Yield and quality parameters in different planting times of two basil (Ocimum basilicum Linn.) cultivars grown under çukurova conditions

Ocimum basilicum L. known as Basil, belonging to Lamiaceae family, is annual plant. The effect of commercially supplied Ocimum basilicum seeds on the morphological and chemical properties of two different varieties (lemon and spice) of different planting times (April 1, April 15, April 30) was investigated in the experiment, which was established in Cukurova conditions with 3 replications according to the Split Plots Trial pattern. As a result, fresh flowers spike weight were higher in planting time of 30 April. Some plant characteristics such as plant height, main branch number, fresh plant weight, fresh leaf weight, fresh flowers spike weight were higher in lemon basil cultivar than purple basil cultivar. In this study investigating effects of planting times and basil cultvars grown under the Çukurova, we come to the conclusion that Basil could be cultivated under our conditions, but the obtained yield from the the cultivar used in the study was the lower than world averages, so it can be recommended harvesting more than one harvest and early cultivars must be used in the future studies.