Editing Basil (section)

=== Propagation methods ===

==== Seeds ====
The optimal germination temperature for basil seeds ranges between 34.5–39.0°C, while the base germination temperature lies between 9.8–13.2°C.{{cn|date=May 2025}} No significant variation in optimal germination temperature has been observed among different basil cultivars.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Lange |first=Diana D. |last2=Cameron |first2=Arthur C. |date=1994-02-01 |title=Postharvest Shelf Life of Sweet Basil (''Ocimum basilicum'') |url=https://doi.org/10.21273/hortsci.29.2.102 |journal=HortScience |volume=29 |issue=2 |pages=102–103 |doi=10.21273/hortsci.29.2.102 |issn=0018-5345}}</ref> Prior to sowing, basil (''Ocimum basilicum'') seeds can be hydroprimed by soaking in water for 12 hours, which effectively enhances germination rates and seedling vigor.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Noorhosseini |first=Seyyed Ali |last2=Jokar |first2=Nargesh Khatun |last3=Damalas |first3=Christos A. |date=2017-08-01 |title=Improving Seed Germination and Early Growth of Garden Cress (Lepidium sativum) and Basil (''Ocimum basilicum'') with Hydro-priming |url=https://doi.org/10.1007/s00344-017-9728-0 |journal=Journal of Plant Growth Regulation |volume=37 |issue=1 |pages=323–334 |doi=10.1007/s00344-017-9728-0 |issn=0721-7595}}</ref>

==== Cuttings ====
Basil (''Ocimum basilicum'' L.) is commonly propagated through cuttings. Compared to seed propagation, basil cuttings tend to result in earlier harvest and higher yield. The typical propagation method involves selecting healthy, non-lignified stem segments approximately 5–10 cm in length, preferably apical shoots that retain 2 to 5 leaves, which are then inserted into moist soil until root development occurs. After rooting, the plantlets are transplanted into the field.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Haijie |first=D. |last2=Mengmeng |first2=G. |last3=Genhua |first3=N. |date=2018-09-01 |title=Are cuttings a viable alternative to seeds for sweet basil production? |url=https://doi.org/10.17660/actahortic.2018.1212.70 |journal=Acta Horticulturae |issue=1212 |pages=303–306 |doi=10.17660/actahortic.2018.1212.70 |issn=0567-7572}}</ref> Exposing basil cuttings to blue light significantly accelerates root formation, thereby shortening the growth period.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Bai |first=Tuanhui |last2=Ma |first2=Ping |last3=Li |first3=Cuiying |last4=Yin |first4=Rong |last5=Ma |first5=Fengwang |date=2013-12-01 |title=Role of ascorbic acid in enhancing hypoxia tolerance in roots of sensitive and tolerant apple rootstocks |url=https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S030442381300527X |journal=Scientia Horticulturae |language=en |volume=164 |pages=372–379 |doi=10.1016/j.scienta.2013.10.003}}</ref>