Wild basil (Ocimum americanum) Flower, Leaf, Care, Uses

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Wild basil

Ocimum americanum

Also known as: Hoary basil, Hairy basil, American basil

Ocimum americanum, known as American basil or "hoary basil", is an annual herb with white or lavender flowers. It is used for medicinal purposes. Despite the misleading name, it is native to Africa, the Indian Subcontinent, China, Southeast Asia. The species is naturalized in Queensland, Christmas Island, and parts of tropical America.

2 to 11

Hardiness Zones

Care Guide for Wild basil

Soil

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Loam, Neutral

Sunlight

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Full sun

Hardiness Zones

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2 to 11

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Wild basil

Sunlight

Full sun

Hardiness Zones

2 to 11

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Questions About Wild basil

Watering

Pruning

Sunlight

Fertilizing

What is the best way to water my Wild basil?

To water Wild basil, you can use a garden hose with a spray nozzle, a watering can, or just about any other common watering tool. Generally, Wild basil is not too picky about how they receive their water, as they can live off of rainwater, tap water, or filtered water. Often, you should try not to water this plant from overhead, as doing so can damage the leaves and flowers and may lead to disease as well. At times, the best method for watering this plant is to set up a drip irrigation system. These systems work well for Wild basil as they apply water evenly and directly to the soil. For one Wild basil that grows in a container, you can use a similar watering approach while changing the tools you use. To water a container-grown Wild basil, use a cup, watering can, or your tap to apply water directly to the soil.

What should I do if I water my Wild basil too much or too little?

The remedy for underwatering Wild basil is somewhat obvious. When you notice that your plant lacks moisture, simply begin watering it on a more regular basis. The issue of overwatering can be a much more dire situation, especially if you fail to notice it early. When your Wild basil is overwatered, it may contract diseases that lead to its decline and death. The best way to prevent this outcome is to choose a proper growing location, one that receives plenty of sunlight to help dry the soil and has good enough drainage to allow excess water to drain rather than pooling and causing waterlogged soils. If you overwater your Wild basil that lives in a pot, you may need to consider changing it to a new pot. Your previous container may not have contained soil with good drainage or may not have had sufficient drainage holes. As you repot your overwatered Wild basil, make sure to add loose soils and to use a pot that drains efficiently.

How often should I water my Wild basil?

Wild basil needs water regularly throughout the growing season. Beginning in spring, you should plan to water this plant about once per week. As the season presses on and grows warmer, you may need to increase your watering rate to about two to three times per week. Exceeding at this rate can be detrimental to your Wild basil. With that said, you should also ensure that the soil in which your Wild basil grows remains relatively moist but not wet, regardless of how often you must water to make that the case. Watering Wild basil that lives in a pot is a bit different. Generally, you'll need to increase your watering frequency, as the soil in a pot can heat up and dry out a bit faster than ground soil. As such, you should plan to water a container-grown Wild basil a few times per week in most cases, versus just once per week for an in-ground plant.

How much water does my Wild basil need?

There are a few different ways you can go about determining how much water to give to your Wild basil. Some gardeners choose to pick their water volume based on feeling the soil for moisture. That method suggests that you should water until you feel that the first six inches of soil have become moist. Alternatively, you can use a set measurement to determine how much to water your Wild basil. Typically, you should give your Wild basil about two gallons of water per week, depending on how hot it is and how quickly the soil becomes dry. However, following strict guidelines like that can lead to overwatering if your plant requires less than two gallons per week for whatever reason. When growing Wild basil in a container, you will need to use a different method to determine how much water to supply. Typically, you should give enough water to moisten all of the layers of soil that have become dry. To test if that is the case, you can simply stick your finger in the soil to feel for moisture. You can also water the soil until you notice a slight trickle of excess water exiting the drainage holes of your pot.

How can I tell if i'm watering my Wild basil enough?

It can be somewhat difficult to avoid overwatering your Wild basil. On the one hand, these plants have relatively deep roots that require you to moisten the soil weekly. On the other hand, Wild basil are plants that are incredibly susceptible to root rot. Along with root rot, your Wild basil may also experience browning as a result of overwatering. Underwatering is far less likely for your Wild basil as these plants can survive for a while in the absence of supplemental watering. However, if you go too long without giving this plant water, it will likely begin to wilt. You may also notice dry leaves.

How should I water my Wild basil through the seasons?

You can expect your Wild basil’s water needs to increase as the season moves on. During spring, you should water about once per week. Then, as the summer heat arrives, you will likely need to give a bit more water to your Wild basil, at times increasing to about three times per week. This is especially true of Wild basil that grow in containers, as the soil in a container is far more likely to dry out faster than ground soil when the weather is warm. In autumn, while your Wild basil is still in bloom, it may need a bit less water as the temperature has likely declined, and the sun is no longer as strong as it was in summer.

