Basil - Sweet

SKU:
CA$3.50
3.5 9 CA$3.50 - CA$9.00
Unavailable
per item
Approximately 575-702 seeds per gram.
Lot# BA01119
Ocimum basilicum
Sweet Basil is a large, woody, leafy annual that is quite vigorous. It grows large glossy leaves with spikes of white flowers. Basil leaves are used in cooking, imparting their anise (licorice) flavor to dishes. This Basil plant can reach  30-60 cm (12-24") high.  Use fresh or dried leaves. Fully mature leaves have a sweet mild taste and smell.  Pruning growing tips makes for bushier plants.
Planting Instructions:   
  • For outdoor growing, sow basil seeds from mid-April to mid-May for transplanting to the garden in June.  Direct sow Basil seeds in late-May or early June, once the soil has warmed up.  Basil requires warm soil and full sun.   Sow seeds 12 mm (½") deep in sterilized seed starting mix.  Basil is prone to damping off, so once seeds sprout, make sure they are adequately ventilated, and kept under very bright lights.  Thin to 20-25 cm (8-10") apart. Using bottom heat speeds germination.  Use any rich, loose, well-drained soil.  Once plants are 15 cm (6") tall, pinch out the growing tips to encourage really bushy growth prior to harvest. 
  • Soil Conditions:  Well worked, rich, loose well-drained soil.  
  • Planting Depth:   Sow seeds 12 mm (½") deep in soil mix.  Basil is prone to damping off, so once seeds sprout, make sure they are adequately ventilated, and kept under very bright light. Thin to 20-25 cm (8-10″) apart. 
  • Height at Maturity: 45-60 cm (18-24"). Spread: 40-45 cm (16-18”)
  • Days to Maturity:  60-90 days.   Pick leaves when plant is able to support harvesting.
  • Sun/Shade: Full Sun    
  • Spacing after Thinning: Thin to 20-25 cm (8-10") apart.
Additional Information
Open pollinated-untreated Seeds. Once plants are 15 cm (6″) tall, pinch out the growing tips to encourage really bushy growth prior to harvest. Watch for signs of flower buds forming in mid-summer, and pinch these off to promote more foliage. Sweet Basil is an annual and it tends to grow best over the course of a single year. Sweet Basil is known for growing with a forb like habit to a height of approximately 45-60 cm (18-24”) high.  Sweet Basil is normally fairly low maintenance and quite easy to grow, as long as a level of basic care is provided throughout the year. Being aware of the basic soil, sun and water preferences will result in a happier and healthier plant. Basil thrives in containers, window boxes, and planters, so it’s easy to keep a steady supply growing right outside your door.