Fast growing basil variety "Rosie" with excellent taste and aroma

Juicy and savory, Rosie's Basil is a great addition to any dish. This spice has become so popular that it is even used as a main ingredient in desserts. This love is due to the amazing properties of basil - it perfectly highlights flavors and adds piquant notes to finished culinary masterpieces.

The main advantage of Rosie basil is its relative unpretentiousness. You can even grow this spice in your home garden if you know some of the subtleties of care.

Features of the variety

The Rosie variety is aimed primarily at professional cultivation. However, this plant adapts perfectly to home conditions, giving a stable harvest.

Rosie is one of the most common varieties that can be found in gardens and vegetable gardens today.. The plant has a rich purple color. The sizes are compact, the stem is dense and juicy. The leaves do not lose color intensity even when grown in pots in winter. Basil Rosie has a fast and active growth rate, which is why it is very popular among farmers.

History of origin and distribution

Rosie is of Dutch descent. This plant came to Russia only in the 18th century. At first, it was used as a medicinal plant to treat infectious diseases, pathologies of the liver and digestive system. The taste characteristics of basil were not considered at that time.

Today, Rosie's basil is recommended for cultivation throughout Russia. It is found in the middle zone, in areas that are protected from northern winds.

In 2010, Rosi's basil was officially included in the State Register. This happened on the initiative of Enza Zaden, the originator of the famous seed company.

Differences from other varieties

Basil Rosie is a favorite of professionals and beginners in the agricultural business. The variety has a number of individual characteristics that distinguish it from other species, namely:

1. Fast growth. Ripens within 38-40 days.
2. Minimal care. Requires optimal temperature and humidity.
3. Sustainability. Purple basil tolerates strong gusts of wind, rain, and minor temperature changes better than others.

Characteristics and description

The Rosie variety is a strong plant with a total height of 40 to 60 cm, with intensive branching. The leaves are large, oval-shaped, with small serrations along the edges. The color of the plant is dark purple, there are no green inclusions. The average weight of one bush is 210 g.

Chemical composition

Chemical composition of purple basil per 100 g:

• potassium – 295 mg;
• calcium – 177 mg;
• magnesium – 64 mg;
• sodium – 4 mg;
• phosphorus – 56 mg;
• sulfur – 31.5 mg;
• iron – 3.17 mg;
• manganese – 1.148 mg;
• zinc – 0.81 mg;
• copper – 385 mcg;
• selenium – 0.3 mcg;
• vitamin C – 18 mg;
• A – 264 mg;
• E – 0.8 mg;
• B1 – 0.034 mg;
• B2 – 0.076 mg;
• B4 – 11.4 mg;
• B5 – 0.209 mg;
• B6 – 0.155 mg;
• B9 – 68 mcg.

The fresh plant contains the most oil. Drying greatly reduces the yield of this nutrient component.

Durability

The plant does not tolerate sudden changes in temperature. Basil feels best at +20…+23°C.

Important! Some gardeners claim that basil can be hardened by artificially lowering the temperature during the period when the plant is just sprouting. But the temperature should not be allowed to drop to +5°C.

Rosie likes consistency, so the temperature and humidity levels need to be stable. Changing the intensity of watering and temperature conditions are detrimental to the plant. It likes plenty of watering, but excessive waterlogging can lead to blackleg.

Rosie's basil is resistant to many pests due to its chemical composition and persistent spicy aroma. However, some insects are not averse to feasting on the succulent leaves and stems of the plant.

Application area

Rosie's purple basil has a persistent peppery aroma and a lemon or aniseed flavor. It is consumed fresh and dried, and used to prepare:

• salads;
• dishes of French, Caucasian, Armenian, Italian cuisines;
• canned food;
• drinks;
• balsamic vinegar.

Rosie is used in folk medicine. It tones, relieves pain and inflammation.

Advantages and disadvantages

Basil Rosie has a number of benefits:

• 2.2 kg of finished harvest;
• unpretentiousness;
• high resistance to diseases;
• fast growth.

There are also a number of disadvantages:

• does not tolerate temperature changes;
• loves abundant watering (water carefully so as not to flood the plant);
• cannot be grown in the same place.

Growing technology

Caring for the plant is not difficult if you learn a few basic rules on which the yield of the spice depends.

