[Arid_gardener] basil seeds

[Dick]

I believe Pomegranate and Basil are easier propagated from cuttings. I have 
rooted Basil sprigs in a glass of water on the kitchen window sill. I 
replace the water with lukewarm from the tap every few days or so. I imagine 
it helps but my imagination may be running away with me. For pomegranite, 
cuttings in fast draining potting soil, I've used pumace or perlite 50/50 
with potting soil or coconut husk. The Pomepranite should root by just 
sticking cuttings 5 or 6 inches long in damp, loose soil.  I have used 
rooting hormone but don't believe it is necessary. I have also removed a 
1/8th inch wide strip of bark from the lower 1.5 inch of the scion to the 
cambian on both sides. Cuttings should be about 1/4th to about 3/8th inch in 
diameter. I always seal the exposed end of the scion with white glue to keep 
moisture from escaping there. I believe some of these "tricks" work but I 
haven't the data to prove it.

With cuttings, you get an exact clone of the mother plant. That may not be 
terribly significant with these but it is not bad information to catalogue.

Harvesting  pomegranite? The only way I know is to try one after it has 
sized up. If you can get to a split one before the ants get it, it will be 
edible but the others on the tree should be also. After a season, you will 
know.

Dick Gross, Master Gardener Volunteer
Maricopa County Cooperative Extension.
----- Original Message ----- 

From: "Doodle/Ella" <eswalsh3152 at cox.net>
To: <Arid_gardener at CALS.arizona.edu>
Sent: Thursday, August 23, 2007 3:09 PM
Subject: [Arid_gardener] basil seeds


>I live in Chandler AZ
> 1. How do I know when my basil plant's seeds are mature and ready for
> harvest?
> 2. How do I know when my pomegranate fruit is ready for harvest.
> Thanks for the help.
>
>
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