Basil (Ocimum basilicum) 'Gustosa'
Basil (Ocimum basilicum) 'Gustosa'
Basil 'Gustosa' is a type of basil that is known for its large, dark green, and very aromatic leaves. It is a cultivar of Ocimum basilicum, which is a member of the mint family (Lamiaceae). This herb is commonly used in a variety of culinary applications, particularly in Italian cuisine. Here's a simple guide to growing and caring for basil 'Gustosa':
1. Planting:
- Plant basil 'Gustosa' seeds in well-draining soil in a sunny location with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
- The soil should be rich in organic matter and have a pH between 6.0 and 7.5.
- Sow seeds indoors about 4-6 weeks before the last frost date or directly into the garden once the soil has warmed up to around 70°F (21°C).
- Plant seeds 1/8 inch deep and 10-12 inches apart.
2. Watering:
- Basil 'Gustosa' prefers moist but not waterlogged soil. Water regularly, keeping the soil evenly moist but not soggy.
- It is important not to let the soil dry out completely, as basil is sensitive to drought conditions.
- Use a soaker hose or drip irrigation to water the soil around the plant base to avoid wetting the leaves, which can lead to fungal diseases.
3. Fertilizing:
- Feed your basil plants with a balanced, organic fertilizer every 4-6 weeks to provide them with the necessary nutrients for optimal growth.
- Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers, which can lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of flavorful leaves.
4. Pruning and Pinching:
- Pinch back the tips of the plant to encourage bushier growth and prevent it from becoming leggy.
- Regularly remove any flowers (deadheading) to keep the plant focused on producing leaves rather than seeds.
- Pinching also helps to maintain the basil's flavour, as once it goes to seed, the leaves can become bitter.
5. Temperature:
- Basil is a warm-weather annual herb and prefers temperatures between 70°F (21°C) and 85°F (29°C).
- It can tolerate some light frost but will die if the temperature drops below 50°F (10°C) for an extended period.
- If you're growing basil in a container, bring it indoors when the weather cools down to extend the growing season.
6. Light:
- As mentioned earlier, basil 'Gustosa' needs at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day to thrive.
- If you're growing it indoors, place it near a south-facing window or use grow lights to ensure it gets enough light.
7. Pest and Disease Control:
- Keep an eye out for common pests like aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies. Use organic pest control methods such as insecticidal soap or neem oil if needed.
- Fungal diseases can be a problem in humid conditions. Ensure good air circulation around the plants and avoid overhead watering.
8. Harvesting:
- Start harvesting basil once the plant has at least 6-8 sets of leaves.
- Pinch off the top leaves regularly to promote branching and more leaf growth.
- For the best flavor, harvest leaves in the morning when the oils are most concentrated.
- Continue to harvest throughout the growing season to keep the plant producing new growth.
9. Uses:
- Use the leaves of basil 'Gustosa' in a variety of dishes, including salads, soups, pastas, pizzas, and sauces.
- It pairs particularly well with tomatoes, mozzarella, and olive oil to make a classic Caprese salad or is delicious in pesto.
10. Storage:
- To keep basil fresh, store it in the refrigerator with the stems in a glass of water and the leaves loosely covered with a plastic bag.