Optimal conditions

Rosie loves open, well-fertilized areas. The soil should be breathable and not heavy. The best neighbors are tomatoes, eggplants, bell peppers.

The plant loves warmth.For seed germination, the optimal temperature is +21...+26°C, when planting in the ground - +21...+23°C.

Landing dates and rules

Basil is planted after the last frost has passed - in early or mid-June.

Important! Basil cannot be grown in the same place. This leads to soil depletion and high plant disease.

When landing, adhere to the following rules:

1. First, dig up the ground, add 2 kg of humus, add compost and peat.
2. Planted out seedlings according to the pattern 30x30 cm.
3. Landing carried out in the evening on a cloudy day.
4. Then the plants are watered with warm, settled water.

Further care

The plant is watered abundantly once a week. It is better to take settled, slightly heated water.

Feeding is necessary during the period of active growth. Use only natural fertilizers, avoiding growth enhancers - they have a detrimental effect on the chemical composition of the plant.

They loosen after watering and rains to enrich the soil with oxygen and prevent the formation of an earthen crust. It is also advisable to remove excess basil sprouts. The better the beds are thinned, the larger and juicier the leaves will grow.

Important! Direct sunlight can negatively affect the growth of basil. It is best to place the beds in the shade, near trees or other plants.

Problems, diseases, pests

Basil Rosie is resistant to many diseases and pests. However, sometimes the stems and leaves are affected by aphids and field bugs.

Basil affected by aphids quickly dries, the development of young shoots stops, and existing leaves curl. Insects sit in a dense layer on stems and leaf blades. To combat aphids, wormwood, tansy decoction, tar soap, and wood ash are used.

If there are too many insects, chemical solutions are used: "Karbofos", "Bankol", "Akarin", "Aktellik". Use medications strictly according to instructions.

Infestation of basil by field bugs leads to deformation of the leaves. Spots of characteristic white color appear on their surface. The leaves fall and the roots die. Both adult bedbugs and their larvae can cause harm. They fight the pest using traditional methods and chemicals.

Despite its strong immunity, basil is susceptible to the following diseases:

1. Fusarium. The fungus attacks the plant's vascular system. The top dries up and falls off. Treatment is impossible. The only way out is to completely get rid of the infected plant.
2. Blackleg – a fungal disease that appears due to excessive watering of the soil and improper care of the plant. The stem becomes soft and brittle, black and yellow spots of rot appear. They fight blackleg with peat tablets, a solution of potassium permanganate or any EM preparation.
3. Gray rot manifests itself as characteristic brown spots, which over time become covered with gray fluff. The disease affects basil leaves, and then the entire bush. Chemical solutions are used for treatment.

Features of growing seeds/seedlings

And for seedlings, and the seeds require a temperature of at least +20°C, abundant watering, sunlight, and a sufficient amount of nutrients.

The only difference is that the seedlings do not need special care at first. Seedlings require unquestioning compliance with all conditions at once.

In the ground, greenhouse, at home

Basil Rosie grows well in any conditions. However, in a greenhouse and at home, the chance of getting a rich harvest is much higher. This can be achieved thanks to a constant temperature regime.

When planted in open ground, basil may lack sunlight and warmth. That is why it is recommended to plant the plant only when the likelihood of frost is excluded.

Reviews from summer residents

The Rosie variety is especially popular among summer residents today. Reviews testify to this.

Nikolay, Pskov: “I constantly grow greens in my garden. Recently, another spice appeared in my beds - basil. At first I tried to plant different varieties, but then I settled on Rosie. It grows about 50 cm in length, has a beautiful purple color and a pleasant aroma with peppery notes. The variety does not require serious care and at the same time produces a bountiful harvest. It’s a great addition to homemade pickles, and I’ll definitely be planting more.”

Svetlana, Kazan: “Before this, Italian basil was planted. This year I decided to try Rosie's basil. The taste turned out to be more intense. It has become the main ingredient in the pesto sauce that I prepare for my family, and the decoration of my garden, because it has such a beautiful purple hue.”

Conclusion

Basil of the Rosie variety is a real find for any gardener who is looking for a useful, beautiful and at the same time unpretentious spice to grow. When planting plants in June and even early July, a rich harvest is harvested within 2 months.