Melinda Myers

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"