DESCRIPTION
Download Free Herb Growing Guide PDF
Read Full Basil Herb Growing Guide Instructions
Growing Variety Type 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 Variety Type
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 Variety Type Garden Seeds
Leaves are opposite, light green and silky. The plant tastes somewhat like anise, with a strong, pungent, sweet smell. Sweet Basil is very sensitive to cold, with the best growth in hot, dry conditions
Tips From Our Gardeners
"Make Thai pesto by blending Thai basil with garlic, peanuts (or cashews), lime juice, and olive oil—try using it as a spread, pasta sauce, or dip!"
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- Jerry Sawyer, True Leaf Market Writer
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Variety Type Seeds Per Package:
- 1 g packet - Approximately 600 Seeds
- .25 oz - Approximately 5,500 Seeds
- 1 oz - Approximately 22,000 Seeds
- 4 oz - Approximately 88,000 Seeds
- 1 lb - Approximately 352,000 Seeds
Non-GMO Variety Type seeds are available for Fast Free Shipping on qualifying orders.
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ATTRIBUTES
Basic Info
Latin Name: |
Ocimum basilicum
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Sweet Large Leaf Thai Basil Color: |
Leaves green with purple tints, purple stems, tiny purple flowers on spikes. |
Sweet Large Leaf Thai Basil Flavor: |
Anise-like flavor with clove overtones |
Growing Info
Hardiness Zone: |
Annual in zones 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 |
Days to Maturity: |
35-40 |
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. |