Organic Holy Basil Seeds - Open Pollinated

Basil leaves vary in size and appearance depending on the type, but they average 3 to 11 cm in length and have an oval to lanceolate form. The surface of the leaf is smooth, broad, and flat, with prominent veining in bright green, dark green, and purple shades. The leaves are often serrated and jagged on the edges, and they are attached to fibrous, square stems. Basil leaves are extremely fragrant and have distinct anise, clove, citrus, cinnamon, and camphor aromas due to their high essential oil content. The leaves can be cultivated at various stages of maturity, imparting distinct flavors to each variety, but generally have a herbal, soft, and nutty flavor with hints of fresh licorice.

Uses/Benefits of Basil leaves

In Ayurvedic Medicine, Holy Basil is known as a "elixir of creation." In India, the herb is considered a holy plant and is used to encourage longevity. It works as an adaptogen, balancing the body and mind during periods of stress. It acts as a trophorestorative to the nervous system, relaxing and reinforcing the nerves.

Many of the properties of Holy Basil are shared by other aromatic Mint Family species. The herb's volatile oils are soothing to stomach spasms and carminative to alleviate gas and bloating. Holy basil can be used as a diaphoretic and antimicrobial to help relieve cold, flu, and fever symptoms. It decongests the nasal passages and aids in the removal of excess mucus from the lungs.

Both the oil applied topically and the tea or tincture taken internally can help with PMS symptoms such as bloating, irritability, and other mood changes. It has a soft, flowing energy that aids in warming extremities and relieving cold hands and feet, both of which are common premenstrual symptoms.

Specifications of basil seeds

Planting and care of Holy basil

Sowing Holy basil seeds

Holy basil seeds may be planted directly or transplanted. Regardless of how you start, seeds should be planted in well-worked, moist, debris-free soil. Due to the small seed size, they should be coated with finely sifted soil for the best results.Plant seeds on top of moist high-quality seed starting soil and cover with 1/16′′ of finely sifted soil if starting seed in starter pots to transplant out. The seed of holy basil is very small and should be planted near to the surface because light aids in germination. Ensure that the seeds are barely covered.

If you are planting seeds directly into grow bags, thoroughly moisten the soil. Holy basil thrives under direct sunlight. Continue in the same manner as before. To germinate uniformly and rapidly, seeds must be kept moist.

After the seedlings have germinated and have their first collection of true leaves, fertilize them on a daily basis with an organic liquid fertilizer.

Plants should be thinned and spaced at least 8 inches apart.

Growing holy basil

Holy basil is extremely simple to cultivate. Plant your transplants in grow bags when they are 4-5 inches wide. Make sure they're at least 4 inches apart. Thin your seeds if you direct sow them. Plants that have been thinned can be transplanted to another grow bag.

Pull any weeds that can compete with your holy basil to keep your plants weed-free.

Succession Planting Holy basil

Succession planting is a smart idea if you like a lot of holy basil. Every 14 days, start a new round of seeds.

Harvesting of holy basil

Harvesting is achieved by cutting the foliage down to two inches above the ground when it is in bloom.

    The plants will easily regrow and bloom again during the warm months of July or August, allowing for a second harvest.

Precautions while growing holy basil

• Often plant basil in fertile, well-drained soil.
• Water prudently. Inadequate drainage combined with excessive water is one of the quickest ways for fungus and other diseases to establish themselves in your basil.
• Harvest at regular intervals. Even if you aren't using a lot of basil, picking leaves often encourages new growth and maintains proper air circulation.
• Feed or replant container basil to ensure it receives all of the required nutrients.
• Avoid planting too early. Basil thrives indoors, so stop bringing it outside too much.

Common problems affecting holy basil and solutions

DISEASES

Damping-Off

If the seeds or roots of young plants are hit with damp, they can wither quickly. Seedlings may appear healthy before collapsing and dying. This is caused by a variety of different fungal organisms, but it's especially vulnerable if it's planted in waterlogged soil or infertile soil. Do not use too much water. Basil can't bear sitting in the rain. It's also a good idea to sterilize containers before planting basil, since diseases will linger even after the previous plant has died.

Root Rot

Root rot is commonly caused by inadequate drainage and overwatering. They will begin to fade in color and die. Roots can tend to be slimy and dark. Let it dry out. If your soil is exhausted, basil will have to be replanted.

Leaf Spot Disease

Leaf streak is caused by a bacterial infection which produces spots on the leaves. Prune off any infected leaves as soon as you see them up-to-to-to-date. Water is needed at the base of the plant so that foliage has enough time to dry all day long.

Downy Mildew

Downy mildew is caused by a variety of microbes that attack basil plants. On the underside of yellow leaves, look for fuzzy, grey development. Good air circulation and dry foliage helps to reduce downy mildew. To prevent the disease from spreading, get rid of infected leaves and stems.

PESTS

Root Knot Nematodes

Nematodes are soil-dwelling worm-like creatures that cause your basil to wilt and turn yellow. When nematodes are present, the roots can become swollen and disfigured. Until your soil disturbs the possible presence of the nematode but the only way to prevent it is by crop rotation. Alternatively, cultivate basil in grow bags and replant each year.

Aphids

Aphids feed on plant juice and excrete a sticky substance called honeydew. Generally, they are located on the undersides of leaves. They are usually semi-green or yellow in color (although they may also be red, black, or other hues), with nearly transparent bodies. Blast them away with water. They can do serious harm to your basil plant if left unchecked.

Flea Beetles

Flea beetles consume basil leaves by chewing tiny holes in them. Generally, they can be blasted away with acid. If that does not work, spray them with insecticidal soap and use organic neem cakes.

Whiteflies

A mass of insects spreads and settles as you mix basil and shake it. They, like aphids, sap the life from plants if left unchecked. Using water or insecticidal soap to spray them, as well as organic neem cakes.

Snails and Slugs

It is most likely slugs or snails that have left their traces. Follow them and pick them off. If you notice a fly problem, use a beer trap or copper traps.

OTHER PROBLEMS


Nitrogen Deficiency

The wilting, yellowing, decaying, and sparsely green leaves can all be indications of nutrient deficiency. To solve the issue, feed your plants a high-nitrogen liquid organic fertilizer like Azospirillum Nitrogen Fixing Bio Fertilizer. These signs are caused by disease. If fertilization does not solve the problem, consider nematodes problems mentioned above.

No. of Holy Basil Seeds - 100+