Basil in a hydroponic system
Basil (Ocimum basilicum) is a fragrant annual herb of the mint family, prized for its sweet, clove-like aroma and bright green leaves. In hydroponics, basil grows rapidly under controlled nutrient, light, and temperature conditions, yielding abundant harvests of fresh foliage.
Common and Alternative Names
- Sweet Basil (Ocimum basilicum)
- Italian Basil
- Great Basil
Varieties
- Genovese: 'Genovese' (Ocimum basilicum 'Genovese')
- Thai: 'Thai Sweet' (Ocimum basilicum var. thyrsiflora)
- Lemon: 'Sweet Dani' (Ocimum × citriodorum 'Sweet Dani')
- Purple: 'Purpurascens' (Ocimum basilicum 'Purpurascens')
- Holy: 'Rama' (Ocimum tenuiflorum 'Rama')
- Cinnamon: 'Cinnamon' (Ocimum basilicum 'Cinnamon')
Positive Identification
- Opposite, ovate leaves with smooth or lightly serrated margins
- Square, slightly hairy stems (mint family trait)
- Distinct sweet-clove aroma when leaves are crushed
- Bright green foliage (or purple on certain cultivars)
- Clusters of small white to purple tubular flowers on spikes
Toxic Look-Alikes
- Pennyroyal (Mentha pulegium) - leaves similar but contains toxic pulegone
- Henbane (Hyoscyamus niger) - ovate leaves, toxic alkaloids
- Black Nightshade (Solanum nigrum) seedlings - superficially similar, toxic berries
- Bitter Nightshade (Solanum dulcamara) - juvenile leaves may resemble basil
Plant Parts and Uses
| Part | Uses |
|---|---|
| Leaves | Culinary (pesto, salads, sauces); aromatic oil extraction |
| Flowers | Garnish; mild flavor in salads and infusions |
| Stems | Cuttings for propagation; compost |
| Seeds | Basil seed drink (sabja); propagation |
Growing Parameters
| Field | Range | Optimal |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical Conductivity (EC) | 1.2 - 2.5 mS/cm | 1.8 mS/cm |
| pH | 5.5 - 6.5 | 6.0 |
| Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) | 600 - 1,200 ppm | 900 ppm |
| Temperature | 18-26°C (64-79°F) | 22°C (72°F) |
| Hours of Light | 12 - 18h/day | 16h/day |
| Seasons to Plant | Spring, Early Summer | Spring |
| Seasons to Harvest | Spring-Fall (year-round indoors) | Spring-Summer |
| Wattage of Grow Lights | 20 - 40 W/ft2 | 30 W/ft2 |
Propagation Methods
- Seed - direct sow in rockwool or coco plugs
- Stem Cuttings - 6-8 cm cuttings in water or media
- Tissue Culture - micropropagation in sterile agar
Compatibility with Hydroponic Systems
| System Type | Compatibility | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Deep Water Culture (DWC) | Excellent | Rapid vegetative growth, needs good aeration |
| Recirculating DWC (RDWC) | Excellent | Uniform nutrient delivery for multiple plants |
| Nutrient Film Technique (NFT) | Excellent | Efficient for basil's shallow roots |
| Ebb and Flow | Good | Periodic flooding supports root oxygenation |
| Drip Irrigation | Good | Precise feeding; watch for emitter clogging |
| Kratky Method | Fair | Set-and-forget; monitor nutrient depletion |
| Wick System | Fair | Passive moisture; best for small pots |
| Aeroponics | Excellent | Fine mist maximizes oxygenation |
Common Pests
- Aphids (Aphidoidea)
- Whiteflies (Trialeurodes vaporariorum)
- Spider Mites (Tetranychus urticae)
- Thrips (Frankliniella occidentalis)
- Fungus Gnats (Bradysia spp.)
- Downy Mildew (Peronospora belbahrii)
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