Sweet Basil(Ocimum Basilicum)
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BASIL
Growing: Basil is very sensitive to cold, with best growth in hot, dry conditions. Although basil grows best outdoors, it can also be grown indoors as well. Picking the leaves off the plant helps promote growth. If its leaves have wilted from lack of water, it will recover if watered thoroughly and placed in a sunny spot. Yellow leaves near the bottom of the plant indicates that the plant is under stress - {it may need less water or more/less fertilizer}. Once a stem produces flowers, foliage production stops on that stem - to prevent this pinch off the flower stems before they are fully mature. If the plant is allowed to flower, it may produce seed pods which can be saved and planted the following year. Culinary Use: Commonly used fresh in cooked recipes - Generally added at the last minute as cooking destroys it's flavor. Basil is one of main ingredients in pesto. |