Sowing and Growing

Sowing and Growing

Riviera basil is a relatively easy herb to grow and is a great addition to any garden or farm.

Plant directly in the soil: 

Riviera basil can be planted directly in open fields, but it is important to choose a location that receives full sun and has well-drained soil. The soil should be amended with compost or other organic matter before planting. Riviera basil seeds can be sown directly in the ground about 1 cm deep. 

The seeds will germinate in about 7-10 days. Once the seedlings have emerged, separate them 20 cm apart.

Riviera basil plants need regular watering, especially during hot weather. They should also be fertilized every few weeks with a balanced fertilizer. Riviera basil plants are susceptible to a variety of pests and diseases, so it is important to inspect them regularly.

With proper care, Riviera basil plants will grow well in open fields and produce a bounty of delicious leaves.

• Choose a location that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
• The soil should be well-drained and have a pH of 5.5 – 6.5.
• Amend the soil with compost or other organic matter before planting.
• Sow the seeds 1 cm deep.
• Separate the seedlings 15 – 20 cm apart once they have emerged.
• Water regularly, especially during hot weather.
• Fertilize every few weeks with a balanced fertilizer.
• Inspect the plants regularly for pests and diseases.

Planting in seedling trays and pots:

Riviera basil can be easily started from seed indoors in seedling trays. To do so, fill the trays with a well-draining potting mix and sow the seeds 1 cm deep. The seeds will germinate in about 7-10 days. Once the seedlings have emerged, separate them 15 – 20 cm apart.

The best soil type for Riviera basil is a well-draining, loamy soil with a pH of 5.5 – 6.5. The soil should be amended with compost or other organic matter before planting.

1. Prepare your soil mix and put 2 seeds in the plug of the seedling trays at 1 cm depth.
2. Spray the seeds and cover them with a plastic case/bag to accelerate the germination process, don’t forget to make holes in the plastic case/bag for the seeds to breathe.
3. To transplant the seedlings, carefully remove them from the seedling trays and transplant them into the farm. 
4. Water the seedlings well and keep them in a sunny area.
5. Riviera basil plants need regular watering, especially during hot weather. The soil should be kept moist, but not soggy.

Here are some additional tips:

• Harvest the leaves as needed.
• Pinch off the flower buds to encourage leaf production.

Fertilizing

Riviera basil fertilizing depends on the plant’s age, weather, and the type of soil. Young plants may not need to be fertilized, but older plants will benefit from a light application of a balanced fertilizer every week.

The best fertilizers for Riviera basil are those that are high in nitrogen and phosphorus. These nutrients help the plants to grow and produce leaves.

There are several different types of fertilizers that can be used on Riviera basil, including liquid fertilizers, granular fertilizers, and slow-release fertilizers. The type of fertilizer that you choose will depend on your personal preference and the type of soil that you have.

When fertilizing Riviera basil, it is important to follow the directions on the fertilizer label. Over-fertilizing can damage the plants.

Some Plant Needs

• Type: Herb (Genovese)
• Pot size: 15 – 50 cm
• Maturity Days: 40 Days
• Planting: April – Sep
• Planting Depth: 1 cm
• Plant Distances: 15 cm – 50 cm 
• Preferred Soil for germination: 70% Cocopeat 10% Vermiculite 5% Perlite 15% Plant Compost
• Germination period: 3 – 15 Days
• Preferred Soil for transplanting: 60% Cocopeat 7% Vermiculite 3% Perlite 15% Plant Compost
• Light: Full sun
• PH: 5.5 – 6.5
• Electrical Conductivity (EC): 1.4 – 2.3 
• Total Dissolved Salts (TDS): 896 – 1472
• Color: Green
  

• Basil is a warm-weather crop grown in both open fields and greenhouses.
• Basil is a plant that grows upwards, and some methods can be followed to change how it grows. It can be directed to grow horizontally instead of growing vertically and this is called lateral growth.
• This means that if growers clip the stem right above those lateral buds, they will be triggered to grow out. There are two ways growers can increase the production of that branch. When pruning, snip the stem right above the lateral buds. (Not at the base of the plant) If you prune a basil plant correctly, you’ll see an increase in yield each time you harvest for the first three harvests at about weeks 5, 8, and 11.
• Allow the herb to receive lots of sunlight and warm air. 
• The lemony-sweet scent of basil is unattractive to aphids, mites, and hornworms, keeping them away from your other herbs and plants.
• It is widely used in many cuisines and is a key ingredient in many recipes, drinks, and smoothies. 
• You can also dry or freeze Basil leaves throughout the summer.