How should I water my Wild basil at different growth stages?

Wild basil will move through several different growth stages throughout the year, some of which may require more water than others. For example, you will probably start your Wild basil as a seed. While the seed germinates, you should plant to give more water than your Wild basil will need later in life, watering often enough to maintain consistent soil moisture. After a few weeks, your Wild basil will grow above the soil and may need slightly less water than at the seedling phase. Then, once this plant is mature, you can begin to use the regular watering frequency of about once per week. As flower development takes place, you may need to give slightly more water to aid the process.

What's the difference between watering Wild basil indoors and outdoors?

There are several reasons why most Wild basil grow outdoors rather than indoors. The first is that these plants typically grow to tall. The second reason is that Wild basil needs more daily sunlight than most indoor growing locations can provide. If you are able to provide a suitable indoor growing location, you may find that you need to give your Wild basil water a bit more often than you would in an outdoor growing location. Part of the reason for this is that indoor growing locations tend to be a lot drier than outdoor ones due to HVAC units. The other reason for this is that soil in containers can dry out relatively quickly as well compared to soil in the ground.

Is pruning necessary for my Wild basil?

Wild basil is a kind of annual plant so it doesn't need much pruning. You only need to cut off and clean the diseased, yellow or dropped leaves and stems during its growing period. This will help your Wild basil to stay away from pathogens infection.

How do I prune my Wild basil?

During the growth of the plant, yellowing, drying and spotted leaves are produced, and these spotted and discolored leaves need to be trimmed off. If the whole piece of leave is discolored or infected, you will need to cut it off completely. In other situations, you will only need to cut off the discolored or infected part on certain leaves. Wild basil above the ground will die and dry up in the winter, and the dead plants need to be cleaned up.

Are there any cautions I should be careful with when pruning my Wild basil?

Wild basil leaves are delicate, so take care not to score or bruise them. Unless the leaves are withered or heavily discolored, do not prune the leaves from the lowermost branches unless they’re damaged. They typically grow the largest, so they supply the plant with critical energy to keep it growing right. Please prevent the wounds from water after pruning until they are fully recovered. Remember always sterilize the tools before pruning. When the pruning is finished, please throw all the waste leaves and stems into the trashbins to avoid diseases and bugs.

Are there any tips for pruning my Wild basil?

Sterilize all the tools before pruning; unclean tools will pass pathogens to the plant through wounds;
Prune on sunny days because the new cuts will be infected by pathogens if they're distained by rain or water.
Throw all the waste leaves and stems into trashbins, they will easily rot and attract diseases and bugs

When should/shouldn't I prune my Wild basil?

Expect to prune your Wild basil every week if it’s growing well or every two weeks if it grows slowly. It is always good to prune it on sunny days because if you prune it on rainy days, the rainwater will distain the cuts and cause the whole plant to be infected.

What should I look for when pruning my Wild basil in different seasons?

Because Wild basil is an annual plant, the pruning should take place basically during the seasons that the plant grows rapidly. During the growth of the plant, yellowing, drying and spotted leaves are produced, and these spotted and discolored leaves need to be trimmed off.

How much sunlight should Wild basil get per day to grow healthily?

You must expose the plants to at least 6 to 8 hours of sunlight daily. They prefer more exposure to the morning light, especially in the summer. The Wild basil needs full sun and more sunlight that it can get. The more light these species get, the more they can manufacture food, produce beautiful blooms, and survive.

What type of sunlight does Wild basil need?

The Wild basil grows best under full sunlight. It's best not to crowd them together so they can get exposure to the sun evenly. The leaves shouldn't be starved with sunlight. If planted in pots, try to expose the herbaceous flowers in windows with direct sun and ensure they receive full sunlight regardless of the months.

They don't tend to do well in partial or filtered light as this will not produce strong stems and healthy flowers. It's best if the Wild basil is always exposed to the sun.

Can sunlight hurt plants? How to protect Wild basil from sun and heat damage?

When the temperature rises above 90℉(32℃), the Wild basil can get damaged by extreme temperatures, especially if they are exposed to many hours of sun. It's always ideal for providing some shade from the light in the afternoon in the summer. It's always important to keep in mind that the sunlight in the summer is stronger than the one in the winter. Sunlight exposure is also 50% longer in the summer than in the winter.

If the Wild basil is too stressed with sunlight, you might want to keep them fully hydrated. Water them when the top of the soil is about 2 inches dry, and move the plants indoors if it's too hot outside. This is the case if they are planted in containers.

It can be normal for the plant leaves to wilt during the day. Generally, they can recover at night. However, when you notice that the Wild basil is still drooping, this means that the plant is losing water fast, and you need to water them.

Should I protect Wild basil from sun exposure?

