Basil – Lettuce Leaf Valentino

Growing tips

Germination conditions:

• depth of sowing: 2.5 mm or on the surface (no covering of soil)
• optimal temperature for germination: 18 to 22ºC
• time for germination: 7 to 21 days

When to sow:

• indoor sowing 4 to 6 weeks before the last date in your area OR
• direct seeding after any risk of frost, when the soil is warm

Sowing technique: in pocket

Inside the same hole, sow 3 to 5 seeds spaced 1 to 2 cm apart; when the seeds have germinated and the seedlings have reached a height of 5 cm, keep all the plants if space is available or keep only the best plants.

• for indoor seedlings: transplant into individual containers while waiting for transplanting in the garden OR
• for direct seedlings: transplant to their final location in the garden

Transplanting outdoors (for seedlings started indoors):

• When all risk of frost is removed

Distance in the garden:

• between plants: 25 cm
• between rows: 45 cm

Height of the plants: 60 cm

Soil: rich and well drained

Exposure: sunny

Days to harvest (from sowing): 75-85 days, but younger leaves can be harvested (after +/- 25 days). To stimulate the branching of the plant and delay the flowering, harvest the basil shoots by pinching the heads of the stems with your fingers.