Sweet Basil
Ocimum basilicum
Description
This popular annual herb has dark green or purple leaves and may reach
a height of 12 –24 inches. By mid summer, small white flowers are
produced on spikes. The beautiful foliage has made this plant a popular
addition to the home landscape.
How to Grow
Basil prefers both warm soil and air. It should not be planted in the
garden until all danger of frost has passed. It may be easily started
from seed. It is also available as small transplants. You can increase
your number of plants by rooting basil stems in water. Be sure to thin
plants to a spacing of 10–12 inches apart. To promote bushy plants,
pinch back growing tips. Also, remove flowers before seed matures.
Harvesting
For fresh use, wait six weeks after planting to begin harvesting the leaves.
Make your final harvest before the first frost in fall. For drying, harvest
leaves just before the plant produces flowers.
You may want to try potting up a few plants in potting mix and over-wintering
them as houseplants in a bright south or west window.
Basil
| Chives | Dill | Lavender
| Mint | Oregano |
Parsley | Rosemary
| Sage | Thyme | Credits |
