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"

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): Plant seeds 1/4" deep, 2-3 seeds per inch, in rows 18" apart. Firm the soil over the seeds. Thinning is not necessary, but a final spacing of 4-8" apart produces healthy, full plants. Transplant: Sow indoors 6 weeks prior to setting out. Plant 1/4" deep and keep at 21°C for best germination. Transplant out when seedlings have 3-4 sets of leaves, spacing at 4-8" apart in rows 18" apart.

Frequent harvesting will prolong the life of the plant. Basil leaves have the best flavour just before the plant flowers, and if you plan to preserve some of your basil or make a big batch of pesto, this is the best time to harvest. Flowering can be delayed by pinching or clipping off new flower buds.