Overview of Ocimum basilicum L. var. pilosum (Willd.) Benth.
Ocimum basilicum L. var. pilosum (Willd.) Benth. is a member of the family Lamiaceae and is commonly known as hairy basil due to its fuzzy foliage. It is an herbaceous plant that is primarily used for cooking, as a natural remedy, and for its essential oil. The plant is native to Asia and Africa, but it is widely cultivated in many regions worldwide due to its culinary and medicinal uses.
Appearance of Ocimum basilicum L. var. pilosum (Willd.) Benth.
Ocimum basilicum L. var. pilosum (Willd.) Benth. is an annual plant that can grow up to 60 cm tall. The leaves are slightly hairy, with toothed margins, and can range from 3-11 cm in length. The flowers bloom in the summer months and are arranged in spikes with a white or pink color, depending on the variety.
Common names of Ocimum basilicum L. var. pilosum (Willd.) Benth.
The common names for Ocimum basilicum L. var. pilosum (Willd.) Benth. vary from region to region. In some countries, it is known as hairy basil, while others call it African basil or Thai basil. The plant is also known as Tukmaria in India and Falooda in Pakistan, where its seeds are commonly used in traditional desserts. In Islamic regions, Ocimum basilicum L. var. pilosum (Willd.) Benth. is known as Habat ul-Sauda or Habat al-Barakah and is used for its medicinal benefits.
Uses of Ocimum basilicum L. var. pilosum (Willd.) Benth.
Ocimum basilicum L. var. pilosum (Willd.) Benth. is primarily used for culinary purposes due to its unique flavor and aroma. The plant is commonly used to add flavor to dishes such as pasta, salads, and soups. Additionally, the plant is known for its medicinal properties and is believed to have various health benefits, including anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. The essential oil extracted from the plant is also used in perfumery and as a natural insect repellent.
Light Requirements
Ocimum basilicum L. var. pilosum (Willd.) Benth. plants require full sunlight exposure to grow and thrive. These plants grow best in areas where they can receive at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. It is recommended to place the plants in an area that receives maximum light during the daytime.
Temperature Requirements
Ocimum basilicum L. var. pilosum (Willd.) Benth. plants grow well in warmer temperatures. The ideal temperature range for these plants is between 18°C to 30°C. These plants can survive in slightly cooler temperatures but frost or freezing temperatures can harm the plants. It is important to keep the plants indoors when the temperature drops below 10°C.
Soil Requirements
Ocimum basilicum L. var. pilosum (Willd.) Benth. plants prefer well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. The recommended pH range for the soil is between 6 to 7.5. These plants do not grow well in heavy soils that retain too much moisture. It is important to keep the soil consistently moist, but not overly watered.
Cultivation Methods
Ocimum basilicum L. var. pilosum (Willd.) Benth, commonly known as hairy basil, is an annual herb that requires full sun and well-drained soil to grow. The best time to sow the seeds is either in early spring after the last frost or during the fall season. The seeds should be sown in rows or directly in pots, around 1/4 inch deep in the soil. Once the seedlings are established, they should be thinned out to about six inches apart.
Watering Needs
Water is essential to the growth of hairy basil. This plant requires regular watering, especially during hot, dry weather conditions. The soil should be kept moist, but not waterlogged. Over watering should be avoided as it can lead to root rot.
Fertilization
Fertilizer can be used to improve the growth of hairy basil. The best time to apply fertilizer is four weeks after planting the seeds. An all-purpose, balanced fertilizer should be used, following the manufacturer's instructions. Overuse of fertilizer should be avoided as it can lead to the development of lush foliage at the expense of the flavor of the leaves.
Pruning
Regular pruning is necessary to promote healthy growth and to enhance the flavor of the leaves. Pruning should begin once the plant is around six inches tall. Pinch off the top leaves regularly to encourage branching and the development of more leaves. It is also recommended to remove any flowers that may appear, as they can weaken the plant's growth and flavor. Deadheading is highly recommended to promote the growth of fresh shoots.
Propagation of Ocimum Basilicum L. Var. Pilosum (Willd.) Benth.
