MAURITANIAN

The Mauritanian basil variety is a purple-leafed perennial with oval, serrated leaves of a rich purple-violet color. The plant reaches a height of up to 65 cm, has an upright stem of medium compactness, and is distinguished by its strong, pleasant aroma. The maturity period is 60-65 days, which allows the basil to be used both fresh and dried. Due to its high content of essential oils and carotene, this basil variety possesses beneficial properties and can be used for gastrointestinal and respiratory diseases.

Growing Mauritanian basil requires heat-loving conditions. Sowing for seedlings is recommended at the end of March - beginning of April at a depth of 0.5-1 cm, followed by transplanting into a greenhouse or to a sunny, wind-free place in open ground at the end of May. The planting scheme is 10x30 cm. The plant does not tolerate frost, so regular watering, weeding, loosening of inter-row spaces, and mandatory ventilation in greenhouses are important. In the absence of sufficient ultraviolet radiation, the leaves may lose their intensity of coloration, becoming more green.

Care for basil includes harvesting at the beginning of flowering in dry weather. At the first cutting, it is recommended to leave leaves on the lower part of the plant, which promotes the regrowth of shoots. This approach allows to prolong the period of basil use and obtain the maximum benefit from its aromatic and healing properties.