Italiano Classico

Class

Dicotyledons

Division

Angiospermae

Family

Lamiaceae or Labiatae

Order

Lamiales

Genus

Ocimum

Species

basilicum

Description

This aromatic herbaceous plant is mainly used for the organoleptic and nutritional characteristics of its leaves, which are used in the culinary field for the preparation of a multitude of traditional Italian recipes, including the famous pesto. The plant, which has an annual cycle, has an erect habit and medium rusticity; it is also easy to grow and has a medium cost. It can be used both in pots or tubs and in the open field, also in association with other aromatic and/or horticultural species.

Variety description

Herbaceous annual, aromatic plant with taproot. Characterised by a quadrangular stem and oval-lanceolate, opposite leaves. The leaves have an intense and characteristic scent that allows for wide use in cooking or in the industry for essence extraction. Both fresh and dried leaves are used in this species-variety. For cultivation it requires a warm temperate climate and light soil with good porosity. Although it grows in full sun, it benefits from slight shade that favours the production of intense aroma. Cultivation is possible in all seasons, but in colder ones it must be grown in a protected (sometimes heated) environment. Cultivation can take place in pots or in the ground, in any case consumption is possible from when the seedlings reach a height of about 10 cm.

Curiosities and special features

Basil leaves, containing proteins, sugars, fibres, vitamins and minerals, have well-known aromatic and nutritional properties. In addition to their use in food, they are also used for their anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant, digestive and diuretic effects; the oil extracted from the leaves is used to alleviate the pain of wasp and bee stings. The generic epithet, ocimum, derives from the Greek ózo meaning to give off odour or smell in relation to the typical scent of the leaves, while the term basilicum, from the Greek royal, refers to its use as an aromatic plant for the preparation of recipes fit for a royal court.

Origin and distribution

Basil, native to the geographic areas of Asia and Africa, was brought from India to Europe via the Middle East during the 1500s and later to America; today it represents, with the numerous varieties available, one of the most important aromatic herbs, used in culinary and herbal applications thanks to its foliage containing, in varying quantities, citronellol, geraniol, linalool, terpineol.

Flower size

The flower is singularly small, united in a larger inflorescence.

Leaf

Leaf with lanceolate, oval lamina and typical intense aroma.

Fruit

The leaf is tender, 3 to 5 cm long and 2 to 3.5 cm wide, weighing grams. It contains no seeds and the skin is not edible. The colouring is uniform and the ripening period extends throughout the year. The aroma is intense and penetrating, the flavour characteristic and intense, while it is intensely fragrant with a delicate taste. The leaf is distended but slightly curved downwards, showing good quality overall. It is a variety with intermediate organoleptic characteristics.

Flowering period

It flowers from early summer to early autumn for a duration of 30 to 35 days; during this period it is suggested that the inflorescences be removed to encourage more leaf production.

Inflorescence

Inflorescence raceme or cluster.

Leaf colour

Unicolour shades.

Plant height

The height of the plant varies from 0.3 to 0.7 m, depending on the growing conditions.

Lifespan

Annual Plant.

Where to plant

Due to its leaves with their typical aroma, it is widely used as a pot plant, open field, tubs, flower beds, terraces

Stem

Herbaceous stem, the variety has no thorns.

Flower

The flower is simple in form, small in size, with a tubular corolla and single-coloured petals. It is arranged in raceme-like inflorescences of medium size. It flowers from early summer to early autumn, with a flowering period of between 30 and 35 days. It has very fragrant notes. It is attractive to bees.

Growth

Compact growing variety.

Plant habit

It develops according to an Erect habit of growth.

Branching

The branching is on the whole abundant and proportionate, with a density of foliage.

PH

The ideal pH of the soil or cultivation medium ranges from acidic to alkaline, with values between 5.0 and 8.2.

Soil preparation

Before transplanting in spring and summer, it is necessary to prepare the soil for the new seedlings as follows: dig up the soil to an average depth of 20/30 cm, eliminating any weeds, residues from previous crops and cumbersome stones, then bury organic or chemical fertiliser, which will provide the necessary nutrients for the first phases of vegetative development, and break up the coarse clods to obtain softer soil and promote better fertiliser distribution. In order to improve drainage and obtain a balanced development of the root system and, consequently, of the aerial system with a good final production, proceed by slightly bouldering a raised bed, then level the surface.

