Basil

Growing Instructions

• Plant seeds ¼ inch deep in rich soil.
• Germinate at 25–30°C for 5–10 days.
• Full sun, keep soil moist.
• Transplant at 4–6 inches.

History

Basil (Ocimum basilicum), native to India, has been revered for over 5,000 years. In Hinduism, it’s a sacred plant, while in ancient Greece, it symbolized royalty. It reached Europe via trade routes, becoming a culinary star in Italian cuisine by the Renaissance.

Care Tips & Yield Boosters

• Better Germination: Cover seeds lightly; they need light to sprout.
• Higher Yield: Prune flowers to prolong leaf production.
• Extra Tip: Mist leaves to deter pests.