Description
The genus Ocimum, a Greek name derived from “to be fragrant”. This sweet fragrant Italian heirloom has a robust taste making it perfect for a variety of dishes from pesto to adorning a freshly baked pizza. Large tender leaves homogenize quickly in any processing machine. Dead head any flowering spikes as I seem to notice a slight decrease in its pungent taste when it flowers. Conservative plucking to the growing tops simulates growth from the leaf axial buds thus giving more leaves to harvest in just a few short weeks.
- Seed Count: +150
- Collection Date: Sept 2025
- Hardiness Zone: annual
- Height and Width: 45cm x 45cm
- Germination test type: hand sort; germination 90%
How to grow Ocimum (basil) from seed:
Germination WILL NOT happen at temps less than 10C. Use a well draining humus rich soil/medium. Optimum germination temp 15C. Sow, mist well. Keep moist and warm. A clear plastic cover will improve success. Transplant at 4 true leaf stage into individual pots and grow on. Can be directly sowed, but do so only after night time temps are reliably above 10C (50F) otherwise your seeds will sit there. Have you ever seen basil reseed itself? Neither have I, so wait until night temps are above 10C. We found direct seeding basil the best method when night time temps are reliably above 10C. Surface sow, water, wait for the seed coat to swell and turn blue. Cover to 4mm. Water in well. Keep moist. Germinates readily at +20C. Don’t let the basil bed dry out for the best lush basil ever.
