Alphabet (Ocimum basilicum)

View of basil

The plant that I am going to talk to you about in this article is common; in fact, you probably have it yourself right now, or have ever had it. It is known as alphabet or basil, and although it is small it is very useful to us.

If you want to know how to take care of it so that it lasts as long as possible, then I'll tell you what you need to know about her.

Origin and characteristics

Basil flowers

Our protagonist is a perennial herbaceous plant whose scientific name is Ocimum basilicum, but it is known more as alfabega or basil. In temperate climates it is grown more as an annual. Reaches a height of 30 to 130 centimeters, and develops more or less straight stems from which opposite leaves, oval or ovate, of lustrous green color sprout.

The flowers are grouped in inflorescences in the shape of a terminal spike, and are tubular of white or purplish color. The fruit is a round achene (dried fruit whose seed is not attached to its "skin" or pericarp).

What are their cares?

Potted basil

To have the perfect alphabet, we recommend that you provide the following care:

  • Location: outside, in full sun. It also grows in semi-shade if it has more light than shade.
  • Earth:
    • Pot: universal growing substrate.
    • Garden: it is indifferent as long as it has good drainage.
  • Irrigation: 2-3 times a week in summer, and every 4-5 days the rest of the year.
  • Subscriber: from early spring to late summer with ecological fertilizers. If it is in a pot, we must use liquid fertilizers following the indications specified on the container.
  • Multiplication: by seeds or stem cuttings in spring or summer.
  • Harvest: when necessary, after the specimen has reached a suitable size (a minimum of 30cm). Later, we can use it to consume it fresh, in soups, salads or stews.
  • Rusticity: withstands cold and weak frosts down to -2ºC.

What did you think of this plant?


2 comments, leave yours

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked with *

*

*

  1. Responsible for the data: Miguel Ángel Gatón
  2. Purpose of the data: Control SPAM, comment management.
  3. Legitimation: Your consent
  4. Communication of the data: The data will not be communicated to third parties except by legal obligation.
  5. Data storage: Database hosted by Occentus Networks (EU)
  6. Rights: At any time you can limit, recover and delete your information.

  1.   yeray said

    the information helped me

    1.    Monica Sanchez said

      We are happy about it 🙂