One of the great culinary herbs, Ocimum basilicum (Sweet Basil) is an annual or biennial with highly aromatic, bright green, elliptic leaves and spikes of small, tubular white or pink-tinged, lipped flowers arranged in whorls. Used extensively in European and Asian cooking, Sweet Basil is one of the most popular herbs for growing at home, both in gardens and containers. Reflecting its popularity, there are many varieties to pick from in terms of size, leave, foliage color or flavor, including clove, lemon, lime, anise, spice, cinnamon and thyme.

• Grows up to 18-24 in. tall and wide (45-60 cm).
• Performs best in fertile, well-drained soils in full sun. Water freely in summer. Provide a sheltered site. Basil is extremely frost sensitive.
• Harvest mature leaves for fresh use at any time. To dry the leaves, hang out of direct light, then store in an airtight container in a cool place.
• Keep an eye out for leafhoppers, aphids, slugs, snails and powdery mildews. Deer and rabbit resistant.
• Pinch out flower heads to promote bushy plant growth and to extend the plant’s productive life.
• Propagate by seed sown in gentle heat in early spring or sown in-situ in summer.
• Native of Africa and Asia.