Basil.

De un vistazo

Nivel de cuidados

Fácil

Tipo de planta

Annual herb

Luz

Full sun, at least 6 to 8 hours daily.

Luz en interior

Sol directo

Riego

Cada 1 a 3 días

Tamaño adulto

1 to 2 feet

Ritmo de crecimiento

Rápido

Rusticidad

USDA 10 a 11

Floración

Mid to late summer

Cuidados

Keep the soil consistently moist but never soggy to prevent root rot. Pinch off the top sets of leaves regularly to encourage a bushy shape and prevent premature flowering. Watch for wilting, which is a clear sign your plant is thirsty.

Riego

Water whenever the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.

Abonado

Use a balanced liquid fertilizer every two weeks during the growing season.

Poda

Pinch back the growing tips weekly to promote branching and delay flowering.

Trasplante

Basil is typically grown as an annual, so repotting is rarely necessary.

Suelo

Well draining, nutrient rich potting mix.

pH del suelo

6.0 to 7.5

Temperatura

10 a 35°C

Humedad

40 a 70%

Tolerancia a la sequía

Baja

Longevidad

Annual, typically one growing season.

Fragancia

Intensa

Resistencia a ciervos y conejos

Moderada

Seguridad

Personas

Basil is non-toxic to humans.

Niños

There are no specific safety concerns for children handling this plant.

Alérgenos por contacto

Some people may experience mild skin irritation from the essential oils in the leaves.

Alérgenos en el aire

The pollen is not typically an airborne allergen.

Comestibilidad

Basil is generally safe, but avoid excessive consumption if you are pregnant or nursing.

Cómo identificarla

• Opposite, oval shaped bright green leaves
• Strongly aromatic, sweet and peppery scent
• Small white or purple flower spikes
• Square stems typical of mint family

Altura

0,3 a 0,6m

Anchura

0,2 a 0,4m

Hojas

green, purple, deciduous

Flores

white, pink, 0,5 a 1cm

Problemas frecuentes

• Downy mildew — Causes yellowing leaves and gray fuzzy growth on the undersides.
• Aphids — Small insects that suck sap from new growth.

Cómo cultivarla

Propagación

seed, cuttings

Cuándo plantar

spring, early summer

Cuidados en invierno

Basil is frost-sensitive and will die in cold weather. Bring pots indoors before the first frost if you wish to extend the season.

En maceta

Basil grows very well in containers, provided the pot has good drainage and is at least 20 cm wide.

Planting basil near tomatoes is a classic pairing that benefits both plants in the garden.

Buenas compañeras

• Tomate — Basil is said to improve the flavor of tomatoes when grown nearby.
• Pimiento morrón — They share similar water and light requirements.

Mantenla lejos de

• Ruta graveolens — Rue can inhibit the growth of many herbs when planted in close proximity.

Especies parecidas

• Ocimum basilicum var. thyrsiflora — It has a distinct anise flavor and purple stems.
• Holy Basil — It is a different species often used for medicinal tea.

Ciencia

Familia

Lamiaceae

Género

Ocimum

Orden

Lamiales

Clase

Magnoliopsida

Distribución natural

Tropical regions of central Africa to Southeast Asia.

Conservación

Basil is widely cultivated and is not of conservation concern.

It thrives in warm, sunny environments with well-draining soil.

Valor para la fauna

nectar source

Polinizadores

abejas, mariposas

Usos

culinary herb, container gardening, companion planting

Taxonomía cotejada con GBIF.

Lo que más preguntan

Why is my basil flowering?

It is bolting, which happens when the plant reaches maturity or experiences stress.

Can I grow basil indoors?

Yes, it thrives on a sunny windowsill with at least six hours of light.

De dónde viene el nombre

The name originates from the Greek word basilikon, meaning royal plant. It was historically associated with royalty.

Bueno saberlo

• Basil belongs to the mint family.
• The name comes from the Greek word basileus, meaning king.
• Pinching off flower buds keeps the plant producing leaves longer.