Basil Gourmet Mix - Ocimum basilicum

Basil Gourmet Mix - Ocimum basilicum

Basil Gourmet Mix is an attractive blend of Sweet, Lemon, Thai and Red Basil varieties, offering a range of flavours, aromas and colours in one planting. The plants produce fresh aromatic leaves that are excellent with tomatoes, salads, pasta, Mediterranean dishes and a wide range of summer meals. An easy and productive herb for garden beds, pots and containers.

Packet Quantity: 150 seeds

Planting Instructions

Sowing Time:
Spring and Summer. In warmer areas, basil can also be sown into early Autumn while temperatures remain warm.

Position:
Full sun to part shade. Choose a warm, sheltered position protected from cold winds.

Soil:
Rich, fertile and well drained soil. Incorporate compost or well rotted manure before planting.

Sowing Depth:
5 mm

Spacing:
30 cm between plants.

Germination Time:
10 to 14 days.

Harvest Time:
Harvest leaves as required throughout Summer.

Growing Tips

Sow directly into the prepared growing position once the soil has warmed. Basil is a warm season herb and germinates best in warm conditions.

Keep the soil consistently moist during germination and while plants are becoming established. Once established, water regularly during hot or dry weather, taking care not to leave the soil waterlogged.

Pinch out the growing tips regularly to encourage bushy, branching plants and increase the supply of fresh leaves. Removing flower buds as they appear also helps keep the plant focused on leaf production.

Harvest the leaves regularly throughout Summer, taking care not to remove too much foliage at once. The different basil types in this mix can be harvested individually as they develop.

For drying or freezing, harvest the leaves before the plants begin flowering, when the foliage is at its most aromatic.

Basil grows particularly well alongside tomatoes and is also an excellent choice for pots and containers. Protect plants from cold temperatures and harvest regularly to extend their productive season.