For ambitious hobby gardeners, it is a matter of honor to propagate home-grown basil for the next season. An uncomplicated method is achieved by sowing seeds you have obtained yourself. The following instructions show how it works very easily.

Abundant seed harvest requires renunciation of the basil flavor

Beginning in July, a basil plant tirelessly strives to develop a flower and then numerous seeds. As she puts all her energy into this growth, the basil flavor falls by the wayside and becomes bitter. The connoisseurs among the hobby gardeners prevent bud formation by permanently harvesting the shoots. However, if you want to get seeds for sowing, you can allow the pretty blossom.

Instructions for harvesting seeds

When the white or pink blooms are coming to an end, ideally wait until they have completely withered. This way the seeds have enough time to mature and germinate. Proceed as follows:

  • cut off the withered flower stalks
  • hold one at a time over a bowl to brush off blossoms and seeds with fingers
  • rub the mixture of petals and seeds between your palms

A little patience is required in the final step, because the mixture has to be sieved several times. As long as there are still crushed petals under the seeds, the process will persistently repeat.

How to properly store basil seeds

If the seed was harvested successfully, the type of storage until the date of sowing is important. The freshly harvested seeds should first dry in a bowl for 2 to 3 days so that the last bit of moisture evaporates. A screw-top jar is ideal for storage or an airtight container. It is important to note that the container should be labeled with the name of the plant and the date.

tips and tricks

A large community has formed among the hobby gardeners who consistently garden according to the lunar calendar. According to this, the self-made basil seeds germinate much better if they are sown during the waxing moon. Skeptics should at least give the ancient peasant wisdom a try.

GTH

Category:

Vegetable garden