Basil (Ocimum basilicum) is a member of the mint family. Keep well watered, apartment living and smaller and harvest leaves by removing Grasping the plant at the top of the root ball, use your finger to lightly rake apart the lower roots apart. Prepare the container by filling with potting soil up to 2” (5cm) from the rim of the planter. Wash and dry the unbruised leaves after harvesting the Basil. The best solution to growing basil in the cold climate is to begin the ... Perennial basil comes in three varieties, and they are pink, white and Greek columnar perennial basil. thin out or die isn't recommended.). at least 4-6 hours of light each day. Do not fertilize heavily. Basil has a very appealing fragrance and can be grown in the kitchen window for winter culinary uses such as soups and stews. google_ad_channel =""; How to Harvest Basil Start picking the leaves of basil as soon as the plants are 6 to 8 inches tall. herbs). While purple and sweet basil tend to grow upwards and need to be harvested in a way that will promote more horizontal bushy growth, Greek basil has evolved to … Columnar/Greek Basil copes well in containers or when used in general garden beds. Annual herbs are also ideal for containers. oils in the plant, less oils equals less flavor and aroma for your herbs. You may, Put into a sprayer and water every other week or as needed with the mixed google_ad_width = 336; Dig the hole up to two times larger than the root ball and deep enough that the plant will be at the same level in the ground as the soil level in the container. stem tips anywhere they are still green. Once temperatures hit 80°F (27°C), basil will really start leafing out. Harvest leaves when young for best flavor. When grown in masses or used as a bedding plant, individual plants should be spaced approximately 10 inches apart. Rotate the container and continue to tap, loosening the soil until the plant pulls smoothly from the pot. containers. Repeat Proper pruning encourages growth and makes for a healthier, … Finish up with a 2” (5cm) layer of mulch such as shredded bark or compost to make the garden look tidy, reduce weeds, and retain soil moisture. that the plant keeps putting it's energy into putting out new leaves, not forming seeds. Use the leaves to flavor a variety of culinary dishes or herb oils and vinegars. Harvest seeds when the flowers start to fade and turn brown, but before the seeds fall from the plant. Harvest in the early morning, when leaves are at their juiciest. google_color_border = "689634"; allowing them to form will only lead to seed production, and before you are done harvesting your basil leaves for Some plants prefer staying on the dry side, others, like to be consistently moist. SKU: d6da346079d2 Category: herb 2.25" 3201. basil with lots of cultivars being developed within those species. Trim the plant from the top down to remove stems. These little columns of Warm season annual. After that, depending on the weather and soil type, watering may be adjusted to every two or three days. Grows into a stunning column with shiny, dark green leaves packed with flavour. google_color_url = "008000"; When planting Basil on a porch, patio, or as an indoor house plant, place them in a location that receive Growing basil from seed . ( Rule of Be the First to Review “Basil Greek Columnar” Cancel reply The spicy foliage of Greek Columnar Basil stays compact on very upright plants. If you have allowed your basil to form flowers, then prune as soon as possible to remove all flower stalks, so Cutting back entire stems will result in a bushier plant that produces more leaves too. In frost free areas, you can harvest leaves throughout the year as it does not die down. as needed weekly or biweekly. Harvesting Larger Amounts: Harvest the leaves from the top down, cutting back up to a third of the total plant height. foliage and most have a spicy scent and taste. It is closely identified with Italian cooking, although it is originally from India. As previously mentioned, basil is an annual in most cases. It’s simple. Mine gets about 4 feet tall and very neat in growth.I am keeping about a dozen in small pots in hopes of overwintering it-it roots really easily and is happy in water on a sunny windowsill.