Basil
Basil (Ocimum basilicum), a member of the mint family, is a popular herb grown for the fresh market or for its aromatic leaves which are dried and used as a spice or flavoring.
Soil
Management
Basil does best when soil pH is between 6.0 to 7.5.
Planting
Basil can be grown year round in Hawaii in well-drained soils at
elevations below 700 feet, and from May to October at higher elevations. Space
plants 6-24 inches apart in rows 2-3 feet apart.
Irrigation
Basil
requires adequate soil moisture throughout the growing season to maintain quality
and yields.
Insect
& Disease Control
Pests that commonly attack basil are slugs, mites, leafminers, leafhoppers,
thrips, whiteflies, spittle bugs, and nematodes.
Harvesting
Basil should be ready to harvest in 45 to 70 days after planting.