Growing Basil

Ocimum Basilcum – Warm season annual herb.

Size: Grows 9-18 inches in height, 6-12 inches in width, depending on the plant.

Features: Leaves have distinctive flavor; the perfect complement to nearly any dish containing tomatoes.

Uses: Excellent chopped and sprinkled over fresh tomatoes, salads or pasta dishes.

Needs: Needs full sun. Rich, well-drained soil with ample moisture. Start from seed indoors 6 weeks before your region’s last frost date or buy established platns. Plant outdoors after all danger of frost is past. Can harvest as soon as leaves appear. Trim off flowers to focus plant on producing maximum foilage. Slugs can sometimes be a problem pest.

Choices:Sweet basil has traditional basil flavor. Spicy globe basil is smaller, globe-shaped and has a spicier flavor. Purple-leaved types are available. including “Purple Ruffles” and “Purple Opal” – this basil has a distinctive flavor for Southeast Asian dishes.