Scientific name: Oscimum sp. (Oscimum sanctum, Oscimum basilicum)
Who doesn't love the smell of fresh basil and the thought of picking some from your own garden for that delicious pesto or pasta. I love basil in all its variations for its fragrance, flavor and medicinal value. Why did I start my garden with basil? In India, the Oscimum sanctum or 'holy' basil is considered the holy grail of every garden. It is not really the easiest plant to grow but I wanted to have one in my garden nevertheless because it is a beautiful addition in my 'mystic garden'. Folklore has it that the basil or 'tulsi' plant is the epitome of devotion and its leaves bestow health and well being. It is edible like the other varieties but has a stronger flavor and is increasingle being used in western cuisine.
What you need to grow basil: potting soil, seeds or seedlings, full sunlight and a watering can.
Where do I start: It is much easier to grow basil with established seedlings rather than start with seeds. Basil varieties are available in any garden nursery. I got the sweet 'genovese' basil and 'cinnamon' basil from a local nursery and the Indian basil from an Indian grocery store.
The green finger magic: For many years I tried growing the holy basil in my garden and failed miserably. I was told by my Indian friends that it is a very delicate plant and is very difficult to manage. I can prove now that is a myth (see my plant has grown!). The basil plant just needs a little care initially before it can set roots and grow. It needs plenty of sunlight but direct light only for a few hours a day (2-3). It also needs enough water so the leaves don't wilt and regular feeding. The green finger trick that worked with my basil plants is to grow a turmeric bulb (available in international grocery stores) with it. Turmeric is known to have antibacterial properties and keeps pests away from the basil plant.
Condo or backyard: I would prefer to grow the holy basil in a pot so it can survive the harsh winter indoors. But if you have a huge yard, it is a great idea to plant several varieties of basil in plots.
Budget: Basil plants are available for less than $5 in most places and once they set root in the mystic garden they offer leaves through the summer for salads, soups, pesto and pasta... extremely cost effective.
Home away from home: I have the best of both worlds in my kitchen garden. The cinnamon and genovese basil are extremely fragrant in my dishes and the holy basil is grandma's recipe for cough,cold,insect bites and indigestion.
Whats so mystic about basil: It is said the holy basil is very sensitive to the thoughts of the grower. if you radiate happy thoughts, the plant grows vigorously. If you are stressed, worried or upset, it makes the plant unhappy too --- apparently. I don't have a scientific proof of this... I leave it the reader's interpretation.
