Dark Opal Basil seeds yield lush purplish-bronze foliage that make this a truly stunning ornamental plant. It is also known for its herbal uses. This A.A.S. winner has fine flavour and aroma and is excellent for seasoning or use in vinegar. It is not uncommon for a small proportion of the leaves to turn green. One interesting note – basil seeds harvested from mature plants are used as a thickening agent in sweet drinks.
Emily Organic basil seeds are CERTIFIED ORGANIC! Emily is a fantastic new dwarf basil, a compact Genovese variety that works particularly well in containers. This basil was bred to have shorter stem lengths between nodes, and only reaches a maximum height of 30cm (12"). Emily has a longer shelf life after harvest than most basil varieties, and keeps longer in refrigeration, maintaining its fresh aroma. Emily Organic is a superb choice for farms, market growers, or the home gardener. Try some of this petite but potent gourmet basil in your home patio herb garden. Pinching out the growing tips from time to time keeps this unique basil very bushy and compact.
Genovese organic basil seeds are the very best Italian pesto variety of basil. This is the traditional Italian heirloom variety of basil. It has shiny, large, almond-shaped leaves have a more pronounced flavour, and stores well if chopped and frozen in ice cube trays. Pinch growing tips for bushier plants that grow to 60cm (24") tall. Basil is a heat loving tender annual plant that requires good drainage and ample moisture during hot weather. If flowers develop, either save save the resulting seeds or separate them from the plants and sprinkle over pasta or salads. Basil flowers are highly attractive to honeybees and other wild pollinators. Basil can be planted as a companion to tomato plants. It is said that basil improves the flavour of tomatoes.
Sweet Basil - A very popular basil with large sweet leaves. Used in a huge range of Mediterranean dishes. It makes a great pesto!
Thai - As easy to grow as any other basil, this variety has a distinctly liquorice flavour and used heavily in Thai and oriental dishes. A native of South East Asia, the purple leaves look very attractive in pots, both outdoors and on the windowsill.
Annual.
This product is part of the Colourful Veggie Collection; click here to check it out.
How to Grow
600 seed/gram. Do not rush planting. As Basil loves warm soil and warm temperatures, it will languish if temperatures are below 15 C (60 F). Sow seed directly outdoors in a sunny site with average soil in late May and June. Plant seed 4 mm (3/16″) deep and 6 mm (1/4″) apart. Thin to 20-25 cm (8-10″) apart in the garden. Seed can also be started indoors in a soil-less mix 4-6 weeks before last frost date. Keep temperature at 21 C (70 F) for the 7-10 day germination period, then grow on at the same temperature before hardening off and transplanting outside after the danger of all frost has passed.
