Influences Of Sowing Dates On The Generative And Vegetative Properties Of Different Sweet Basil (Ocimum Basilicum L.) Varieties

During the present study the effect of different sowing dates on five sweet basil varieties' ('Aromat de Buzau', 'Serafim', 'Busuioc Dulce', 'Genovese' and 'Grand Verte') parameters which are important from economic point of view (plant height, plant diameter and stem diameter, respectively average plant biomass) were compared between years (2016 and 2017). According to the results, it can be detected that in general, the IVth growth period (sowed on 11 May 2016) and the Vth and VIth growth periods (sowed on 18 May, respective 1 June 2017) had the most influential effects on sweet basil parameters except stem diameters in 2017. Plant biomass also varied between years and sowing dates. Plants of 'Genovese' and 'Serafim' varieties can be characterized with relatively low variation of the average plant weight, on the contrary 'Aromat de Buzau' had higher variations regarding average plant weight. Altogether we can conclude that theVIth period initiated on 1 June had the most positive effects on all plant parameters at all varieties, while theVIIIth period, sowed on 28 June had the most harmful effects, therefore we are not recommending this period as proper for sweet basil cultivation.