BASIL - SPICY GLOBE BUSH, regular seed - not treated and not gmo, heirloom

Ocimum basilicum

Days to Germination: 7-21
Days To Harvest:  60
Planting Depth: on top of the soil
Spacing, Row: 12-18 inches
Spacing, Plant:10-12 inches
Light:  Full Sun (or Partial Shade)

•  Sow in a location with full sun (or Partial Shade) outdoors after all danger of frost and when it is warm.  Basil can be planted outside from early-spring through mid-summer. 

• For earlier plants or out of season, start seeds indoors and set plants outside when it is warm, after all danger of frost.  Cover seed with 1/16 to 1/8 inch fine soil. Keep soil moderately moist during germination.

• Thin or transplant when at least 2 inches tall to approximately 10-12 inches apart.  Indoors, transplant seedlings to individual pots and set plants outside when it is warm and after all danger of frost.

• Harvest leaves continually to encourage new growth.   Use pruned leaves or harvested plants fresh or dry them in a warm, airy place.

• If you practice companion planting, plant basil near tomatoes and peppers to enhance their growth.

  Growing basil is relatively easy, and it can be done both indoors and outdoors. Here's a basic guide on how to grow basil:

  1. Choose the Right Basil Variety:

• There are various basil varieties with different flavors, including sweet basil, Genovese basil, Thai basil, and cinnamon basil. Choose a variety that suits your taste and culinary preferences.

• 2. Starting from Seeds:

• Start basil from seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last expected frost date in your area. Use a seed-starting mix and plant the seeds about 1/4 inch deep.

• 3. Soil and Container:

• Basil prefers well-draining soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH (around 6.0 to 7.0). If planting in containers, use a good-quality potting mix.

• 4. Location:

• Basil loves sunlight. Plant it in a location where it receives at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily. If growing indoors, place the pots near a sunny window.

• 5. Watering:

• Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water the basil when the top inch of the soil feels dry. Be mindful not to let the soil dry out completely.

• 6. Temperature:

• Basil prefers warm temperatures. It is sensitive to cold, so wait until the danger of frost has passed before transplanting outdoors. Ideal temperature range for basil is around 70-90°F (21-32°C).

• 7. Fertilizing:

• Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every 2-4 weeks or according to package instructions. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can lead to excessive leaf growth with reduced flavor.

• 8. Pruning:

• Pinch or prune the basil regularly to encourage bushier growth. Pinch off the top set of leaves when the plant is about 6 inches tall. This will encourage lateral growth and prevent the plant from becoming too leggy.

• 9. Harvesting:

• Harvest basil leaves once the plant has reached a sufficient size. Pinch off the leaves, starting from the top, or use scissors. Regular harvesting promotes more growth.
• Keep an eye out for pests such as aphids and spider mites. Neem oil or insecticidal soap can be used for control. Basil is generally resistant to most diseases.

• 10. Pests and Diseases: