Propagate and Grow Basil Indoors
Basil is so easy to propagate and grow on your kitchen windowsill for inclusion in everyday cooking. Side branches cut from a mature plant will root easily in water or when sown directly into potting soil and kept moist. It grows so quickly requiring only water and sunshine to thrive. Fresh basil is ever present on my kitchen windowsill to add to pasta, salad and soups all winter long.
Cloning Basil
To clone basil from an existing plant merely cut a side branch that is 3-5 inches long with a sharp razor, knife or scissors. The cutting can be placed in water until roots form and then transplanted into a small to medium size pot. Basil is shallow rooted and does not need a large pot. I usually skip rooting the basil in water and plant it directly into potting soil and keep moistened until well-established.
To promote leaf growth and bushiness, top basil plant when it reaches 8-10 inches. Also snip off any flower blossoms as flowering will cause the plant to stop producing leaves. Enjoy fresh basil all winter long with a pot of basil on your kitchen windowsill. Basil is so easy to propagate that I start extra plants to use as housewarming or hostess gifts.
Healthy Benefits
Basil is a storehouse of healthy vitamins. It is an excellent source of vitamin K and manganese; a very good source of copper, vitamin A (in the form of carotenoids such as beta-carotene), and vitamin C; and a good source of calcium, iron, folate, magnesium and omega-3 fatty acids.
Basil also reveals anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties. Lab studies show the effectiveness of basil in restricting growth of numerous bacteria. It has been shown to provide protection against unwanted bacterial growth. These anti-bacterial properties of basil are not associated with its unique flavonoids, but instead with its volatile oils.
The eugenol component of basil’s volatile oils has been the subject of extensive study. The enzyme-inhibiting effect of the eugenol in basil qualifies basil as an “anti-inflammatory” food that can provide important healing benefits along with symptomatic relief for individuals with inflammatory health problems like rheumatoid arthritis or inflammatory bowel conditions.
Recent Comments