Basil seeds (sentence)

Common name: Basil plant. Scientific name: Ocimum basilicum. Also called: Houwk or Habbak. Native homeland: It is believed that the origin of basil goes back to India or Africa. Description: • Herbaceous annual plant reaching a height between 30 – 70 cm, its leaves are dense and resemble mint leaves, with a fragrant aromatic scent, and it is considered one of the most common plants worldwide. Flower: • Purple or violet flowers with small petals that are white, appearing during flowering, forming clustered groups similar in shape to a spike. Uses and benefits: • Grown for decoration as it is a flowering plant with a fragrant aroma. • Used as a flavoring in Eastern and Western dishes. • Its leaves have multiple benefits, but basil seeds are rich in proteins, carbohydrates, essential fats, and contain a high amount of dietary fiber, thus offering tremendous health benefits. Suitable climatic conditions and soil for cultivation: • Choosing a sunny location is an important factor in selecting the land where basil will be planted, regardless of its variety. Although basil prefers to grow in soil exposed to sunlight for long periods, it also grows well in areas where the sun shines for only six hours. Additionally, the soil pH (acidity level) should be between 6 and 6.5, which is suitable for most vegetables. Cultivation method: • Ensure that the frost wave that may threaten basil seeds has ended before planting. Then, sow the seeds directly into the soil at an even depth of about 0.6 cm each. After five to seven days, the seeds will sprout. Once the delicate seedlings develop three or four leaves, they should be separated with a distance of approximately 15 to 30 cm by removing excess seeds. To maintain soil moisture and prevent weeds, cover the soil with a layer about 5 to 8 cm thick, made of grass cuttings or straw. Planting time: • The best time to plant basil is in the spring. The optimal temperature for planting basil is between 15 and 28 degrees Celsius. Germination begins approximately 5-10 days.