Organic Basil Seeds

Basil, Citrus Lime 40 Organic Basil Seeds £0.60 123	Basil, Sweet Sweet Genovese 40 Organic Basil Seeds £0.60 123

• Lime
• Sweet Genovese

Basil is an annual, frost tender herb, grown for its aromatic leaves, and makes an excellent indoor herb for a sunny windowsill.  Sweet Genovese, with large, glossy green leaves, is probably the best known of all the basil varieties.  Lime basil, with smaller, darker leaves, will add a citrusy aroma and flavour to salads and dressings.

Sowing Instructions

Sow: your organic basil seeds indoors from March to June, 3 seeds per 5cm pot, and cover with a sprinkling of compost.  For best results, cover the pot with a clear plastic bag until germination occurs.  Transplant when the plant has developed at least 5 true leaves, but wait until all risk of frost has passed before moving outdoors.  Apart from fertile, well drained soil, basil needs shelter and sun so carefully select the site for plants being grown in beds.  Consider planting near a wall or fence for protection.  Organic basil seeds can also be sown direct outdoors, in pots or soil, in June.  The ideal solution is probably to grow your basil on in a container, which you can then move about, indoors and out, depending on the weather!

Aftercare: Water well, in the morning if possible.

Harvest: from the time the plant has adequate foliage (from around 10cm in height) by pinching off leaves, rather than cutting whole stems.  Remove flower shoots as soon as they develop to ensure the plant puts all its energy into leaf production.

Usage

Delicious in salads and when added to Italian dishes like pizza and pasta.  Basil is also the main ingredient in pesto.