Optimization of seed rate and seedling establishment technique for raising the nursery of French basil (Ocimum basilicum L.)

•Agro-practices were optimized for raising seedlings of French basil in nursery bed.•Nutrition through vermicompost improved germination and health of seedlings.•Heath of seedling improved with reduced seed rate.•Line sowing at optimum depth enhanced seedling vigour and quality.

French basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) is known for its high value essential oil as well as medicinal properties. The field experiments spanning over two years (2013 and 2014) were conducted to optimize the seed rate and seedling establishment methods in French basil in nursery beds. The experiment comprised two sources of nutrition, five seed rates, two sowing techniques and four depth of sowing. The seed requirement for one hectare plantation was minimum (195.0 g ha−1) under 0.8 g seed rate sown in vermicompost treated soil whereas the land requirement was minimum (59.4 m2) under 4.0 g seeds m−2 sown in vermicompost. Though the number of successfully raised seedlings was highest (909.0 m−2) in seed broadcasting method, growth and establishment of seedlings was superior in line sowing at 0.5 cm seeding depth. The seed and land requirement for raising the nursery of French basil was minimum (234.1 g ha−1and 60.6 m2) under broadcasting of seeds at a 0.5 cm depth. After taking an integrated view of the experimental results, the seedling of French basil in nursery bed is recommended to be grown by using 0.8 g m−2 seed after application of vermicompost @ 1 kg m−2 in nursery bed at 0.5 cm depth through line sowing technique.