Where can I buy purple basil seeds? What are the seedling methods?
Purple basil is one of the common varieties of basil and belongs to the genus Ocimum in the Lamiaceae family. The purple basil plant is relatively short, is entirely deep purple from top to bottom, and its flowers are also purple. It also has the effect of repelling mosquitoes and refreshing the mind. In addition, purple basil leaves are warm in nature, and after the leaves are picked they can continue to grow again, making them very suitable for cooking, and it can be said that they are very suitable for household potted cultivation. Before growing them in pots, you first need to understand how to buy the seeds and the seedling techniques. Let us take a look together below.
Where can I buy purple basil seeds?
Purple basil has strong adaptability and a wide distribution, so buying purple basil seeds is relatively convenient. Basically, some flower markets or seedling suppliers sell purple basil seeds. It is recommended that everyone go to local markets to inspect and inquire. In addition, online e-commerce platforms are also one of the main ways to buy purple basil seeds, generally priced at about 3-5 yuan per pack, which overall is still very cheap. Just be careful to choose a legitimate platform.
What are the seedling methods?
1. Seed treatment
Place the seeds in a container, first pour in a little cold water to wet the seeds; after about 5 minutes, when the seed coat is wet and has absorbed some water, pour hot water into the container while stirring so that the seeds are heated evenly. Leave them for one night, and when you get up the next morning, scoop out the seeds and they can be used for sowing.
2. Sowing and raising seedlings
Purple basil seeds can be placed on moist paper towels or gauze to promote germination. Once small white sprouts appear on the seeds, they can be sown. Evenly scatter the seeds into the potting soil, cover with a thin layer of soil about 1 cm, and then carefully water thoroughly to avoid washing the seeds away.
3. Transplanting and pinching the top
After the seedlings emerge, they need light, and the soil should be kept moist. After the seedlings grow 4 true leaves, they can be transplanted. After that, light exposure should be properly controlled, and when the potting soil is dry, water thoroughly. When the seedlings grow to 20 cm, pinch the top, cutting off the top stem and keeping only 6~8 leaves at the bottom. This can promote continuous branching.
4. Seedling-stage care
Prune regularly. Each time you prune, leave only 4~6 leaves at the bottom, which can promote continuous branching. When the branches grow long, they should also be pinched at the top. The care location should be well ventilated, maintaining a warm and slightly moist environment, and avoiding overly frequent watering. After the seedlings grow strong, watering should be appropriately reduced to avoid root rot caused by too much water. As for the soil, it is best to use compost soil mixed with peat soil, with an appropriate addition of perlite. During the growing period, a compound fertilizer with a high nitrogen content can be given once every two to three weeks, which helps the branches and leaves grow more vigorously.
Overall, it likes a warm and humid climate, is heat-tolerant but not cold-tolerant. In northern summers it can grow normally, has strong branching, and one planting can provide multiple harvests. It can be used both for ornamental viewing and eaten as a vegetable, achieving both goals at once.
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