How to grow Basil Dark Opal Seeds

To grow Basil Dark Opal seeds, follow these steps:

1. Sowing: Start Basil Dark Opal seeds indoors about 6-8 weeks before the last frost date or directly outdoors after the danger of frost has passed. Alternatively, sow basil seeds indoors in a greenhouse or on a warm windowsill, and don't move plants outside until summer. Sow seeds 0.5 cm deep in a well-draining seed-starting mix or in a garden bed. Germination takes about 7-21 days and plants mature in approximately 60-90 days.

2. Temperature and Light: Keep the soil consistently warm, between 20-25°C, and ensure it is well-lit. Basil Dark Opal needs plenty of sunlight to thrive, so if starting indoors, use grow lights or place the pots in a sunny window.

3. Watering: Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Lightly water the seeds or seedlings to maintain even moisture, allowing the topsoil to dry slightly between waterings.

4. Transplanting: When seedlings have 2-3 sets of leaves and the outdoor temperatures are consistently above 15°C, harden them off by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions. Transplant them into well-drained soil with full sun exposure, spacing plants 20-30 cm apart.

5. Care: Regularly pinch back the tips of the basil plants to encourage bushier growth and prevent premature flowering. Harvest leaves regularly and remove flowers to concentrate the plant's energy on leaf production. Ensure consistent watering and avoid overhead watering to reduce the risk of fungal diseases.

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