How to grow Basil Mix

  1. Begin by filling seed trays or pots with well-draining potting soil. Sow the basil seeds thinly on the surface, pressing them gently into the soil. Cover lightly with a thin layer of soil and mist with water to keep the soil moist.
  2. Place the seed trays in a warm location with indirect sunlight. Basil seeds typically germinate within 5 to 10 days when kept at a consistent temperature of around 21-27°C (70-80°F).
  3. Once the seedlings have developed their first true leaves, thin them out to allow ample space for growth. Leave only the strongest seedlings, spacing them about 15-20 cm (6-8 inches) apart.
  4. Basil thrives in full sunlight, so ensure your plants receive at least 6-8 hours of sunlight daily. Water the plants regularly, keeping the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal diseases.
  5. Fertilise your basil plants with a balanced liquid fertiliser every 2-3 weeks to promote healthy growth and robust flavour development.
  6. Harvest basil leaves once the plants reach about 15 cm (6 inches) in height. Pinch off the top leaves to encourage bushier growth, and continue harvesting regularly throughout the growing season.
  7. Preserve excess basil by drying, freezing, or making basil-infused oils or vinegar. This ensures you can enjoy the flavours of your mixed basil varieties long after the growing season ends.

Heritage of Basil Mix

Basil, a member of the mint family, is native to tropical regions of Asia and Africa. Its diverse heritage encompasses various culinary traditions from around the world. From the sweet and spicy Genovese basil originating in Italy to the vibrant Thai basil with its licorice undertones, basil mixtures offer a tapestry of flavours and aromas that reflect its rich cultural significance. Over centuries, basil has been revered for its medicinal properties, culinary uses, and even spiritual significance in some cultures. Today, growing basil mixtures not only celebrates this heritage but also allows gardeners to explore and savour the distinct characteristics of each basil variety.
Plant Height 30 - 60 cm (1 - 2 feet)
Season of Interest Summer / Autumn
Temperature Range 20 - 30°C (68 - 86°F)
Annual / Perennial / Biennial Annual
Frost Hardy / Tender Tender, sensitive to cold temperatures below 10°C (50°F)
Full Sun / Part Sun / Shade Full Sun,6-8 hours daily
Sow Direct / Raise Seedlings Direct / Raise seedlings
Seed Preparation No special preparation required
Sowing Depth 0.5 cm (0.2 inches)
Plant Spacing 20 - 30 cm (8 - 12 inches)
Row Spacing 30 - 45 cm (12 - 18 inches)
Watering Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water regularly, especially during dry periods
Good Companion Plants Tomatoes, Peppers, Marigolds, Carrots
Bad Companion Plants Fennel, Cucumbers, Sage
Pests Aphids, Spider mites, Thrips, and Japanese Beetles
Diseases Downy Mildew,Bacterial Leaf Spot,Fusarium Wilt

BASIL-MIX (SALE)

$3.50

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More About Direct Compost Solutions

When I started this journey in 2009, I found nothing existed commercially, that was reasonably priced and easy to use. There was a homemade system which I also found was not that user-friendly.

Then a friend of mine told me about a homemade method she used. However, when I tried her method, I found this also didn't suit my needs, as it too had flaws that I considered where important. It did not keep vermin out, did not have a lockable lid and (to me) looked unsightly in the garden.