Fresh home-grown basil trumps any purchased herb plant for lengthening. Thanks to sowing basil seeds, hobby gardeners can control growth from the ground up. The following instructions explain the entire workflow in an understandable and practical way.
How to sow basil from seeds?
Basil seeds are sown in potting soil on the windowsill at the beginning of April. Soak the seeds in chamomile tea for a few hours beforehand, then only press them lightly as they germinate in light. At 20-25 degrees Celsius and a constantly moist substrate, they germinate within a few days.
The best date for sowing
The time window for sowing on the windowsill opens at the beginning of April. The lighting conditions are bright enough so that seedlings do not rot. If basil seeds are sown too early, the plants develop long horny shoots in the sparse daylight in a desperate search for every single ray of sunshine. In addition, within 4-6 weeks they are perfectly mature for moving into the garden or onto the balcony.
Sowing instructions
The basil seeds obtained by hand or purchased are ideally soaked in chamomile tea for a few hours before sowing. This improves the mood for germination and prevents mold formation. Then proceed as follows:
- Fill a seed tray or pot with potting soil, peat sand, perlite or coconut fiber
- moisten the substrate with a fine spray
- scatter the seeds on top to just press them on as light germinators
- Put a foil over the seed container or place a pane of glass on it
- wait for the cotyledons in the partially shaded window seat at 20-25 degrees Celsius
- keep the basil seeds constantly moist
If the delicate cotyledons break out of the seeds, the cover has done its job. Continue to keep the seeds slightly moist without causing waterlogging. During this phase, the plants must not come into direct sunlight.
How to properly prick basil seedlings
From a height of 4-5 centimeters, the seed container becomes very crowded. It's high time to separate the seedlings. Since it will take some time before planting out in mid-May, prick the young plants into small pots. Here they will develop their own root system in the next few days and weeks. How to proceed:
- 9 cm pots half fill with potting soil, peat growing medium or potting soil-sand mixture
- make a depression in it with the piercing rod
- lift a seedling out of the soil with the pricking stick or a spoon
- place in the hollow and surround with substrate up to the lower pair of leaves
- ideally, water the basil plants from below by placing the pots in 2-3 centimeters of water
Until the royal herb moves outdoors, care is limited to regular watering. From the beginning of May it is advantageous to place the herb plants on the balcony or in a sunny garden spot during the day to harden them off. Until the ice saints have passed, the plants spend the nights in the protected environment of the house or winter garden.
Tips & Tricks
Did you know? The name basil (vasilikós) comes from Greek and means 'royal' when translated. This is where the most common synonym 'royal herb' comes from. They are truly royal, the attributes with which the tropical herb plant impresses: magnificent growth, juicy green leaves, an enchanting white flower and an incomparable aroma.
