Overview
Ocimum basilicum L. var. thyrsiflorum (L.) Benth. is a plant species belonging to the Lamiaceae family. It is commonly known as Greek basil or Dwarf basil and is widely used for medicinal and culinary purposes. The plant is native to tropical regions of Central Africa and Southeast Asia and is now grown worldwide.
Appearance
Greek basil is an annual herb that typically grows up to 30cm in height. It has a small, compact mounding form with lush green foliage and small, white or pale pink flowers. Its leaves are oval-shaped, about 3cm long, and emit a strong, spicy aroma that is similar to sweet basil.
Uses
Greek basil is often used as a culinary herb due to its intense flavor and aroma. It is a popular ingredient in Mediterranean and Italian cuisine and is often used in dishes like pesto, pasta sauces, and salads. Aside from its culinary uses, Greek basil also has several medicinal properties. The plant extracts have been used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments, including respiratory infections, fever, and digestive issues.
Growth Conditions for Ocimum basilicum L. var. thyrsiflorum (L.) Benth.
Ocimum basilicum L. var. thyrsiflorum (L.) Benth., commonly known as Greek basil or lemon basil, is an annual herb that requires specific growth conditions to thrive. In this regard, the following are growth conditions that are suitable for this plant:
Light Requirements
Ocimum basilicum L. var. thyrsiflorum (L.) Benth. requires full sunlight exposure to grow properly. Therefore, when planting the seeds, ensure they get direct sunlight for at least six hours every day to ensure optimal growth and development. Additionally, the plant should not get exposed to extreme sunlight, which can burn its leaves.
Temperature Requirements
Temperature is also a crucial factor for the growth of Ocimum basilicum L. var. thyrsiflorum (L.) Benth. The plant requires warm, tropical temperatures ranging between 70°F to 80°F (21°C to 27°C) during the day and not lower than 60°F (15°C) at night. The temperature should be kept stable, avoiding sudden drops or fluctuations that can affect the plant's growth. It is, therefore, recommended to plant Greek basil during the summer, where temperature is within the required range.
Soil Requirements
Soil is another crucial growth condition for Ocimum basilicum L. var. thyrsiflorum (L.) Benth. The plant grows well in well-draining soils, moderately rich in organic matters. It is recommended to add aged compost or manure to the soil before planting to enrich it. The soil pH should be maintained between 6 and 7.5, which is slightly acidic. Additionally, the soil should provide adequate aeration and not retain too much water, as this can lead to root rot.
Cultivation methods
Ocimum basilicum L. var. thyrsiflorum (L.) Benth. is commonly known as basil and is a warm-weather herb. The plant prefers well-drained soil and requires a lot of sunlight. It is recommended to plant basil in late spring or early summer when the soil has warmed up.
The seeds of basil can be sowed directly into the soil or first planted indoors and then transplanted outside. The seeds should be planted at a depth of ¼ inch and spaced about 10 to 12 inches apart. Basil grows well in containers, making it an excellent plant for indoor gardening.
Watering needs
Basil requires regular watering, preferably in the morning, to avoid water evaporation during the daytime. The frequency of watering depends on the weather, but it typically needs to be watered thoroughly once a week. Basil does not tolerate standing water, so it's essential to ensure that the soil is well-drained.
Fertilization
Basil requires regular fertilization to thrive. Fertilization should be done once every two to three weeks. Organic fertilizers such as well-rotted manure or compost can be added to the soil. A balanced fertilizer such as 10-10-10 can also be used, but care should be taken to avoid too much nitrogen, which can result in weaker plants.
Pruning
Pruning is essential to promote bushier growth and prevent the basil plant from getting too tall. The first pruning can be done when the plant has six to eight leaves. The stems should be pinched off just above the second set of leaves. This will encourage the plant to branch out. Subsequent pruning should be done every four to six weeks, with the same method used to pinch off the tips of the stems just above a set of leaves.
Propagation of Ocimum basilicum L. var. thyrsiflorum (L.) Benth.
Ocimum basilicum L. var. thyrsiflorum (L.) Benth. is commonly known as Greek basil or globe basil and is a popular herb plant grown in households and herb gardens. The plant can be propagated both sexually (by seeds) and asexually (by vegetative propagation).
Seed Propagation
Seed propagation is the common method of propagating Ocimum basilicum L. var. thyrsiflorum (L.) Benth. The seeds are small, light brown, and nearly circular in shape. Sowing the seeds can be done directly in soil or in seed trays. Seeds require direct sunlight, so they should be lightly covered with soil or vermiculite and kept in a warm and moist place.
It is important to note that the seeds should be sown in well-drained soil, and the plant requires moisture to germinate. The seeds usually germinate within 7-14 days after sowing. One can expect a germination rate of 70-80%.
Vegetative Propagation
Ocimum basilicum L. var. thyrsiflorum (L.) Benth can also be propagated asexually through vegetative propagation. This method is generally used to maintain the characteristics of a particular plant cultivar.
The vegetative propagation is done by taking cuttings from mature plants that have long and strong branches. The cuttings should have at least two leaves and a stem length of around 10 cm. The lower leaves should be removed, and the cuttings should be dipped in rooting hormone before planting.
The cuttings should be planted in a soilless mix of vermiculite and peat moss and kept in a warm and humid place. In 2-3 weeks, the cutting should form roots. Once the roots are well-established and the plant has developed new leaves, they can be transferred to individual pots or planted directly in the garden.
Disease and Pest Management for Ocimum basilicum L. var. thyrsiflorum (L.) Benth.
Ocimum basilicum L. var. thyrsiflorum (L.) Benth. is a herbaceous plant commonly known as Greek basil or bush basil. Proper management is crucial to prevent and control diseases and pests that might affect the plant.
Common Diseases:
Fusarium wilt: Fusarium wilt is a fungal disease that causes the plant to wilt, turn yellow and die. The fungus lives in the soil and infects plants through the roots. To manage this disease, avoid planting in soil where infected plants once existed, and ensure proper drainage to avoid waterlogging. Also, grow resistant varieties of basil, and avoid overwatering and fertilizing.
Downy mildew: Downy mildew is a fungal disease that affects the leaves of the plant. Symptoms include yellowing of leaves, white or grey fuzzy growth on the underside of leaves, and leaf drop. To manage this disease, plant in well-draining soil, avoid overhead watering, and ensure proper air circulation around plants. Treat with fungicides, preferably organic, at the first sign of infection.
Bacterial leaf spot: Bacterial leaf spot is a bacterial disease that affects the leaves of the plant. Symptoms include small, water-soaked spots that turn yellow and necrotic. To manage this disease, avoid overhead watering and minimize humidity around plants, as these provide ideal conditions for the bacterium to grow. Remove infected leaves and use copper-based fungicides.
Common Pests:
Aphids: Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that suck sap from the leaves of the plant, causing curling of leaves and stunting of growth. To manage aphids, remove infected leaves, attract natural aphid predators, like ladybugs, and use insecticidal soap spray.
Whiteflies: Whiteflies are tiny, white insects that suck sap from the leaves of the plant, causing yellowing of leaves and leaf drop. To manage whiteflies, remove infected leaves, use yellow sticky traps to attract and trap the insects, and use insecticidal soap spray.
Spider mites: Spider mites are tiny, eight-legged insects that suck the sap from the leaves, causing leaves to turn yellow and fall off. To manage spider mites, increase humidity around plants, remove infected leaves, use insecticidal soap spray, and introduce natural predators, like ladybugs.
By following proper disease and pest management practices, the plant can remain healthy and productive, providing a bountiful harvest of flavorful herb for your culinary delights.
