How to grow basil from seed? A detailed guide to the planting method
Basil, also known as nine-layer pagoda and jinbuhuan, is a plant of the Lamiaceae family. It mostly grows in hot and dry environments, and its flavor is similar to fennel. It is generally more common in Western cuisine. It can currently be grown in some regions, so what are the methods for growing basil from seed?
1. Choosing soil and choosing a pot
Basil is a deep-rooted plant, and its roots can reach 0.5-1 m into the soil, so when choosing a pot, try to choose a taller flower pot. For the soil, try to choose well-drained, fertile, loose coconut coir for cultivation, and apply base fertilizer or nutrient soil before planting.
2. Treating the seeds
Put the seeds into a container, first pour in a little cold water, and wet the seeds. After about 3-5 minutes, once the seed coats are wet and have absorbed some water, slowly pour hot water into the container while stirring with a wooden stick so the seeds are heated evenly.
When the water temperature in the container rises to 50-55°C, stop adding hot water; when the temperature drops, add some more hot water to keep the water temperature at the required level for 15-20 minutes, then let it cool naturally to about 25°C and continue soaking the seeds. The soaking time is based on the seeds having just reached water absorption saturation. After basil seeds are soaked, a layer of mucilage usually appears on the seed surface, which easily molds during germination and leads to seed rot. Therefore, after soaking, rinse the seeds repeatedly with clean water, and rub and wash them vigorously until the mucilage on the seed surface is removed. Put the seeds into a gauze bag, shake off the water vigorously, cover with a wet towel or gauze, keep warm and moist, and place at about 25°C for germination.
During germination, rinse once a day with clean water and drain well. If the seed quantity is large, turn them 1-2 times a day to keep the temperature even and the sprouting uniform. In the early stage of germination, the temperature can be slightly higher to promote sprouting. When the sprouts are about to emerge (the seeds are about to open), begin sowing.
3. Sowing
(1) Sowing time: generally sow in mid-to-late April, and direct sowing can be done. When sowing, choose a sunny morning.
(2) Sowing method: put nutrient soil into a sowing tray, water thoroughly with hot water or warm water, and after the water seeps down, scatter 1 layer of soil, evenly sow the germinated seeds in the tray, cover with 1 cm of soil, and cover with plastic film to keep warm and moist.
4. Thinning seedlings
When the seedlings are 6-10 cm tall, thin and fill in the seedlings. For hole sowing, keep 2-3 seedlings per hole; for drill sowing, keep 1 plant about every 10 cm. The first time is 10-20 days after emergence, shallowly hoe the surface soil. The second time is from early May to early June, before the seedlings close the rows; after each cultivation, apply nutrient soil. Seedlings are afraid of drought, so pay attention to timely watering.