Basil

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Basil

There are many types of basil, each with its own flavour and uses.

When to plant/sow in zone:
Requirements: Full sun; warm, frost-free conditions.
Soil: Enrich soil with plenty of compost and manure. Needs a well-drained position.
How to start: SEED: Sow direct into ground, 2mm deep, 30cm apart. Keep moist. Sow in punnets into seed-raising mix, 2mm deep. Keep moist. Germinates in 5-10 days. Once they have their first set of true leaves, plant outside, or grow on in individual 10cm, pots. SEEDLING: Plant outside when seedlings are 10cm+ tall. Space 25-30cm apart. In pots they can be planted 15-20cm apart. Use premium potting mix. Water in and mulch with straw.
How to grow: Apply seaweed solution or liquid fertiliser fortnightly.
When to harvest: Start harvesting from 6-10 weeks. Pick leaves as needed.
Troubleshooting: Extreme heat; snails and slugs

Wondering what to plant when?

Use our planner to create a planting calendar for your climate zone
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