How to Grow….. Basil
BASIC REQUIREMENTS
Plant name :
Basil - Ocimum basilicum
Situation :
Sheltered position in sun or semi-shade. South or West facing.
Size ( h x w ):
10 - 50 cm x 10 - 50cm
Spacing between plants :
15 - 25cm
Temperature requirements :
Optimum: 20 - 25°C Fine at: 18 - 30°C
pH :
No special requirements
Germination time :
From seed, expect germination in 6 - 7 days, with temperatures around 20 - 25°C
Aquaponic method :
Nutrient Film Technique (NFT), Deep Water Culture (DWC), Media beds.
HOW TO GROW
Growing in Aquaponic systems :
Try using Sweet Basil, Purple Basil, or Lemon Basil. Basil loves nitrogen, making it ideal for aquaponics, be careful it doesn't take out too many nutrients from the water.
Growing Conditions :
Once planted into your aquaponics system it will grow best in warm, to very warm temperatures. Shading is advised in order to get better quality leaves, and to prevent burnt leaf tips. Cooler temperatures, with high humidity levels will lead to poorer quality plants.
Growing Instructions :
You can plant Basil in your aquaponics system, once it has 4 or 5 true leaves, or buy larger plants, and carefully wash off all the growing media from the roots. Water and air temperatures of 21°C, 24 hours a day, will keep the plants stress-free, and more disease resistant.
Harvesting :
Start picking leaves when the plants are 15cm tall, or higher. If you remove flowers when the plants are in growth, you will have a bushier plant with no bitter taste.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Pruning :
For continued leaf growth , pinch out flowerheads as they appear.
Pests :
Mainly leafhoppers and aphids. Slugs and snails can be a problem, but less so in aquaponics.
Diseases :
Look out for powdery mildew, blackspot and fusarium wilt.
IF YOU HAVE ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT THIS PLANT, PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT BELOW. THANK YOU.
