As the profile tells us, basil is one of the mint family. There are a variety of herbal plants here, all of which are light germinators. This fact makes sowing a little less complicated, as the following instructions show.
How do you sow basil correctly as a light germinator?
Basil is a light germinator that requires a lot of brightness for germination. The optimal sowing date is from the beginning of April. Seeds should be placed in a thin layer on moist substrate and lightly pressed but not covered to ensure maximum light exposure.
Choose the optimal date for sowing
The name implies the central factor for successful sowing. The light germinators require a maximum amount of brightness to bring the seeds to life. Until the end of March it is too dark in our regions. If you sow the seeds from the beginning of April, strong and vital young plants will develop until you plant them out.
How to sow light germinators perfectly
If the seeds are given a lukewarm bath in chamomile tea for 2-3 hours beforehand, this measure will naturally prevent mold formation. Without letting the seeds dry again, continue with these steps:
- fill a multi-pot plate or seed tray with perlite, coconut fibers, peat sand or seed soil
- moisten the substrate with a fine shower gel
- sow the basil seeds on it
- plant 1-2 seeds in individual pots
- press the light germs a little without over-sifting them
- cover the seed container with glass or foil
- ideally spend in a heated mini greenhouse (€59.00 on Amazon)
Although a lot of light is required for germination, sowing must not come under direct sunlight. A partially shaded window seat is therefore an advantage. At warm temperatures of 20 to 25 degrees Celsius, germination - depending on the basil variety - starts within 5 to 14 days.
The right care until germination
The cover of the cultivation vessel creates a warm, humid microclimate that has a beneficial effect on the germination process. At the same time, it poses the risk of mold formation. Therefore, ventilate the glass or film daily. The same applies to the indoor greenhouse. The substrate must not dry out at any time. There is no fertilization in this phase.
Tips & Tricks
Anyone who prefers sowing directly into the bed will not like to leave the tender basil seeds unprotected in the weather. A seed aid like vermiculite comes in handy. The feather-light silicate plates are scattered very thinly over the seeds, protect the light germinators from sunburn and store the water without affecting germination.
