For ambitious hobby gardeners, it is a matter of honor to propagate home-grown basil for the next season. An uncomplicated method is to sow seeds you have collected yourself. The following instructions show how it works very easily.
How do I grow basil seeds myself?
To obtain basil seeds, let the basil plant bloom, cut off the withered flower stems, strip the flowers and seeds over a bowl and grind the mixture. Sift the mixture until only seeds remain.
Rich seed harvest requires avoiding the basil aroma
From July onwards, a basil plant strives tirelessly to develop a flower and subsequently numerous seeds. Since she invests all her energy in this growth, the basil aroma falls by the wayside and becomes bitter. The gourmet hobby gardeners prevent bud formation by constantly harvesting the shoots. However, if you want to get seeds for sowing, allow the pretty flowers.
Instructions for harvesting seeds
If the white or pink flowers are coming to an end, ideally wait until they have completely withered. This way the seeds have enough time to mature and germinate. How to proceed:
- cut off the withered flower stalks
- hold individually over a bowl to remove flowers and seeds with your fingers
- rub the mixture of petals and seeds between the palms of your hands
In the final step, a little patience is required because the mixture has to be sieved several times. As long as there are still crushed petals among the seeds, repeat the process persistently.
How to properly store basil seeds
If the seeds were harvested successfully, the type of storage until the sowing date is important. The freshly obtained seeds should first dry in a bowl for 2 to 3 days so that the last remaining moisture evaporates. A screw-top jar is ideal for storage or an airtight container. It is important to remember to label the container with the plant name and date.
Tips & Tricks
A large community has formed among hobby gardeners who consistently garden according to the lunar calendar. Accordingly, home-grown basil seeds germinate much better if they are sown when the moon is waxing. Skeptics should at least give the ancient farmer's wisdom a chance by giving it a try.
