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Sweet Basil

The best aromatic basil, with a sweet taste and soft, tender texture. Perfect raw with tomatoes and as the main ingredient for a fresh pesto.
1

500 seeds (organic)

4 seedlings (510441-4)

5 seedlings

5 jumbo seedlings (510441-SP05)

1 x 9cm pot (510441-1)

3 x 9cm pots (510441-3)

DELIVERY INFORMATION
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Sow Under Cover
Direct Sow
Flowers/ Harvest

Details:

Type
Edible Crop
Position
Kitchen Garden
Soil
Broad Tolerance
Height
45cm (18in)
Common name
Sweet Basil
Moisture
Well-drained
Aspect
Full Sun
Spread
30cm (12in)
Cultivation
Sow from March under cover. Best grown in containers in the glasshouse or a sunny windowsill but can be planted outside from June when nights are warm, in a sheltered position in full sun.

Description

The best and most aromatic basil, with a sweet taste and soft, tender texture. Perfect raw with tomatoes and as the main ingredient for a fresh pesto.

In the middle of summer, stash the flavour away in basil oil to use on pasta and salads right through the winter.

I've been spending quite a bit of time in Crete in the last few years, and now think of basil as an almost miracle plant. It protects against aphids and brings in beneficial insect pollinators to fertilise every flower.

In Crete they grow all their tomatoes, aubergines and peppers surrounded by basil for this reason and swear they double their crop. To extend your basil season when the evenings get cold, dig up your plants, pot them up and bring them indoors.

Please note, illustrated packets are being introduced gradually over the coming months, availability may vary.

Care Tips

Grows well in a container, keep re-potting into a slightly larger pot when roots start to show through the drainage holes at the bottom. Water plants in the morning if possible. Keep plants bushy by pinching the tips and removing any flowers.