What is basil leaf called in China? Cultivation methods and precautions
Today we introduce a spice that can be bought in everyday vegetable markets, and that is basil. It originated in India and is considered India's "holy herb"; locals do not eat it, but after it spread to Europe it became a spice used in cooking. In China it is also called jiucengta or jinbuhuan.
Basil is a plant of the genus Ocimum in the family Lamiaceae. It has a fragrant aroma, and its leaves are ovate with irregularly serrated edges. In the flower market, it is mostly grown as a potted plant. In terms of care, basil prefers a warm and humid climate and is not cold-tolerant. The suitable growing temperature is 25 to 28 degrees Celsius. If the ambient temperature drops below 18 degrees Celsius, its growth will slow down. Usually it is recommended to place it on a sunny windowsill, because it likes an environment with plenty of sunlight.
When caring for it, you need to care for it according to the early and later stages. If what you buy from the market is already a seedling that has grown 3 to 4 leaves, the soil should be kept "moist," because the seedling stage is afraid of drought. During the growing period, fertilizer can be applied once; doing so can help the seedlings grow strong. Later, when it gradually grows to 10 to 15 cm, you can pick the fresh tender leaves for eating. After picking, be sure to apply some fertilizer. It is recommended to apply nitrogen fertilizer 2 to 3 times with watering during the growing period according to its growth condition, because it can still be picked many more times afterward.
After careful care for three months, basil can generally bloom. Its inflorescence is a raceme, and the flower color is mostly light purple or white. At the same time, seeds can also be harvested at this point. The harvested seeds can be sown every year in June. The specific operation is to first put nutrient soil into a pot, evenly sow the seeds in about 0.5 to 1 cm of soil, and finally water thoroughly. If conditions permit, a moisture-retaining mat can be placed on top, and they will sprout after about 3 to 5 days. During the germination period, the suitable temperature is 5 to 20 degrees Celsius.
In addition, basil is very valuable. It can be made into cold dishes, soups, health tea, seasonings, and more, and from it you can obtain rich carotene and protein. At the same time, drying its stems and leaves also has the effect of repelling insects and preventing mosquitoes.