Basil is a popular herb that holds a lot of fame in the culinary sphere, but also for its many other beneficial properties. As a plant that is known for being easy to grow, it’s no surprise that many indoor growers are gravitating towards growing basil hydroponically.
When grown hydroponically, basil modifies its typical growth behaviour to adapt to the water-based environment. It gains advantage in terms of growth rate and lushness and frees itself from traditional soil-related pests and diseases.
Let’s delve into how to cultivate basil in a hydroponic system.
Choosing the Right Hydroponic System For Your Basil
The first step in cultivation involves choosing the right hydroponic system. For basil, the two most suitable systems are:
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Deep Water Culture (DWC): In this system, the roots are suspended in a nutrient-rich water solution with an air stone to provide ample oxygen. This is the most popular method for basil, as it allows for simple management of the plant’s water and nutrient needs.
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Nutrient Film Technique (NFT): Here, a thin film of nutrient-rich water constantly flows over the roots, while the upper part of the plant is supported by sloping channels. It’s less common for basil due to the difficulty beginners often face in managing the root exposure and nutrient flow.
Choosing and Germinating The Seeds
For hydroponics, it is always more effective to start from seeds than transplants due to the risk of contamination from soil-based pathogens.
When it comes to basil, there isn’t a shortage of variants. However, Sweet Basil and Thai Basil are ideal for hydroponic cultivation due to their robustness and traditional flavor profile.
Once you have your seeds, initiate the germination process by placing them in rockwool cubes that have been soaked in water overnight. Keep the cubes in a warm, dark area and ensure they remain moist. Within 5 to 7 days, your basil seeds should have sprouted.
Preparing the Nutrient Solution
The nutrients in a hydroponic system replace the nutrients the plants would have otherwise consumed from the soil. Hence, you need to use special hydroponic nutrients, usually available in liquid form, and dilute them in water as per the given instructions.
Basil requires an N-P-K ratio (Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium) of 2-1-3, along with the micro-nutrients calcium, magnesium and sulphur. The water pH should be maintained between 5.8 and 6.2 for optimal nutrient absorption.
Placement of the Germinated Seedlings
Once your seedlings have developed a robust root system and sprouted leaves, they’re ready for transplantation into the hydroponic system. The plant should be carefully placed in a netted pot so that the roots sit in the nutrient solution.
Monitoring Plant Health and Growth
Monitoring your hydroponic basil involves three primary aspects:
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Nutrient Levels: Regularly check the nutrient solution’s pH and EC (Electrical Conductivity) levels. Adjust the nutrient concentration if the EC reading falls below the recommenced level (1.6-2.4 mS/cm).
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Adequate Light: Basil requires around 10-12 hours of light daily for optimal growth. LED grow lights offer tailored spectrum needs and minimal energy usage.
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Temperature and Humidity: A temperature of 70-80°F (21-27°C) and a relative humidity of 40-70% is ideal for basil. A warmer environment would need more frequent nutrient solution changes.
Harvesting Your Basil
After 4 to 6 weeks, your basil plants will be ready for harvesting. Using a sharp, clean pair of pruning shears, it’s better to trim the tops of the plants rather than the lower stems. This way, your basil continues to produce new leaves from the remaining stems.
For a continuous supply, you just need to keep planting new seeds every few weeks.
Pest Management
Fortunately, basil is relatively resistant to pests. If you do detect signs of pests, organic insecticidal soaps are typically the go-to method for hydroponic growers.
Conclusion
Cultivating basil hydroponically may seem daunting at first. However, with a little patience and knowledge, the process can be easy and vastly rewarding. Embrace the system that uses water efficiently, takes up minimal space, and harnesses the maximum potential out of your basil plant!