The Wild basil does not need any protection from the sun. In fact, they love the sun, and some species are heliotropic. Plant them in south-facing gardens whenever possible so they can be exposed from morning to afternoon. While the sun can benefit them, some may experience a sunburn. You might offer protection from the afternoon and midday sun through a shade of a tree or a wall.

Growing the Wild basil in shady areas is impossible because the larger flowers would require a lot of energy to grow and produce. Always provide the lighting conditions and set them in an area with full sun for best results.

What will happen if Wild basil gets inadequate sunlight?

When the Wild basil does not get adequate sunlight, or they are not placed in full sun locations, it's worth noting that the photosynthetic process will slow down. A lack of sunlight will cause the stems to become more leggy since they become thin and long since they tend to seek too much sunlight. They will not bloom and produce seeds in the shade.

Inadequate sunlight will also mean that the older leaves can die, the color of the new ones is lighter than the old foliage, and the new growth is smaller than the last ones.

The Wild basil indeed loves the sun so much. However, they can wilt when exposed to excessive heat and ultraviolet light during the extreme summer months, so be careful. You might want to cover them with a net that has a green shade, especially in the summer, to prevent the leaves and the flowers from scorching. When they are indoors, reduce the heat with the help of a fan.

Does Wild basil need special care about sunlight during its different growth stages?

When the Wild basil is growing, they need more light than their mature counterparts. The younger ones should receive adequate light, but they might not be prepared for sudden full sunlight, especially if they are grown in a nursery. They can be more sensitive to the summer sun, so the lighting should be gradual and slow.

How much light does Wild basil need for photosynthesis?

During summer or late spring, the Wild basil needs 6 to 8 hours of direct light every single day. This is whether they are planted outdoors. If the Wild basil is planted in pots or you're growing them in the winter, they need direct fluorescent lights that help them grow better. Make sure to place them in an indoor area where they are facing south or east so they can have enough sunlight for photosynthesis.

Are there any cautions or tips for sunlight and Wild basil?

When transplanting the plants, they should not be exposed to sudden sunlight. Give the Wild basil to grow and mature before transplanting outside. Some species of herbaceous plants can grow taller and might cast a shade on other young plants. Allow between 80 to 100 days of growing season before planting another batch to ensure that every plant receives more than enough sunlight for at least 6 hours a day.

Make sure that the Wild basil receives the best light possible, especially if it's planted in a nursery. These are sun-loving plants, but too much sunlight with a very hot temperature is also detrimental to their growth. Indoor lights should be replaced with natural sunlight as much as possible since these species crave this every day.

Why do I need to fertilize my Wild basil?

All plants need nutrients to grow, but some types are able to take what they need and don’t need any supplementation with fertilizers. Wild basil, like other plants, use nutrients to support growth and all internal processes.

Each of the main nutrients that plants use (nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium) contribute to one or more of a plant’s essential functions, and in the case of foliage it is nitrogen that provides the most support. It can be difficult for a Wild basil to get enough nitrogen from the soil, which is why many gardeners prefer to supplement by feeding Wild basil with a source of nitrogen.

When is the best time to fertilize my Wild basil?

Wild basil generally grows well, but a fertilizer can be applied about once a month to give the plant a boost when it is actively growing. You should fertilize Wild basil about once a month only during the spring and summer months, but not during fall and winter when it becomes less active and does not use as many nutrients.

You’ll know when to start fertilizing Wild basil if you see signs of new growth. The fertilization schedule remains the same whether the plant is grown outside or indoors in a container. However, if your Wild basil is in a container, you probably will not need to fertilize for the first one to two months. Potting soil made for container plants already contains plenty of nutrients, so you should only start to fertilize after your plant has been in the same soil for a while.

When should I avoid fertilizing my Wild basil?

Never fertilize your Wild basil if it is not healthy, for example if it has developed a disease or has insect pests on it. Also do not fertilize a dehydrated plant, since the fertilizer will make this problem even worse. Only fertilize healthy plants.

Do not splash fertilizer onto the leaves or stem of this plant when watering, since it can cause burned spots. Be careful not to allow the fertilizer to make direct contact with the plant, unless you are usually a special fertilizer designed to be applied to the foliage.

What type of fertilizer does my Wild basil need?

Fertilizers contain high levels of nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus, along with other essential nutrients such as iron, manganese and zinc. These are all necessary elements that promote growth in Wild basil.

A balanced fertilizer works well for Wild basil, for example an all-purpose fertilizer with a 10-10-10 NPK number. For natural fertilizers, blood meal or worm castings work well. You may also choose a fertilizer that is higher in nitrogen than other nutrients, such as fish fertilizer. Nitrogen provides support to leaves, which are the main feature that people want from Wild basil. There is no point in providing a lot of supplements for flowers or seeds if that is not your purpose in growing the plant.

