Basil Seeds - Sweet
60-90 Days to maturity. Ocimum basilicum. Sweet Basil Seeds. Non-GMO, annual, open-pollinated, heirloom. Suitable for growing in fields, containers, garden plots, raised beds, and greenhouses. Sweet basil has long been one of the most popular of home garden herbs. Its leaves are tender and glossy, growing on bushy plants with square stems, typical of the mint family. This selection is not a named strain - simply traditional sweet basil. This selection avoids the sharper tones familiar in Asian or African basils, with warm tones of wood, mint, and licorice—a classic for Mediterranean cuisines. Basil can also be grown for delicious microgreens. ~19,000 seeds/oz.
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Read Full Basil Herb Growing Guide Instructions
Growing Sweet Basil in the Herb Garden
Basil is a warm-weather crop grown both indoors and out. For earliest starts, begin indoors 6-8 weeks before final frost. Plant 4-6 seeds .25 inches deep per cell or 3-4 inches apart in the garden in moderately moist, well-drained soil in full sun. Germinates in 5-10 days, thinning back to 1-2 plants per pot or every 9-12 inches in the garden as true leaves establish. Harden off seedlings if transplanting outside.
Harvesting of Sweet Basil
The best time to harvest the leaves is in the morning. Harvest/prune the plants before they set flowers to encourage the plant to produce fresh leaves throughout the season. To prune the plant, remove the top several sets of leaves on each stem, taking care to leave at least three sets of leaves on the lower part. A shot of liquid nitrogen fertilizer, at pruning time, will help the plants recover. Eat basil often and dry or freeze leaves throughout the summer. Harvest your final crop before the weather drops below 40°F, as the plant will not survive the cold.
About Sweet Basil Garden Seeds
Sweet basil is not only valued for its culinary uses, but also for its aromatic qualities and ease of cultivation, making it a favorite herb for both home gardeners and commercial growers. Its versatility allows it to be grown in gardens, greenhouses, or containers on sunny windowsills, ensuring a steady supply of fresh leaves throughout the growing season. Its rich essential oils and fragrant profile make it an essential herb in kitchens worldwide, prized for enhancing dishes with its sweet, slightly peppery aroma.
Tips From Our Gardeners
"Don’t forget to fertilize basil regularly, beginning when the plants are about four inches tall. Regular harvesting takes a lot away from the plant - put something back with a balanced all-purpose fertilizer."
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- Jerry Sawyer, True Leaf Market Writer |
Sweet Basil Seeds Per Package:
- 2 g packet - Approximately 1,250 Seeds
- .25 oz - Approximately 4,750 Seeds
- 1 oz - Approximately 19,000 Seeds
- 4 oz - Approximately 76,800 Seeds
- 1 lb - Approximately 304,000 Seeds
- 5 lb - Approximately 1,520,000 Seeds
- 25 lb - Approximately 7,600,000 Seeds
Non-GMO Sweet Basil seeds are available for Fast Free Shipping on qualifying orders.
=======Basic Info
| Latin Name: | Ocimum basilicum |
| Sweet Basil Color: | Green leaves with tiny purple flowers on spikes. |
| Sweet Basil Flavor: | Sweet, slightly minty, hint of licorice |
Growing Info
| Hardiness Zone: | Annual in zones 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 |
| Days to Maturity: | 60-90 |
| Days to Germination: | 5-10 |
| Seeding Depth: | 0.25 inch |
| Plant Spacing: | 9-12 inches |
| Row Spacing: | 12-18 inches |
| Plant Height: | 12-24 inches |
| Growth Habit: | Upright branching |
| Soil Preference: | Consistently moist, fertile, well-drained |
| Temperature Preference: | 65-80 F |
| Light Preference: | Full Sun |
Other
| Direct Sow: | Yes |
| Start Indoors: | Yes, 6-8 weeks before transplanting. |
| Plant Width: | 9-12 inches |
| Deer Resistant: | No |
| Germination Temperature: | 68-70 F |
| Pests and Diseases: | Susceptible to rot and mildew in overly saturated, heavy, and poorly drained soil. Basil does not have too many pests or insects and is generally seeded in the garden to help minimize pests. |
| Garden Size: | Greenhouse, Garden Plot, Raised Bed, Container, Fields |
| Climate Tolerance: | Heat tolerant with adequate moisture. |