During cultivation continue to remove weeds as soon as they are noticed in the planting and break up any surface crust by hoeing.

Sun exposure

The best production results are obtained with full sun, light source indoors, afternoon sun, half shade; it is recommended to avoid direct sunlight during the hottest summer hours.

Ideal climate and temperature

The ideal temperature is between 19 and 27 °C, making it suitable for outdoor cultivation in temperate climate zones.

Use

Due to the organoleptic characteristics of the foliage, it is intended for use
Agri-food Aromatic

Hardiness

A variety of medium hardiness; by following a few specific cultivation measures it will guarantee excellent production results.

Soil

The ideal soil for the basil plant is medium-textured, fresh, well-draining and with an adequate organic matter content; for use in pots and tubs, a horticultural soil containing blond and brown peat is recommended.

Difficulty

Easy to cultivate, the overall management effort is low.

Growing tips

For proper basil cultivation, the following tips are given below:
Avoid over-watering Avoid direct sunlight during the hottest hours Balanced fertilisation

Intercropping/combination

Cress, fennel, tomato and radish are recommended depending on the variety.

Planting

For planting in open fields or flowerbeds we recommend an average planting density of 13 plants per square metre in order to provide adequate growing space for each individual specimen and, consequently, to obtain correct vegetative and productive development.

We suggest positioning young seedlings on a raised bed of at least 15/20 cm with the collar outside the soil surface, taking care not to damage the roots, which must appear clear and not necrotized, and avoiding sinking the root ball completely, which must be well moist; finally, water immediately after planting, preferably during the morning hours.

Pruning

Remove the Inflorescences to obtain greater foliage development.

For foliage, make a clean cut at a minimum height of 10 cm with sharp instruments with well-cleaned blades; a final product close to a height of 20-30 cm and having 6 to 8 Leaf, excluding cotyledonary leaves, is a good reference for harvesting.

Propagation

Multiplication can be by sowing, in the open field or in containers.

Repotting

During the spring period, repot the plant in large containers to allow the root system to expand and grow, thus ensuring optimal development of the aerial part.

Watering

Use rainwater, alternatively canal or aqueduct water with optimal neutral pH, either manually or by drip-wing irrigation, overhead sprinkling or sub-irrigation. For proper germination, it is advisable to moisten the seed before placing it in the soil and then keep the latter wet until the sprout emerges, also cover the surface with non-woven fabric or inert material. For transplanting, in order to obtain a rapid and homogeneous rooting of the seedlings with consequent suitable vegetative development, maintain a constant humidity of the soil but do not exceed the doses applied and avoid water stagnation which can lead to root rot. Then allow the soil or substrate to dry out slightly between one watering and the next, preventing dry spells and adopting higher watering frequencies in summer periods where the often very high temperatures lead to drought. Do not water the aerial part of the plant during the late afternoon and evening but prefer morning hours, also to avoid the development of phytopathologies; it is also advisable to irrigate after the harvest. In the case of a dripline system, in order to avoid root and collar diseases, place the dripline at least 10-15 cm from the plant.

Fertilising

During pre-transplant soil preparation, perform a basic fertilisation by burying organo-mineral fertiliser. Afterwards, during the vegetative period, to ensure adequate plant development it is essential to periodically intervene with suitable fertilisers, in particular the regular use of specific water-soluble fertiliser for horticulture is recommended, to be diluted in the irrigation water according to the dosage and frequency as indicated on the product's information label, avoiding excessive supplies.

Care video

https://youtu.be/t30y_0rFnAM

Pet safety

Consider your specific case and consult with your verinarian before any administration.

Edibility for humans

Plant with edible Leaf, used in food.

Toxicity for humans

The leaves are not toxic if ingested in suitable quantities and well stored. Consider the individual case.

Tip

If growing in pots, it is advisable to put the seedlings in a large pot with a diameter of at least 20-25 cm. If you want to take advantage of the plant's shoots to make new cuts, it is necessary to make the cut above the first true leaf. It is important to note that in order to avoid root and collar diseases the drip line must remain at least 10-15 cm from the collar.