How do I fertilize my Wild basil?

Apply fertilizer based on the instructions on the particular type you have purchased. It is generally a good idea to start with half-strength fertilizer to avoid accidentally over-fertilizing your Wild basil. Since this plant requires frequent fertilization, it is common to accidentally fertilize too much. Remember that it’s always easier to add more fertilizer than it is to try to save an over-fertilized plant.

Don’t apply fertilizer to dry soil - it should already be at least somewhat moist before fertilizing. This helps the fertilizer absorb more easily and helps avoid fertilizer burn. You should also water after applying dry fertilizers to your soil.

Some fertilizers are meant to be mixed into the soil when planting, while others are applied on top of the soil and then watered in. For most types of Wild basil, a water soluble fertilizer is an easy choice. Simply mix the fertilizer solution into your watering can at the recommended dosage for Wild basil and then water the plant as usual. Slow-release granules or fertilizer spikes can also work well if you prefer not to remember to fertilize monthly.

What happens if I fertilize my Wild basil too much?

Over-fertilization leads to a build-up of salts in the soil which leads to a lack of vitality overall and pale coloration in the leaves. Leaves may also wilt or develop brown tips as the excess salt from the fertilizer tries to make its way out of the leaves.

Too much fertilizer makes it impossible for the plant to take up water and nutrients, which will eventually kill it if you don’t take steps to save your Wild basil. If the Wild basil is in a container, you could either remove it from the pot and repot it in fresh potting mix, or flush out the soil by running a lot of water through and letting it drain out thoroughly.

If your Wild basil is outdoors, the same theory applies, although it can be more difficult to flush outdoor soil. Water thoroughly and hold off on fertilizing again for a while. You may want to perform a soil test before you add any more fertilizer to make sure you don’t provide too much of any one nutrient.

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Common Pests & Diseases

Common issues for Wild basil based on 10 million real cases

Brown spot

This infection can cause brown spots or patches to appear on the plant.

Solutions: In minor cases of brown spot, there isn’t any need to treat the disease. However, if much of the foliage is affected and defoliation occurs, the plant will benefit from getting rid of the infection. It is recommended to start by applying organic treatment options, working up to the more potent synthetic, chemical fungicides if necessary. Organic options won’t kill the fungus, but will prevent it from spreading. Dissolve ½ teaspoon of baking soda and one teaspoon of liquid soap in a gallon of water. Using a spray bottle, spray on tops and bottoms of leaves until the mixture drips off. Repeat every two weeks until existing spots stop enlarging and new spots no longer appear. Spray a copper-based fungicidal soap on the leaves, coating the top and bottom leaf surfaces. Reapply as directed on the product label. Copper penetrates the leaf surface and prevents germination of spores so the fungus cannot spread. Apply an all-purpose fungicide to the entire plant, following the label instructions carefully.

Leaf deformity

Leaf deformities can have a variety of causes.

Solutions: Follow these steps to revive plants with abnormal leaves. Remove damaged leaves: Plants can recover from damage when given the time to do so. Remove any deformed leaves so they don't continue drawing energy from the plant. This also creates room for healthier ones to grow. Stop using herbicide: Though herbicide damage is challenging to diagnose, gardeners can potentially prevent deformed leaves by not using any and by strictly following manufacturers instructions. Spray insecticide: Prevent pests from inhabiting plant leaves by spraying with insecticide regularly and practicing good natural pest prevention techniques. Apply a balanced fertilizer: Solve nutrient deficiencies and excesses by using a well-balanced fertilizer (organic or conventional both work) before planting, and consider topdressing when signs of stress are apparent. Fix watering schedule: If plant leaves are curled downward due to too much or too little water, adjust the watering schedule so the soil is moist, but not damp. Remove infected plants: If the plant has succumbed to a viral infection, not much can be done to revive it. Remove and destroy all compromised plant material to prevent spread to other plants.

Aged yellow and dry

Natural aging can cause leaves to turn yellow and dry out.

Solutions: If the yellowing and drying of leaves and flowers is a natural progression due to age, nothing can be done to slow or stop the process. Once hormones within the plant begin the process of senescence, it’s irreversible.

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Distribution Map

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Potentially invasive

Exotic

No species reported

More Info

Flower Color

White

Blue

Violet

Bloom Time

Mid summer

Scientific Classification

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Dicotyledons

Order

Mints plantains olives and allies

Family

Mint

Genus

Ocimum

Species

Wild basil

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Care Guide for Wild basil

Questions About Wild basil

Common Pests & Diseases

Distribution Map

More Info

Scientific Classification

Related Plants

Related Articles

Care Guide for Wild basil

Questions About Wild basil

Common Pests & Diseases

Distribution Map

Map

More Info

Scientific Classification

Related Plants

Related Articles