Sweet basil "Russian Giant Green"

Sweet Basil "Russian Giant Green".
An early (from germination to technical ripeness 50-60 days) variety of large-leaved basil with green, sweet leaves of impressive size.
The pleasant clove taste and spicy aroma add piquancy to salads and soups, harmoniously complement fish and meat dishes, and go well with garlic sauce.
The plant is erect, 50-60 cm high. Basil has tonic properties and improves digestion.
Grow by seedlings or direct sowing in open ground. Sowing of seedlings is carried out in late March - early April. Sowing in the ground in May or early June. Planting seedlings in the ground - early June. Planting pattern 30x30 cm. Prefers well-structured, humus-rich soils. Needs regular watering.

BASIL.
Life cycle: annual crop.
Growing conditions: in open ground. In Estonian conditions, it is grown through seedlings and sowing seeds in open ground.
Seeds: 500-600 seeds per 1 g.
Sowing: late March-early April in a heated greenhouse or heated room. Sow in seed boxes to a depth of 0.5-1 cm.
Germination: after 1.5-2 weeks at a temperature of +20..+25°C.
Growing seedlings: in the phase of the first true leaf, they are picked into pots measuring 5x5 cm. About a week after picking, the first fertilizing with mineral fertilizers is carried out. If necessary, fertilizing is repeated after 10-14 days. Before planting seedlings, the plants are hardened off: the temperature is lowered and watering is limited.
Planting: when the threat of frost disappears (in Estonia - late May-early June). Before planting, water thoroughly (1 liter in each hole). Planting patterns can be different: 45x45 cm, 60x30 cm. Optimal standing density is 4-6 plants/m2.
Soil: well-drained, fertile, light, sandy loam.
Basil is a warm and light-loving culture; it is planted in well-warmed areas protected from northern winds.
Watering: regular, as needed (optimal soil moisture promotes good leaf growth).
Nutrition: in the fall, compost or humus (2-5 kg/m2), superphosphate (20-25 g/m2), and potassium salt (10-15 g/m2) are added to the digging. Before planting or sowing - nitrogen fertilizers (ammonium sulfate - 15-20 g/m2).
Care: loosening rows, weeding and watering. To form more vegetative mass, it is necessary to regularly remove flower buds.
Harvesting: basil is cut when the shoots are 10-12 cm long, 3-5 times during the growing season. For harvesting (drying), they are harvested at the beginning of flowering, since in this phase of development the leaves have the highest content of essential oils.