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There is often a confusion about whether Indian Holy Basil also called Tulsi is also used in cooking. Indian basil is used in traditional medicine, essential oils and in teas. Thai basil, sweet or great basil is used in cooking. Though both are basil plants, they are quite different in usage. While Tulsi is the sacred variety, the sweet basil commonly used in cooking is equally significant. Sweet basil is used in Italian and Mediterranean cuisines, where it adds a fresh, aromatic flavour to dishes such as pasta, salads, and pesto.
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Growing basil in India is relatively straightforward, thanks to the country's warm climate, which is ideal for this sun-loving herb. Basil thrives in well-drained soil rich in organic matter, and it requires at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily. Whether you're growing it in a garden or in pots on a balcony, basil can flourish in various settings.
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To grow basil, you can start by sowing seeds in early spring or during the monsoon when temperatures are moderate. The seeds germinate quickly, and within a few weeks, you'll have a healthy plant ready for harvesting. In India, basil can be grown year-round in many regions, particularly in areas with mild winters. Here’s how to grow basil at home.
Knowing The Varieties Of Basil
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Before you start growing basil, it's essential to select the right variety. There are several types of basil, each with unique flavours and uses.
Sweet Basil: The most common variety used in pesto and Italian dishes. It has a sweet, slightly peppery flavour.
Genovese Basil: Known for its large leaves and robust flavour, ideal for making traditional pesto.
Thai Basil: Features a spicy, anise-like flavour, perfect for Thai and Vietnamese cuisines.
Purple Basil: This variety is relatively more rare. It offers a beautiful colour and a slightly spicy taste, often used for garnish and culinary decoration.
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Planting Basil
Basil thrives in warm, sunny locations. It requires at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily. If you're growing basil indoors, place it near a south-facing window or use grow lights. It grows better in well-drained soil rich in organic matter. Use a mix of potting soil and compost or well-rotted manure.
In warmer climates, you can sow basil seeds directly into the garden. Space the seeds about 1/4 inch deep and 6-12 inches apart. If you’d rather start indoors you can also use seed trays or small pots filled with seed-starting mix. Cover the seeds lightly with soil and keep them moist until germination. Once the seedlings are about 2-3 inches tall and have developed their second set of leaves, you can transplant them outdoors. Space the plants 12-18 inches apart to allow for their full growth.
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Growing Basil Indoors
To grow basil indoors you can use pots or containers with drainage holes. A pot with a diameter of 6-8 inches is suitable for a single basil plant. Place the container in a sunny spot or use a grow light to provide 12-14 hours of light per day. Rotate the pot occasionally and avoid placing the plant near drafts or in direct air currents from heating or cooling systems.
Caring For Basil Plants
Basil requires consistent moisture. Water the plants deeply when the top inch of soil feels dry. Avoid getting water on the leaves to reduce the risk of fungal diseases.
Feed basil plants with a balanced, all-purpose fertiliser or a liquid organic fertiliser every 4-6 weeks. Be careful though as over-fertilising can lead to excessive leaf growth and reduced flavour. Basil is generally pest-resistant but can be affected by aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control pests.
Regularly pinch back the tips of basil plants to encourage bushier growth and prevent them from becoming leggy. Remove any flowers that appear, as they can make the leaves taste bitter.
Harvesting And Storing Basil
Harvest the basil leaves once the plant is well-established and has several sets of leaves. Regular harvesting encourages continued growth and prevents the plant from becoming too leggy. They are best used fresh but can also be refrigerated and used later.
Store fresh basil in the refrigerator wrapped in a damp paper towel inside a plastic bag. It will stay fresh for up to a week. For freezing, chop basil leaves and mix them with olive oil. Place the mixture in ice cube trays and freeze. Transfer the frozen cubes to a freezer bag for easy use in cooking.