Ocimum basilicum L. var. pilosum (Willd.) Benth., commonly known as hairy basil, can be propagated through several methods. The most common ways to propagate this plant are through seeds, cuttings, or division.
Propagation through Seeds
The propagation of Ocimum basilicum L. var. pilosum (Willd.) Benth. is often done by sowing seeds. Seeds can be collected from the mature dry flowers and can be sown directly into the ground or seed trays. The seedlings emerge around two weeks after sowing. They grow rapidly and are ready for transplanting within a month.
Propagation through Cuttings
Hairy basil can be propagated by taking cuttings from mature and healthy plants. Take cuttings around 8 cm long from the top of the plant and strip off the leaves on the lower half of the cutting. These cuttings are then dipped in rooting hormone and inserted into a propagating mix. The cuttings should be kept moist and nurtured until they grow roots. After 6-8 weeks, the rooted cutting can be transplanted to their desired location.
Propagation through Division
Propagation of Ocimum basilicum L. var. pilosum (Willd.) Benth. can be done by division when the plant has outgrown its pot or location. The procedure involves gently removing the clump from the soil, separating it, and replanting. It is suggested to divide clumps every two to three years, which helps maintain the size of the parent plant and promote bushier growth.
Disease and Pest Management for Ocimum basilicum L. var. pilosum (Willd.) Benth.
As a basil plant, Ocimum basilicum L. var. pilosum (Willd.) Benth. is susceptible to various diseases and pests, negatively affecting its growth and productivity. Below are common diseases and pests that might affect the plant and ways to manage them:
Diseases
Fusarium wilt: This fungal disease causes the leaves of the basil plant to turn yellow, and the plant's growth rate to slow down. The best way to avoid Fusarium wilt is to purchase Fusarium-resistant basil seeds and avoid planting basil in soil that previously grew tomatoes, peppers, or eggplants. A preventive measure is to provide adequate drainage and ventilation by not overcrowding the plants. If the disease is present, the infected plant should be removed and destroyed to prevent it from spreading. The soil should be sterilized before planting new basil.
Downy mildew: Typically, this fungal infection is characterized by yellow spots on the leaves and stems of the plant, and the appearance of white fungal growth under the leaves. Downy mildew can be prevented or managed by planting basil in well-drained soil, spacing the plants adequately, and avoiding wetting the foliage during watering. Fungicides, such as copper-based ones, can help prevent the disease, but plants that are already affected should be removed from the garden to avoid spreading the disease and ensuring new infections do not occur.
Rust: Rust on basil plants appears as brown or reddish spots on the leaves, causing them to shrivel and die ultimately. To prevent rust, avoid overhead watering, as water droplets on foliage increase the likelihood of rust developing. Infected plants should be removed and destroyed. Better yet, treat them with copper-based fungicides to reduce the disease's severity.
Pests
Aphids: Aphids are small, sap-sucking pests that can infest basil plants rapidly. They typically attach themselves to new growth on the plant. Insecticidal soap or neem oil sprays can control the aphids' population. Another preventive measure is to encourage the presence of natural predators, such as ladybugs, soldier beetles, and lacewings, which feed on aphids to control their spread.
Whiteflies: Another common pest that can infest basil plants are whiteflies. These tiny white flies feed on the underside of leaves, drawing sap from the plant and excreting a sticky substance that attracts ants and promotes the growth of black sooty mold. Whiteflies can be controlled by introducing natural predators, such as parasitic wasps. It is also essential to maintain a clean environment around the basil plant, which should be free of weeds and debris. Application of a neem oil solution may also help.
Slugs: Slugs are pests that typically feed at night and cause extensive damage to the leaves of the basil plant. Copper tape, diatomaceous earth, and beer traps around the basil plant can all help control slugs from harming your plant. It is also essential to keep the area around the plant clean and free of old leaves as this provides breeding and shelter areas for insects.
In conclusion, managing the various diseases and pests that can affect the Ocimum basilicum L. var. pilosum plant is essential to prevent severe damage. Observing good cultural practices, maintaining proper soil drainage, screening for resistant seed varieties, using beneficial insects, and applying preventative and curative treatments can all contribute to improving your basil harvest.
