Crop Rotation
Plant any crop of a different family and try to rotate two years to the same field.
Yield - tonnes per hectare
Conservative
Fresh: 10 tonnes
Dry: 1 tonne
Oil: 8 to 10 litres
Average
Fresh: 15 tonnes
Dry: 2 tonnes
Oil: 10 to 15 litres
Good
Fresh: 25 tonnes+
Dry: 5 tonnes+
Oil:20 litres+
Harvesting
Depending on the size of the operation harvesting of basil is done both manually and by mechanical harvester. Two to three harvests can be done from the same plant. When harvesting for fresh basil it is important to harvest in the cool of the morning to prevent wilting and to get the leaves to a cool processing facility immediately after harvest.
Fresh basil is very sensitive to chill damage so the temperature should be above 7°C. Harvest basil for drying on warm mornings and make sure the leaves are dry.
When harvesting basil for essential oil production the flower pods must have formed with the first flowers showing. It is best to harvest in the warmth of the day as this will increase the oil production.
Do not irrigate the basil meant for essential oil production for three days prior to harvest. Cut the stem 15 to 20 cm above the ground with some foliage remaining to hasten re-growth
Storage
Storage of fresh basil should be at about 8°C to 10°C and for a maximum of one week. Be very careful not to cause chill damage by lowering the storage temperature. Chill damage is noticed when the leaves go black.
Storage of dried basil should be in sealed containers and kept in a cool, dry storage area. Most drying is done by commercial dryers and packers. Essential oils are best kept in dark glass or plastic containers in a cool dark storage area. The oils are extracted by steam distillation.