Basil is probably the most popular herb today. It is easy to grow and so versatile in the usage.
The exciting thing is that there are so many cultivars to choose from; Richters catalogue offers 35.
For pesto and most common usages, Sweet Genovese basil is the one to choose. It grows large bright green leaves, growing vigorously. Because basil is so easy to grow from seed it is fun to try some of the other varieties not only for their leaves but for their ornamental features.
We have tried a number of different ones and been amazed by the colours and textures. If you have only grown sweet basil try the following this year.
Bush Basil is a beautiful little plant with tiny leaves on a dwarf bush, perfect for pots. We keep a pot on the picnic table and pick individual leaves to put in a fresh tomato sandwich or toss with pasta.
Rubin Basil has leaves that are nearly pure purple- bronze, with great flavour and aroma. It adds colour to the greens in the basil patch.
Thai Siam Queen is a very regal looking plant. It is a dense deep purple with dark green leaves. It has a spicy anise licorice aroma and flavor but I grow it for its ornamental features.
These are only a few of the many wonderful basil seeds available. Consider a big tub or planter with several varieties planted in it - it would be stunning as well as taste good. Basil seeds need to be planted in rich soil after the ground in warm. It is the one herb that will not tolerate cold so it is best to be patient. They are easily started inside four weeks before the last frost. Plant several seeds in each cell and transplant after they have 2 sets of true leaves.
During the summer cut basil sprigs to encourage bushiness and leaf production. Be sure to pull all your basil before frost as it turns black if you just whisper the word frost.
If you would like basil in the house during the winter don't transplant the ones from your garden. Instead, sow a dozen seeds in a 10 inch pot of good soil and water well. In several weeks, thin the plants to five evenly spaced around the pot. By mid-September, and before the first frost, bring the basil pot into the very sunniest spot indoors. Put under fluorescent lights during the winter months, cut and enjoy!
We use basil in our Garlic Basil Vinegar and Basil Grape Jelly. In the fall there will be a workshop on what to do with your Fall Harvest with more ideas.
Try our classic Basil Pesto recipe!
The exciting thing is that there are so many cultivars to choose from; Richters catalogue offers 35.
For pesto and most common usages, Sweet Genovese basil is the one to choose. It grows large bright green leaves, growing vigorously. Because basil is so easy to grow from seed it is fun to try some of the other varieties not only for their leaves but for their ornamental features.
We have tried a number of different ones and been amazed by the colours and textures. If you have only grown sweet basil try the following this year.
Bush Basil is a beautiful little plant with tiny leaves on a dwarf bush, perfect for pots. We keep a pot on the picnic table and pick individual leaves to put in a fresh tomato sandwich or toss with pasta.
Rubin Basil has leaves that are nearly pure purple- bronze, with great flavour and aroma. It adds colour to the greens in the basil patch.
Thai Siam Queen is a very regal looking plant. It is a dense deep purple with dark green leaves. It has a spicy anise licorice aroma and flavor but I grow it for its ornamental features.
These are only a few of the many wonderful basil seeds available. Consider a big tub or planter with several varieties planted in it - it would be stunning as well as taste good. Basil seeds need to be planted in rich soil after the ground in warm. It is the one herb that will not tolerate cold so it is best to be patient. They are easily started inside four weeks before the last frost. Plant several seeds in each cell and transplant after they have 2 sets of true leaves.
During the summer cut basil sprigs to encourage bushiness and leaf production. Be sure to pull all your basil before frost as it turns black if you just whisper the word frost.
If you would like basil in the house during the winter don't transplant the ones from your garden. Instead, sow a dozen seeds in a 10 inch pot of good soil and water well. In several weeks, thin the plants to five evenly spaced around the pot. By mid-September, and before the first frost, bring the basil pot into the very sunniest spot indoors. Put under fluorescent lights during the winter months, cut and enjoy!
We use basil in our Garlic Basil Vinegar and Basil Grape Jelly. In the fall there will be a workshop on what to do with your Fall Harvest with more ideas.
Try our classic Basil Pesto recipe!