Herb 'Sweet Basil'

Sweet Basil organic seeds are vigorous and produce large, mid-green leaves all summer long. Keep picking the growing tips and the 2 pairs of leaves below them for the kitchen. More branches will sprout producing more leaves. This large-leaved Italian type is the preferred variety for traditional pesto recipes. Plant several times for a continuous supply until frost. Grow some sweet basil in a pot on a warm and sunny windowsill, and harvest fresh leaves right through the winter. Basil is a heat-loving plant so wait until the soil has warmed up before planting. Basil seeds may take several weeks to germinate, so be patient. Bottom heat speeds germination.

DETAILS:

QTY: 150

SITE: Sun

TYPE: Annual

DEPTH: 1/4 - 1/8"

GERMINATION: 5-10 Days at 18-21°C

MATURITY: 70 Days

HEIGHT: 24-30"

SPACING: 4-8

PINCH: Yes

HOW TO GROW:
Direct Seed (recommended): Sow seeds directly outdoors in spring after the last frost, once the soil has warmed. Sow 2–3 seeds per inch in rows 18" apart. Firm the soil over the seeds. No thinning is required, but spacing plants to 4–8" apart will encourage healthy, full plants.

Transplant (alternative): Start seeds indoors 6 weeks before you plan to plant them outdoors. Sow seeds ¼" deep and maintain a temperature of $21°C$ for optimal germination. Transplant when seedlings have 3–4 sets of leaves.

Pinching: Pinch basil plants early and often to encourage a bushy habit and prevent flowering. Pinching the central stem above a set of leaves will encourage new growth from the sides.

Soil Preference and Watering: Basil prefers full sun and rich, well-drained soil. Keep the soil consistently moist, but avoid overwatering.

Fertilizing: Amending the soil with compost before planting is sufficient. If growth seems slow, a light application of a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer can be used.

Harvesting: For culinary use, harvest leaves as needed. For cut flower and filler use, harvest basil stems when the foliage is firm and the plant has developed flower spikes. Cut in the early morning or late evening and immediately place in a vase of water.