BASIL

Basil, one of the most popular and beloved aromatic plants. Basil is a powerful natural insect repellent, is an adaptogenic herb that helps reduce cortisol in the body and is one of the most popular herbs of happiness. Basil gives a unique taste to salads and dishes, from wonderful pesto sauces to original side dishes. It probably originates from India from where it traveled before 4,000 to Egypt, to ancient Greece and finally to Europe.
It is currently grown as an annual plant in France, Italy, Egypt, Madagascar, Hungary, Indonesia, Morocco, Israel, USA. and in GREECE.

We find hundreds of varieties of basil, other with smaller or larger leaves, with different colors, flavors and aromas. It is important to mention that most varieties of basil are annuals and there are some perennials. If we want basil for pesto sauce, we choose broad-leaved basil that has large and tender leaves. If we want a basil that can withstand the cold of winter, the best choice is the Mount Athos basil that is perennial and thrives for at least 3-4 years.

The best time to plant basil plants is April-May. To plant the basil in a pot, select pots with holes in the base to remove excess water with watering. We water the basil every 2-3 days, in small quantities, while on hot summer days we water on a daily basis. Most varieties of basil do not need special pruning. Only varieties that grow well, such as the perennial basil, are pruned in early spring.