Basil
- Botanical Name
- Ocimum basilicum
- Hardiness
- Annual
- Height
- 1 to 2 feet
- Width
- 1 to 2 feet
- Flowers
- Mid summer: not effective
- Light
- Full sun
- Soil
- Moist, well-drained
- Planting & Care
- Basil seeds germinate in temperatures between 55 F to 60 F
- Transplants should be hardened off before setting out in the garden. Plant only after all danger of frost has passed and the soil has warmed to 70 F.
- Space plants 12 inches apart
- Provide even, consistent moisture for best performance
- Mulch the soil around the plants to suppress weeds and conserve moisture
- Prune plants regularly for a fuller, more compact habit. Remove any developing flowers as soon as they appear.
- Can be overwintered indoors
- Problems
- Slugs, snails
- Varieties
- Purple Ruffles - 1987 AAS winner; leaves are ruffled and serrated, glossy purple, 18-24"
- Green Bouquet - lime green foliage, compact
- Citriodorum - Lemon Basil, white flowers, lemon scented leaves, 12"
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