Ocimum basilicum)
  2. Genovese Basil (Ocimum basilicum ‘Genovese’)
  3. Thai Basil (Ocimum basilicum var. thyrsiflora)
  4. Lemon Basil (Ocimum x citriodorum)
  5. Purple Basil (Ocimum basilicum ‘Purpureum’)
Fun Facts:
  1. Name derives from Greek word “basileus” (king)
  2. Sacred herb in Hinduism and Buddhism
  3. Used in traditional medicine for centuries
  4. Essential oil used in aromatherapy
Some popular uses of basil include:
  • Caprese salad (tomatoes, mozzarella, basil)
  • Pesto sauce (basil, garlic, pine nuts, parmesan)
  • Thai curries and stir-fries
  • Herbal teas and infusions
  • Companion planting (repels pests, improves growth)