Basil
Where can you grow basil?
Basil likes warmth and sun and is virtually impervious to cold. It is therefore ideal for growing in windows, greenhouses and on balconies, but can also be grown in sheltered, warm locations in the garden. When growing outdoors, it is best to pre-cultivate it and then let it grow in a large pot. This way you can bring the pot inside if the temperature drops too much – basil is said to dislike temperatures below 15 degrees.
In addition to cold, basil also dislikes drying out. If you are growing in a greenhouse or on a glazed balcony, you must be careful to water regularly and ventilate properly.
The soil should be well-drained and relatively nutrient-rich (unlike many other herbaceous plants, basil needs a lot of nutrition).
Sowing basil
Start pre-cultivating in February or March, basil takes time to grow. It is a great advantage if you have access to plant lighting during spring winter. Sow very shallowly in seed soil in small pots, a couple of seeds in each pot, or spread the seeds out in a larger container. Cover with plastic and water regularly – basil must never dry out! Once the plants have grown a couple of centimetres tall, they should be transferred to larger pots. It’s important that the plants get as much light as possible throughout the spring.
When the plants have grown to a height of 5-10 centimetres, plant them in one or more large pots. When the daytime temperature exceeds 15 degrees centigrade, you can start taking the pots outside for a few hours a day to harden them off. Then, when the nights get warmer, you can leave the pot outside, but bring it inside if the weather forecast calls for a cold night.
Continue to be careful to water a lot and often, especially in high summer. Fertilise regularly too. Covering it with grass clippings will nourish the basil, while helping it retain moisture.
Harvesting basil
Harvest from above, by cutting above a leaf pair. Always leave at least two pairs of leaves on the stalk – then the plant will shoot new shoots and give you even more harvest in the future. It also prevents the plants from flowering and losing flavour. If you harvest more basil than you can eat in one go, you can freeze it. Put it in bags and extract as much air as possible, then put it in the freezer.
Eating basil
Basil enhances most things. Top any pasta dish with basil just before serving or put a pot on the table.
Pesto genovese is a timeless classic and often a children’s favourite. Chop or mix pine nuts, garlic, parmesan, olive oil and a big bunch of basil and eat with pasta.
If you have your own tomatoes, caprese is a must. Slice the tomatoes and mozzarella, then arrange the tomatoes, basil and mozzarella around a plate. Top with olive oil, salt and pepper. As beautiful as it is delicious!
Author: Johanna Damm
Fact-checked by Erik Hoekstra
Last updated 2022-10-14