Southeastern U.S. Vegetable Crop Handbook - 2022 - 83

HERBS
BASIL (Ocimum basilicum)
VARIETIES1
BASIL
Sweet
Aroma II 2,3
Genovese 2
Italian Large Leaf 3
Mammoth
Nufar 2,3
Purple Ruffles
Rutgers Devotion DMR 4
Rutgers Obsession DMR 4
Rutgers Passion DMR 4
Rutgers Thunderstruck DMR 4, 5, 6
Specialty
Mrs. Burns' Lemon
Sweet Thai (Horapha, Hun Que)
Cinnamon
1
2
Abbreviations for state where recommended.
Fusarium tolerance/resistance.
A
A
A
Downy mildew tolerance.
G
G
G
3 Suitable for High Tunnel production
4
K
L
L
L
5
6
M
M
M
N
N
N
S
S
S
Suitable for microgreen production.
Suitable for processing.
Cultivation. Sow seed 1/8 inch deep. Basil is an easy to grow
tender annual. Plant basil in late spring after all danger of frost
is past. Grow in full sun in warm, well-drained soil, preferably
in raised beds. A light sand to silt loam with a pH of 6.4 is best.
Basil may be grown in the field from seed or transplants. Trim
transplants to encourage branching and plant in the field when
about six inches tall (4 to 6 weeks old).
Double-row plantings on 2 to 4 foot wide beds increase
yields per acre and helps to shade out weeds. Planting dates
may be staggered to provide a continuous supply of fresh leaves
throughout the growing season. For fresh-cut basil production,
the use of black plastic mulch is highly recommended. Basil will
not tolerate moisture stress; provide a regular supply of water
through drip or overhead irrigation.
Fertilization. Do not over fertilize basil. It is generally suggested
that 100 pounds each of N, P2
O5, and K2
O per acre be broadcast
and incorporated at time of planting or follow guidelines for
fertilization of salad greens. If more than one harvest is made,
sidedress with 15 to 30 pounds N per acre shortly after the first or
second cutting.
BASIL PLANTING DATES (cont'd)
Spring
4/1-7/31
3/15-7/31
4/1-7/31
3/15-5/1
KY Central
KY West
LA North
LA South
MS North
MS South
5/15-6/30*
5/1-6/30*
4/20-6/20*
4/1-7/31
3/15-7/31
4/1-7/31
3/15-7/31
AL North
AL South
GA North
GA South
KY East
Fall
NR
NR
8/1-8/15
8/1-9/15
NR
NR
NR
NR
NR
NR
NR
BASIL PLANTING DATES (cont'd)
Spring
NC East
NC West
TN East
TN West
VA East (coastal)
VA West (mountain)
*Using 6 to 8 wk-old transplants.
NR = Not recommended
Pest Control. There are few agricultural chemicals registered
for use on basil. To keep weed pressure down, use high plant
populations, shallow cultivation, and/or mulch. BT products can
be used to control various worms and caterpillars. Genovese,
Italian Large Leaf, and lettuce leaf varieties are susceptible to
Japanese beetles. Japanese beetle traps set about 20 feet away
from the basil will help prevent damage. Reflective mulches,
beneficial insects, insecticidal soaps, traps, and handpicking may
give some level of control of other insect pests. Keep foliage as
dry as possible by watering early in the day, or by using drip irrigation
to reduce fungal disease. Rotate herbs to different parts
of the field each year and remove and destroy all plant debris to
reduce soil borne disease.
Fusarium Wilt. Plants infected with this disease usually grow
normally until they are 6 to 12 inches tall, then they become
stunted and suddenly wilt. Fusarium wilt may persist in the soil
for 8 to 12 years. Growers should use Fusarium wilt tested seed
or resistant or tolerant varieties.
Basil Downy Mildew. Use clean seed and less susceptible varieties
as they become available. Minimize leaf wetness as much as
possible. Learn what the disease symptoms look like.
To ensure protection, consider applying fungicides proactively
when your Extension agent or agricultural advisor
2022 Vegetable Crop Handbook for Southeastern United States
83
5/1-7/15*
6/1-6/30*
5/15-6/30*
4/20-6/20*
5/1-6/30
5/15-6/30
T
T
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
A
G
G
G
G
G
K
K
K
K
K
L
L
L
L
L
M
M
M
M
M
N
N
N
N
N
N
S
S
S
S
S
T
T
T
T
T
AL
GA
KY
LA
MS
NC
SC
TN
S
Fall
NR
NR
8/1-8/15*
8/1-8/15*
NR
NR
Southeastern U.S. Vegetable Crop Handbook - 2022

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