Basil - Sweet (Latin name - Ocimum basilicum) - Annual

Plant Height - 45cm/ 18″

Where to Sow - Indoors in pots 7.5cm/3″ diameter

Sowing time - March/April - temperature +16C/61F

• very thinly
• in a soil-based compost, not peat
• cover lightly with compost
• water well
• place in sealed polythene bags or cover with glass
• water from beneath keeping compost moist but not too wet.

After Germination

• remove from bags or glass
• place in light position (out of direct sunlight)
• thin to 3 plants per pot when the plants are about 12mm/1/2″ tall, using tweezers.

Growing on Basil

• harden off indoor raised plants
• move outside when no longer a danger of frost
• when plants are established with a good root system, divide into separate plants and either:

plant in pots - 15cm/6″ pots. Pinch out growing tips regularly to produce bushy plants.

or plant in ground - into well drained soil 30cm/12″ apart.

Pick leaves 6 weeks after planting. If harvesting for drying, cut the leaves just before the flowers open.

Uses of Basil

with tomatoes, pasta and salads. Please let us know how you use basil, in the comments below.

Storing Basil

Dry leaves on a screen and store in an airtight container. They can also be washed, packed into ice cube trays, filled with water and frozen for later use.

Click this link for a basil growing card