• Heritage notes:  Native to tropical dry-scrub regions of India, Africa and Asia, the Ocimum genus contains 65 different species.  The word Basil comes from basileus, the Greek word for king.

  Flavor:  Sweet and mildly spicy, very aromatic. 

  Days to harvest:  Harvest individual leaves sparingly one month after transplanting, begin heavier harvesting after 60 days.  All Basil varieties we offer are annuals; pinch off flowers to stimulate leaf growth and to prolong harvest.

  Physical characteristics:  Grows 12-18” tall with a neat habit.  Has opposite, paired, linear to almost round leaves and bears tubular two-lipped flowers in whorled spikes.  Has square stems typical of mint-family members.  Most Basils will do well in pots.

• Culture/Growing conditions:  Treat as a tender annual.  Basil is very sensitive to cold; do not transplant outside until nighttime temperatures are consistently above 50 degrees Fahrenheit.  Does best in full sun, but some afternoon shading (during the hottest part of the day) may slow Basil’s tendency to bolt.  Requires moderate, consistent watering; heavier during hot spells.  We have found that regular, overhead misting slows bolting.

  Soil preparation tips:  Grow in light well-drained soil that is close to neutral pH.  Fertilize very sparingly; we have found Basils to be very sensitive to nutrient loads.  Plant 12-18” apart in rows 24-36” apart.

  Disease/Predator resistance if known:  Cinnamon and Thai Basils are resistant to fusarium wilt fungus.

Storability/how to store:  In general, does not dry well; with exceptions, the flavor is mostly lost.  Will preserve well in an oil-based pesto, which is then frozen. 

Culinary uses/health notes:  With its versatility of flavors, Basil has earned the title L’herbe royale (royal herb).  Basil in general has affinities for tomato, fish, and egg dishes, but excels in almost any savory dish.  However, the flavor is quite volatile, so add basil to hot foods at the very end of cooking just before serving.  Can be served as a bouquet of sprigs in water on the table to flavor food with (next to your salt and pepper shakers).  Medicinally, Basil is known to have warming properties and to be soothing to the stomach, especially when brewed as a tea.