The information on this page applies to seedlings sold by LEAF Nursery during our 2021 Seedling Sale.
Ocimum basilicum. This attractive, bushy plant originated in tropical Asia and has been cultivated for thousands of years. This warm-weather annual has a refreshing, aromatic flavor that make it a classic ingredient of many Italian and S.E. Asian dishes. This variety grows well in containers and makes a good addition to flower borders.[1]
Seed Type
| Organic | Heirloom | Non-GMO | Hybrid | Open-pollinated | Untreated |
Additional Information
| Container Friendly | Trellis Needed | Easy to Grow | Pollinator Friendly |
When to Plant Your Seedling
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
Growing Conditions
| Light | Temperature | Soil | Water |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full Sun to part shade | 55-100 F | Well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter | Keep soil evenly moist |
Planting Tips
| Plant Spacing | Plant Size | Days to Maturity |
|---|---|---|
| 12" | 12"- 24 tall and wide | 80-90 days from seed |
- Additional instructions: 12"–24" tall and wide. Water regularly and fertilize when the plants are 6″ (15cm) tall. Pinch the stem tips to encourage branching. Sweet Basil, an attractive, bushy plant originated in tropical Asia and has been cultivated for thousands of years. This warm-weather annual has a refreshing, aromatic flavor that make it a classic ingredient of many Italian dishes. This variety grows well in containers and makes a good addition to flower borders and herb gardens. Plant in shallow saucers for winter micro-greens and harvest by snipping off tender young shoots with scissors. The young shoots have a more subtle flavor than the mature leaves. Use leaves fresh or dried in cooking, herbals and essential oils.[1]
- Harvesting instructions: Basil flavor is best before the plant flowers. Harvest up to 1/3 of the plant at a time, leaving enough for the plant to be healthy and keep producing. Harvest prior to a frost; basil is very frost sensitive.[3] For most tender leaves, harvest frequently to encourage new growth and to prevent flowers from developing. Pinch off any flowers that do develop. For seeds, allow flowers to develop. Many beneficial insects appreciate basil flowers, so consider allowing some plants to flower.[4].
- Common Diseases and Pests
- Earwigs, centipedes, Bacterial leaf spot[4]
Useful Resources
- https://bbbseed.com/product/herb-basil-sweet-org/ (Seed Source)
- https://www.botanicalinterests.com/product/Sweet-Thai-Thai-Basil-Seeds
- https://www.botanicalinterests.com/product/Basil-Sow-and-Grow-Guide
- http://mgsantaclara.ucanr.edu/garden-help/herbs/basil/
If you bought this seedling and have any questions or feedback, let us know in the comment section below.